Clumber Spaniel

1. Introduction

The Clumber Spaniel breed is one of the lesser-known and older breeds of the sporting group of dogs, specifically the spaniel family. Paterfamilias of all spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel is an enthusiastic and happy breed that was bred to please and has kept this instinctively affectionate temperament throughout time. Gentle, biddable, calm, and cool under pressure, they are easy-going companions, equally happy with a bracing walk as a gentle stroll. These dogs are magnificent family and hunting companions.

The Clumber Spaniel breed was developed in England in the late 19th century and brought to North America prior to the 20th century. Its majestic looks and dignified demeanor have bred admirers since it was introduced to America. The breed is a member of the AKC sporting group, usually weighing between 55-85 pounds and standing between 17-20 inches high. Clumbers are strong yet active companions, typically good with children. However, they do require adequate exercise, a secure space to play, and mental stimulation, as they will latch onto any fun task available. Historically, Clumbers were bred hunters, "silent spaniels," trained to quietly hunt and retrieve game birds.

As a member of the sporting group, the Clumber Spaniel requires some training, although they are good learners and overall an easy breed to work with. Their deep bark is once again reminiscent of larger breeds, although they are surprisingly gentle and nimble. Forward-looking and eager to please, they excel at obedience training and tasks that require cooperation. Clumbers are naturally trusting and friendly, showcasing the springing spaniel's genteel temperament. While generally inactive inside and quiet, a Clumber will half-heartedly bark if frightened or disturbed. Being intelligent and quiet in nature, Clumbers do not make noise without reason, although they can snore like true gentlemen.

2. History and Origin

The Clumber Spaniel has a direct lineage to the type of spaniel developed in Spain and brought to England in the 14th century. The name Spaniel is a derivation of the country name of its origin. Its importation to the British Isles apparently occurred after the Norman conquest. This breed gradually drifted from the vicinity of its introduction due to the rise of spaniel breeds of a smaller type, primarily to accommodate the hunting of declining game due to the growth of civilization. The Clumber breed was once well-regarded, as a dog was often pronounced "the finest spaniel in the world." However, during the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century, the breed almost disappeared from the British Isles.

In the late 18th century, the Duc de Noailles of France continued its existence where it flourished for a time. Refugees from the French Revolution migrated to other European countries and portions of England, bringing Clumbers with them. Some of these Clumbers found homes in America, where they persisted and were instrumental in regenerating the breed in England. For many years, the majority of English and American Clumbers were closely related. Clumber breeding and interest swelled in Great Britain after World War II, becoming England's most popular breed of spaniel. The breed was introduced in Australia in 1966.

Clumbers Assistant and Kentz conducted interviews and surveys in the late 1990s with the owners and breeders of Clumber Spaniels in the United Kingdom, Australia, and America. Eight important criteria for the breed, temperament, health problems, care and maintenance, feeding, advantages and disadvantages, breeding, life stages, and longevity, were correlated with history. These criteria are addressed in the context of history. Throughout, the American model cited in the Clumber Spaniel Club of America publication, "Understanding the Clumber Spaniel," is used as the standard definition of the breed. Spelling differences exist in the words care, color, exercise, and harness. Generally, the American spelling of these words reflects the proposal of Webster in 1828.

3. Physical Characteristics

The Clumber Spaniel is a distinctive breed known for specific physical traits. It is generally larger than most spaniels, and one of its characteristics can help it stand out among other similar breeds.

The Clumber Spaniel is a heavy-set, low-to-the-ground breed, characterized by a greater length than height and a strong build. The head is large, with a broad skull. The muzzle is square, wide, and deep. The jaw is powerful, and the large, round, and white teeth form a scissors bite. The eyes are round and set wide apart. They are hazel or dark brown and give an intelligent expression. The ears are large, set on a level with the eyes, and hang low. The neck is thick and strong, with folds of loose skin forming a dewlap. The shoulders are heavy, wide, and laid back, the upper arms short and set at an angle, forming the forequarters. The forelegs are massive, straight, and well-boned. The feet are well-rounded and large, with close, thick pads. The body is long and heavy. It is thicker and broader at the rear, which is straight. The ribs are deep and broad. The back is long, square, strong, and muscular. The loins are short and deep. The hindquarters are strong and powerful. The hind legs are massive and muscular, the stifles moderate, the hocks low and broad, the feet round and well-cushioned. The tail is broad at the base, set low, straight, and thick, and well-feathered. It is from seven to nine inches in length and carried nearly straight. The coat is straight or slightly wavy, with a good amount of feathering. It is dense, weather-resistant, and has a slightly oily texture. The coat colors are white or lemon. Lemon-clipped Clumbers must have a closed or faint yellow mark on the ear, and lemon-ticked Clumbers must have the same mark on the ear but in red.

