Dog Breeds 101: Clumber Spaniel

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The long and low Clumber Spaniel is not as fast as other sporting dogs but will tirelessly work all day. The breed is one of the first original nine breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. The Clumber Spaniel has a dignified nature but still possesses great enthusiasm. Over the years, this dog has proved itself to be a great family pet. [1]

The romantic origin of the breed states that the French Duc de Noailles shipped his entire kennel of spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle in England to save his dogs during the French Revolution. This story, however, is unverified especially when there is a painting of the Duke of Newcastle with several white lemon dogs a year before the French Revolution. The breed takes its name from the Duke’s estate, Clumber Park in Nottingham. William Mansel, the Duke’s gamekeeper, is credited with shaping the breed as we know it today. [2]

The Clumber Spaniel is considered to be the largest of all the spaniels. Long and heavy-bodied, the Clumber breed has an average height of 17 to 20 inches, weighing between 55 to 85 pounds. It is heavy boned with a massive head, a mournful, sleepy expression, a square nose and muzzle and large ears. The coat is dense, straight and flat with feathering around the ears, belly and legs. As pets, Clumber Spaniels are gentle, loyal and affectionate but tend to be reserved with unfamiliar people. They are not very active and love to curl on the couch all day. [3]

The breed’s average life span is 10 to 12 years and is prone to intervertebral disc disease or IVDD which is a major health concern. Minor health problems are otitis externa, ectropion and entropion as well as seizures. Elbow, eye and hip exams should be performed early on to identify these issues. [1]