Clumber Spaniel

Side view of a Clumber Spaniel.

Clumber Spaniel: A Comprehensive Guide to the Gentle and Loyal Companion

🐶 Introduction:

The Clumber Spaniel is a distinctive and endearing breed that has captivated dog lovers for generations. Known for their calm demeanor, loving nature, and distinctive appearance, Clumber Spaniels make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Clumber Spaniel, including their history, temperament, care needs, and how to find one from a responsible breeder or rescue organization.

What is a Clumber Spaniel❓

The Clumber Spaniel is a large, muscular spaniel breed with a calm temperament and a thick, waterproof coat. They were originally bred for hunting, particularly for flushing game birds out of dense cover. The Clumber Spaniel is often referred to as the “gentle giant” due to their laid-back nature and loyalty. Despite their size, they are known for being easygoing and affectionate, making them great pets for households of all sizes.

✅ Key Facts About the Clumber Spaniel:

  • AKC Height: 17 to 20 inches
  • AKC Weight: 55 to 85 pounds
  • Coat Colors: White with lemon, orange, or brown markings
  • Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
  • Temperament: Calm, gentle, loyal, affectionate
  • Group: Sporting Group

📜 History and Origin of the Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the 18th century. Originating in England, they were bred to work in dense underbrush, where their slow and steady pace to help them flush out game for hunters. Their name “Clumber” is derived from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was first developed by the Dukes of Newcastle.

Initially bred by crossing the Bloodhound with other spaniels, The Clumber Spaniel was the result: a dog that was skilled in both tracking and flushing. Over time, the breed’s popularity grew, and they became a favorite among English aristocracy. While the Clumber is less common today, their gentle temperament and strong hunting instincts still make them an ideal companion for those looking for a loyal, calm, and loving dog.

🐕 Physical Features

The Clumber Spaniel is a sturdy, medium-to-large breed with a compact and muscular build. They are easily recognized by their broad, heavyset bodies and unique features, including a deep chest and thick coat. Their long ears, soulful eyes, and overall gentle expression make them both lovable and memorable.

🐾 Key Physical Features:

  • Size: This dog stands 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weighs between 55 and 85 pounds.
  • Coat: The coat is dense and waterproof, typically white with lemon, orange, or brown markings. The breed requires regular grooming to maintain its quality and prevent mats.
  • Head and Face: They have a broad head with a well-defined muzzle, and their eyes are typically dark, giving them a soulful look. Their ears are long and set low, adding to their distinctive appearance.
  • Body: These dogs have a low-set, solid build with a deep chest and a broad, strong neck.

😊 Temperament and Personality

The Clumber Spaniel is known for its calm, laid-back temperament. While they were bred to work in the field, they are equally happy to lounge around the house or enjoy leisurely walks with their family. Despite their larger size, Clumbers are friendly and affectionate, making them excellent family pets. However, their calm nature doesn’t mean they are inactive; they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.

⭐ Key Personality Traits:

  • Gentle and Calm: The breed is known for its gentle demeanor. They are easygoing and patient, making them great companions for children and other pets.
  • Loyal and Affectionate: Clumbers form strong bonds with their families. They are loyal and affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human companions.
  • Intelligent and Eager to Please: Although they have a calm nature, Clumber Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them relatively easy to train with the right approach.
  • Independent Streak: While generally good-natured, Clumbers can have an independent streak, and they may sometimes need extra motivation during training sessions.

👩‍🎓 Training and Socialization


Training a Clumber Spaniel is usually a rewarding experience thanks to their gentle and eager-to-please nature. However, they can be a bit slow to mature, so patience and a sense of humor are helpful during training.

Training Tips

  • ✅ Start Early: Begin training and socialization while they’re puppies to encourage confidence and good manners.
  • ✅ Use Positive Reinforcement: Clumber Spaniels respond best to gentle guidance, treats, and enthusiastic praise — harsh corrections can discourage them.
  • ✅ Keep Sessions Fun: They have a playful side, so turning training into a game helps keep them interested.
  • ✅ Focus on Socialization: Expose your Clumber Spaniel to different people, pets, and environments to prevent shyness or uncertainty.
  • ✅ Be Patient: Clumbers may be slower to catch on compared to some breeds, so stay consistent and give them time to process new skills.
  • ✅ Learn How to Train Your Dog on Our Dog Training Page!

✂ Grooming and Care for the Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel has a dense, weather-resistant coat that requires regular grooming. While they are not as high-maintenance as some other breeds, their thick coat can mat easily, so it’s important to keep up with brushing. They also require regular physical activity to maintain their health, as their calm demeanor can sometimes be misleading when it comes to their exercise needs.

💦 Grooming Needs of the Clumber Spaniel:

  • Brushing: Due to their thick, waterproof coat, Clumber Spaniels need regular brushing—at least two to three times a week. Brushing helps prevent mats and tangles, as well as removes loose fur.
  • Bathing: The Clumber Spaniel should be bathed as needed, but over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their coat. Be sure to use dog-specific shampoos to maintain their coat’s health.
  • Ear Care: Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture, leading to infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection are essential to avoid ear-related issues.
  • Teeth and Nails: Regular dental care and nail trimming are important for the overall health of your Clumber Spaniel. Make sure to clean their teeth regularly and trim their nails when needed.
  • Learn How to Groom Your Dog on Our Dog Grooming Page!

🏃‍♂️ Exercise and Activity

While Clumber Spaniels are not overly energetic, they still require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and mental stimulation. A daily walk, along with some playtime in a secure yard, is usually enough to keep them content. However, it’s important to be mindful of their weight, as Clumber Spaniels can be prone to obesity if not given enough exercise.

🔶 Health and Lifespan of the Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is generally a healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. However, like many purebred dogs, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and a proper diet are essential to ensuring your Clumber Spaniel remains healthy.

Common Health Issues:

  • 🔴 Hip Dysplasia: As with many larger breeds, hip dysplasia is a potential concern for the Clumber Spaniel. Regular exercise and a healthy weight can help mitigate the risks.
  • 🔴 Obesity: Clumber Spaniels are prone to weight gain due to their calm nature. It’s important to monitor their diet and exercise to prevent obesity, which can lead to other health issues.
  • 🔴 Ear Infections: Due to their long ears, Clumbers are at a higher risk for ear infections. Regular ear cleaning and inspection can help prevent these issues.
  • 🔴 Eye Conditions: Some Clumbers may be prone to eye conditions such as cataracts. Regular eye check-ups are recommended.
  • 🔴 You can find information about the diseases that affect this breed in our Dog Health Dictionary

🏠 Where to Find a Clumber Spaniel: Responsible Breeders and Rescue Dogs

If you’re looking to add a Clumber Spaniel to your family, it’s important to find a responsible breeder or consider adopting from a rescue organization. Reputable breeders will ensure that your puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and has been raised in a loving environment.

💖 Conclusion: Why the Clumber Makes a Great Companion

The Clumber is a gentle, loyal, and loving breed that can make an excellent companion for the right owner. Their calm temperament and easygoing nature make them perfect for families, individuals, and seniors alike. With the right care, training, and socialization, a Clumber can become a beloved member of your family for many years to come.