3.1. Size and Weight

The Clumber Spaniel breed originated in England and is one of the oldest spaniel breeds. It is a medium to large-sized sporting dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Full-grown male Clumber Spaniels typically weigh between 70 to 85 pounds (31 to 39 kg) and stand between 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) at the shoulder. Females range from 55 to 72 pounds (25 to 32 kg) and 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm).

The Clumber Spaniel's unique physique sets it apart from other spaniel breeds. Its heavy head features a pronounced brow and high-set eyes, providing excellent coverage of the ground. This breed is the only spaniel with a square form and substantial bone and build, designed to work in thick cover. The Clumber Spaniel relies more on scent than sight due to its size and heavy coat.

The breed's size and weight are essential for its role in hunting and retrieving. It is important to note that these figures ensure that the Clumber Spaniel remains a healthy weight. In addition to the size and weight characteristics, growth is also an element. Growth in Clumber Spaniels occurs through several growth stages including puppyhood, adolescence, and maturity. Each stage has a different rate of growth. There are breed growth charts where you can see whether your Clumber Spaniel is growing within the standard rate. It is important to consult your veterinarian if you note changes and think they could be a problem.

3.2. Coat and Color

The Clumber Spaniel has a distinctive coat that sets it apart from other breeds. The fur is dense, abundant, and straight, serving as a protective covering against water and cold. The thick undercoat, especially on the chest and throat, aids in this protection. The breed has feathering on the chest, ears, and lower body, which is characteristic of Spaniel breeds. Clumber Spaniels should never have curly or wavy coats, and their fur is never trimmed or clipped.

There are different acceptable colors and patterns for this breed, including lemon, white and orange, and white and brown. The most well-known colors are lemon and white with colored ears, commonly found in the UK, while white and orange is more common in the USA. Generally, it can be stated that a Clumber Spaniel is always white with patches of brown or lemon color. The nose of a Clumber Spaniel is a darker hue than the coat color.

4. Temperament and Behavior

The Clumber Spaniel is known for being friendly, affectionate, loyal, and devoted to their owners. This breed is an excellent family companion and typically gets along well with children, other dogs, and pets. Clumbers are more laid-back than other spaniels and have a gentler temperament. However, they are also somewhat aloof with strangers and will bark to alert their owners. Overall, the Clumber Spaniel has a gentle nature, good temperament, and pleasant disposition, making them a suitable companion for families or individuals in search of an affectionate and calm dog. Although Clumbers generally display an amiable temperament, factors such as early socialization, training, and experience with children can influence their behavior.

Though the Clumber Spaniel is an easy-going breed with a gentle and amicable temperament, like any dog, it is susceptible to potential behavioral issues if not properly trained and socialized. This is especially true in the case of a Clumber that has not been socialized with children. Care should be taken with their introduction to avoid the possibility of playful overexuberance leading to scratching or toppling small children. Clumbers are also prone to becoming overweight if not afforded the proper exercise, and therefore need daily activity to maintain a sensible weight. With the appropriate training and socialization, Clumbers are ideal family pets and excellent companions.

Clumber Spaniels are generally very sociable and good-natured dogs, although they tend to be aloof with strangers. All of these characteristics can affect their behavior, and care should be taken to study and consider them before committing to the breed. The Clumber Spaniel’s temperament and behavior need to be understood and respected to maintain a satisfying and lasting bond between the dog and its owner.

4.1. Personality Traits

Clumber Spaniels are known for their wonderful disposition, gentle nature, and affectionate character. These dogs are well-suited to companion life within the home, providing loyalty without being over-exuberant. They are loving and easy-going but have an adaptability that makes them at home in urban areas, on the farm, or in rural locations. Like all dogs, they need moderate exercise, and unlike terriers or spaniels, they aren't exercised on the go. Clumber Spaniels have more of a leisurely walk rather than an energetic run across fields. Although they are not a novice breed, they are forgiving to occasional or minor foibles.

Despite their sporting background, Clumbers are quiet, gentle, and clean dogs that fit well into family life. They are very good with children and get along with cats and other household pets. An interesting quirk of their personality is their fascination with water, displayed by frequent "swimming" with the kitchen water bowls. Nevertheless, they will bark to announce strangers at the door.

All dogs have a herd mentality and love to be with their families and other pets. Clumber Spaniels are more attached to their owners than other breeds, but they do not cope well being home alone for long periods. They need companionship; thus, they are unsuitable for those who work very long hours outside the home. Fortunately, the breed is adaptable and readily accepts strangers. They are typically good "watchers," staying quietly at the side of a doorway for hours without a sound, watching and observing everything that goes on. When specifically challenged, they can be most protective of their families, although considerate owners normally don't need to worry about any potential aggressiveness.

