Clumber Spaniel

Thinking about purchasing an Clumber Spaniel? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Clumber Spaniel breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis. Fundamental requirements for a being a good Clumber Spaniel owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Clumber Spaniel and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Clumber Spaniel Breeder:

When were your Clumber Spaniels born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Clumber Spaniel, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Clumber Spaniel and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Clumber Spaniel Profile

The Clumber Spaniel is first and foremost a gun dog, they may look heavy and stubby, but are very good hunters. Sometimes known as the "Gentleman's Gun Dog", they are the largest of all spaniels. Clumber Spaniels are simply large dogs with short legs. They are longer than they are tall, have white fur with lemon or orange markings on the ears and freckling on the face. Their paws are large, and their head is massive. Some say a little bit of Saint Bernard is what gave them the large head they have. Tails are usually docked one-third, and their their fur is about medium length. Friendly, affectionate, intelligent but sometimes reserved they make an ideal companion for an active elderly person or a family with children. Clumber Spaniels do have a tendency to be lazy if left alone, but will always be ready to join a walk or go hunting.

Type: Gun Dog

Height: Females: 17 - 19 inches; Males: 19 - 20 inches.
Weight: Females: 55 - 70 lbs.; Males: 70 - 85 lbs.

Colors: Plain white body with lemon markings preferred; orange permissible; slight head markings and freckled muzzle. The more white the better. Some have small spots of orange or lemon on the back.
Coat: Abundant, close and silky. Body coat is dense, straight and flat. Feathering on eyes, legs, belly and tail.

Temperament: Clumber Spaniels are dedicated, responsive, loyal and willing. They love to hunt, retrieve, and play. They are cheerful, laid-back, and affectionate with friends and family. They are sometimes reserved with strangers, but still quite playful when they want to be. Clumber Spaniels are low in activity, but when left alone can become destructive.
With Children: Yes. Good.
With Pets: Yes. Good.
Special Skills: Field sports dog, hunter and family pet.

Watch-dog: Low
Guard-dog: Low. Clumbers are friendly towards almost anyone.

Clumber Spaniel Care and Training: The Clumber Spaniel's Coat needs frequent brushing and bi-monthly trimming. Requires a good amount of walking to prevent them from becoming obese. Cleaning in between the toes is required, as mud and other outside matter can get stuck in between them. The Clumber Spaniel learns slower than some other breeds so patience and repetition is required. Leaving them alone is not a good idea, as they can become destructive when bored.
Learning Rate: Medium

Activity: Low - Moderate. Clumber Spaniels love curling up on the couch, eating and sleeping.
Living Environment: Country home or a home with a large backyard. Clumber Spaniels love to hunt and retrieve, and will do so in the backyard with insects if they have to. This breed would be best suited for an active family who makes time to take care of it, in a rural or suburban environment.

Clumber Spaniel Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, back problems, retinal dysplasia, entropion (turned in eyelids) and ectropion (outward turned eyelids). Other health concerns include allergies, ear problems, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and intervertebral disc disease.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years.
Litter Size: 2 - 8 puppies.

Country of Origin: Great Britain/France
Clumber Spaniel History: Named for the Clumber Park estate of the Duke of Newcastle, Nottingham, they are believed to have originated with the Duc de Noailles who moved his kennel to England for sanctuary during the French Revolution. The Duc originally came from France, bringing his dogs to safety in Great Britain. The Clumber Spaniel is said to have come from the Basset Hound or early Alpine Spaniel blood. Some say they even have some Saint Bernard in them. Many British royals reveled in this dog, and often used them as hunting companions. Prince Albert was the first to accompany them on a hunt in England, while King Edward VII later bred them in a kennel and was said to be very fond of them. King George V used Clumbers to hunt in the woods, but never allowed them to retrieve, although they are quite capable of doing so. He always sent out Labradors to do that job. Some thought the Clumber Spaniel too cumbersome for hunters not yet old men, yet the Clumber has a dutiful companion to a hunter. The Clumber Spaniel is still quite rare in the United States and Britain, but has been making its way slowly but surely.

First Registered by the AKC: 1878
AKC Group: Sporting Group
Class: Gun dog
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 8), KC,(GB), UKC

Clumber Spaniels

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Monday, August 19, 2013