Clumber Spaniel

Clumber Spaniel

Distinctively colored, the Clumber Spaniel is difficult to trace through history. He is a friendly and affectionate dog who loves to be outdoors in the country.

History:

The breed takes its name from Clumber Park, the Duke of Newcastle's estate from the late eighteenth century. It is likely that the breed has its ancestry from the old Alpine Spaniel, possibly crossed with an early form of Basset Hound or Bloodhound, thus giving the Clumber Spaniel its heavy head and short legs. French aristocrats are known to have presented the Duke of Newcastle with Spaniels, and the breed then developed and spread to surrounding estates and families. Its reputation as a shooting dog spread with its popularity, peaking in the nineteenth century before waning after the Second World War. The breed is rarely seen outside of Great Britain and America.

Physical characteristics:

The Clumber Spaniel is a massive dog with a thoughtful expression. It is an active dog which moves with a rolling gait. Height: 19 - 20 in (48 - 51 cm). Weight: 55 - 65 lb (25 - 29.5 kg) for dogs and 35 - 50 lb (16 - 22.7 kg) for bitches. The head is large and square with a prominent occiput, heavy eyebrows, and well-defined stop. The muzzle is heavy, and the nose is square and flesh-colored. The eyes are dark amber and slightly sunken, with some haw showing. The ears are large and vine leaf-shaped, drooping slightly forward, and well-covered with straight hair.

The coat is silky and abundant, with straight fur, and the legs are well-feathered. The coat color is the most striking feature of the Clumber Spaniel: the plain white coat is marked with lemon or orange freckling on the muzzle, and some head markings.

Behavior:

This big Spaniel has a personality to match its size. It is a wonderfully sociable dog that is eager to please its owner. Although not now as popular as the better known Spaniels, this dog makes both a good worker and an excellent companion. Its alert manner and strong sense of territory make it an excellent watch-dog that delights in alerting its owner. Wise owners will train this Spaniel to bark at the things they consider important, to reduce any later problems. This dog does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Rather, it benefits greatly from the closeness of people and other dogs. This beautiful-looking dog should still be treated assertively, particularly as it is growing u

This dog is highly trainable and thrives on the tasks its owner provides. It is an intelligent dog that requires plenty of exercise. After vigorous exercise, the feet should be checked, and any debris removed from its coat. The ears should be checked regularly, particularly during hot weather, as they have restricted air flow around them. The Clumber Spaniel is a wonderful dog that should be given more recognition