This working breed is particularly intelligent, but to prevent boredom, Clumbers need positive and steady training from an early age. Enthusiastic or harsh reprimands will confuse them due to their gentle, sweet-natured character and won't be effective. Practical suggestions, such as transferring unwanted activities to more acceptable ones with hand signals, work best. Exercising alongside another breed, even if it is of a smaller stature, makes for easy obedience and has a stabilizing influence, while boredom with other breeds tends to provoke mischief. Once trained, Clumber Spaniels are loyal and reliable companions.

5. Training and Socialization

Clumber Spaniels tend to have a rather passive attitude towards life, appearing somewhat leisurely and unambitious. Despite their relatively protected lives, they remain stable, reliable, and self-sufficient, although they can be reserved and quiet. While they do not show excessive exuberance, Clumber Spaniels are genuinely strong-willed, easy to control, and reasonably obedient. They tend to be cautious and contemplative, rather than impulsive, which may be perceived as slow but avoids many potentially dangerous situations. Clumbers, along with the other spaniel types, are known for their generosity, devotion, and love for humanity. Their calm and restrained good nature makes them ideal companions for children and other pets. Clumbers are watchful but quiet; they do not bark unnecessarily and are generally friendly. They are usually patient with children and behave decently around elderly people. However, Clumber Spaniels do not enjoy loud shouts or scoldings, as they can become offended and sulky for quite a long time.

Choose a training method that does not involve aggressive behavior; otherwise, training will turn into a war with unpredictable consequences. Upon bringing a new Clumber Spaniel home, introduce them to the house rules and stick to that plan. It is important to talk consistently to the Clumber about everything from their activities to what is allowed and what is not, as dogs tend to picture their world through actions. Most importantly, set the house rules beforehand. This breed easily ignores permission but follows exhibition-based behavior. Thus, screaming "No!" while the dog is still far from that no-no is pointless. Ignoring the dog while they behave undesirably may create a bigger problem. Be also consistent in imposing the house rules. It is impossible to harbor a sulky dog while saying "What's wrong?" alternately with "Leave them alone!" to another Clumber. They are also perfectly able to tell the mood of the listening human and respond accordingly. Use clapping of hands and whistling to alert them of the wrong behavior.

Clumber puppies are exceptionally gentle, even shy, and need to adapt to a new environment before joining everyday activities. It is recommended to wait two to three days, during which they learn about food and drinking bowls, litter spheres, bedding in a crate, and people kind enough to serve the food. Gradually add daily things to be learned, keeping everything simple and rather passive. For instance, no playing all at once - a little one would get freaked out. A puppy is generally not grabbed, so take time to get near while observing its behavior and possibly sit quietly with opened arms, blankly looking in the other direction like some old sofa. When it is relaxed enough to come close for examination, start getting off the sofa to relax petting gesture. Progress further only if the puppy predominantly reacts on the soothing side.

6. Health and Wellness

The Clumber Spaniel breed is a robust and somewhat heavier breed of dog, but they do have some issues that potential owners need to be aware of. Here are some basic guidelines to get owners and potential owners started on health and wellness for the Clumber Spaniel breed.

6.1. Common Health Issues

The Clumber Spaniel breed is a generally healthy breed, but they do have some health issues that pop up more than others. These health issues tend to run in the breed and should be checked for when purchasing or adopting these dogs. In the Clumber Spaniel breed, the most common health issues include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, and skin issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia are both painful conditions that can affect the dog's mobility. Eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can cause blindness in adult dogs. Skin issues like allergies and infections could also be possible, but treatment is available.

Potential owners should be aware of these common health issues and make sure to find a responsible breeder who will screen for these conditions. Responsible breeders take the initiative to screen for conditions and do their best to breed dogs without these flaws. Potential owners may also consider adopting from a rescue organization. So, it is important to ask about past medical history and any known health issues.

Clumber Spaniels are typically a hardy and healthy breed. That being said, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all Clumber Spaniels will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed. A thorough veterinary check-up and health screening of the puppy's parents may help detect some of the health conditions listed below.

The Clumber Spaniel Club of America (CSCA) recommends the following health screening tests for the breed:

- Hip Evaluation by the OFA or Pennhip. - Elbow Evaluation by the OFA. - Ophthalmologist Evaluation (annual eye exam by a Board Certified veterinary ophthalmologist). - Thyroid Profile with Free T4 by Dialysis and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). If a dog tests outside the normal range, a repeat test is recommended after 6 months. The OFA may require an additional test at a University Lab.

1. Ear Infections: Clumber Spaniels are prone to external ear canal infection due to the long, floppy ears that trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning, drying ears post bathing, and preventive vet check-ups help manage the condition.

2. Eye Problems: Clumber Spaniels are prone to multiple eye conditions such as:

- Cataracts: Clumber Spaniels are prone to congenital cataracts. This hereditary congenital cataract can occur as early as six months of age. Affected dogs usually develop significant vision loss in one or both eyes. It is unclear what other gene mutations may exist in Clumbers that lead to cataracts later in life but not before the age of five.

- Entropion: Entropion occurs when the eyelids roll inward due to the muscle tone of the eyelids, pain, or irritation. Affected dogs may have squinting, tear staining, rubbing of eyes, or mucus discharge. Severe cases lead to corneal damage. Surgery is a permanent solution.

- Ectopic Cilia: In this condition, one or more of the cilia follicles are located on the inner surface of the eyelid. These eyelashes rub against the cornea leading to irritation and corneal ulcers. Removal of the cilia is done by surgery.

3. Goniodysgenesis: Goniodysgenesis is a congenital abnormality of the eye's drainage angle to the Cornea. The drainage angle is often blind, causing a continuous build-up of fluid and increased eye pressure. As far as the anatomy of the eye angle, Clumbers are at risk for developing primary glaucoma between age 3 and 8.

7. Nutrition and Exercise

Providing adequate nutrition and exercise is crucial for all dog breeds, including Clumber Spaniels. This breed of dog is naturally heavyset and prone to obesity, so health risks associated with obesity significantly increase. To combat this, owners should feed their dogs high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog foods and closely monitor their weight. Experts recommend at least an hour of exercise a day, ideally in one block of time, so potential owners need to make sure they can meet this commitment.

All dog breeds need regular checkups with a veterinarian. Routine health examinations, dental care, testing for parasites, keeping up on vaccinations, and spaying/neutering are all common practices at these appointments. Another aspect of health and wellness is grooming. Regular grooming is necessary to keep the coat healthy, especially when shedding.

Ensuring your Clumber Spaniel is well nourished and exercised is important. Proper weight maintenance is a vital health issue. Overweight pets suffer from diabetes, hip problems, arthritis, and heart disease. The ideal weight for Clumber Spaniels is generally 60 pounds. In addition, diet can affect the quality of your pet's coat. Quality dog foods will include certain oils, such as salmon or flaxseed oil, which are beneficial for skin and coat. These foods may be more expensive than cheap brands but will be better for your dog's health.

The nutritional needs of a mature Clumber Spaniel can usually be met with high-quality commercial dog food. You should choose a food appropriate for your pet's age. For example, a puppy shouldn't be fed adult food. There are several choices of food, including dry, canned, and a mixture of the two. The right food will vary by dog and should provide adequate nutrition and be palatable to your pet. If you choose to feed table scraps, realize that they may include too many fatty or sweet foods that aren't suited to a dog's diet. A dog's stomach is very different and certain foods, like onions for example, can be poisonous to dogs. Be cautious if you do feed table scraps. Do not give leftovers containing bones of any kind, as they can splinter and puncture your dog's digestive tract. Always have a fresh supply of water available.

Over time, you will need to adjust the amount of food you feed your Clumber Spaniel. If your dog seems to be gaining weight, feed less. If you are concerned about your dog's weight, you can speak with your veterinarian for advice on feeding. They may recommend a weight-control food. Clumber puppies require more meals per day than adults. They need three or four meals until they are about five months old. At that time, you can gradually switch to twice-a-day feedings. You should make sure to reduce the amount of each meal as you reduce the number of meals per day, so the total daily amount of food remains about the same. Puppies are usually fed a special puppy food, which is higher in protein and calories. You should remain with puppy food until they are at least a year old, and are more mature.

8. Grooming and Maintenance

Grooming and care are essential to any dog breed, especially one like the Clumber Spaniel, which has a medium-length, thick, and water-resistant coat. Regular grooming helps to avoid matting and maintain coat health. Additionally, grooming and bathing can become a special bonding experience between you and your pet. However, grooming requires time, patience, and appropriate tools to do it right.

8.1. Coat Care

The Clumber Spaniel possesses a medium-length double coat consisting of an undercoat that is soft and dense and an outer coat that is dense and straight. Most dogs have tail hair, ear hair, and hair between the toes that require special attention for cleaning. Weekly brushing helps to remove debris captured in the thick coat and untangle hair knots caused by play. Suggested tools include a wire dog brush, a steel flea comb, and stripping knives. Most groomers recommend professional dog grooming at least once every two months, especially to keep the tail and butt hair trim for a clean look. Professional grooming takes one to four hours, depending on the care needed.

The Clumber Spaniel is a low-shedding breed that is good for allergy sufferers. It is commonly accepted globally that the Clumber Spaniel is suitable for people who are allergic to dogs as it does not provoke allergic reactions. Bathing should only be done as needed. All dogs should be bathed if they are smelly, dirty, or have a flea infestation. It is wise to avoid unnecessary bathing, even for smelly or dirty dogs. Bathing too frequently (more than every eight weeks) can strip the dog's skin of natural oils, causing itchiness and a worsening smell. The outer, longer, flat hairs of the Clumber Spaniel coat repel dirt and water.

As a dog owner, grooming your dog is a vital and unavoidable chore; no matter where you live, there will always be loose hairs and dirt to clean. And with Clumber Spaniels, a breed known for its thick and profuse coat, the vacuum cleaner will soon become your best friend. Fortunately, even though these dogs do shed a fair amount, they are not extreme shedders. There are a number of actions you can take to minimize the mess.

The most important thing with grooming is to be consistent. Whether you decide to do it weekly, twice a week, or even daily, make sure you do it as evenly as possible. Regular grooming is essential for removing loose hair and dirt, and it helps to evenly distribute the natural oils that keep the skin hydrated. There is one key gimmick in grooming dogs with long coats: do not brush the hair where it is already tangled. Instead, hold the hair by the root and brush it from the top down, gradually working to the tips. This is the most pain-free method and prevents unnecessary harm to the coat. Specific grooming tools have been developed for the coat care of spaniels. A slicker brush or wide-toothed comb are indispensable, and a pin brush is great for a finishing touch.

Bathing an animal reduces the texture of the coat and also removes essential oils from the skin. For this reason, baths should be kept to a minimum. It is also recommended that you only use dog shampoos, as human skin has a very different pH level. In addition to shampoo, a conditioner is necessary to help regain some of the lost texture. Most tangles will loosen on their own during the washing and drying process, but stubborn clumps can be brushed through the thickest areas with a pin brush.

8.2. Ear and Dental Care

Watch for blood, pus, or foul odor. Check the ears once weekly and clean them as needed. To clean the Clumber's ears, soak a cotton ball in ear cleaning solution. Place the cotton ball at the entrance of the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear, allowing the solution to permeate the canal. Allow the dog to shake its head, and wipe up any excess solution with a cotton ball. Repeat the process for the other ear.

Regular dental cleanings are recommended. Some veterinarians recommend at least one dental cleaning every year. A dog with bad breath may need dental cleaning, and this smell can be coming from tartar buildup or, more seriously, periodontal disease.

Ear care is a significant part of Clumber Spaniel maintenance due to their drooping ears, which provide excellent cover from external elements but can also be a hidden source of infections. Trim excess hair around the ears (the sandwich between an immobile outside and a sufficiently mobile inside) to allow free air circulation, helping to avoid the ideal environment for germ development. Check ears regularly to ensure they are clean, dry, and not inflamed. Infections can be caused by mites, scratches, allergic reaction, dirt, or humidity. If ear care is incorrectly conducted, hematomas may develop. If a dog is constantly scratching or shaking their head, showing signs of discomfort, or if the ears have an unpleasant smell or a brownish discharge, check the ears straight away. Ear problems are treated by cleaning and disinfecting the ears and, if necessary, using anti-inflammatory or antibiotic drops, which should be given on the vet's prescription. Never use objects such as cotton swabs, which may only push dirt further into the ear canal and lead to other problems. Café or specialty store products are recommended for cleaning, and Rita's Ears Rinse is a suggested choice.

Dental care, although not as crucial as ear maintenance, is still a concern. A dog on a hard dry food diet doesn't usually suffer from problems with plaque and tartar due to chewing during meals. Other dogs and those from breeders who only give soft food should have their teeth brushed regularly. The best thing to use is a vine-rooted toothbrush, although a cotton swab or any other approach may also do; spaghetti or shoelaces (with toothpaste applied on them) are suggested alternatives. Plaque may also be removed with crunchy artificial bones. If tartar has already developed, only the vet can carry out scaling. It's worth considering a scale and polish procedure whenever the dog has to be anesthetized for any other reason. It is also advised to remove tartar before obtaining the dog, as Clumbers are prone to dental diseases. Regularly check the gum color (healthy Clumbers have dark pink gums), and if there is a blackish line at the gum line, it means that plaque and tartar have formed.