Clumber Spaniel
🧠 Temperament & character
The Clumber Spaniel is calm, dignified and exceptionally good-natured. To his family he is very affectionate; towards strangers he shows himself rather reserved. He works deliberately and with concentration and is considered a pleasant, little-nervous housemate. His gentle nature makes him a reliable companion who can nevertheless have a mind of his own, slightly stubborn.
📜 Origin & history
The Clumber Spaniel received its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, the country seat of the Duke of Newcastle, where in the 18th century it was kept as a distinguished hunting dog of the nobility. French ancestors, possibly from the breeding of the Duc de Noailles, probably went into its origin. As a heavy, methodical flushing dog it drove game out of dense undergrowth in front of the gun. Today it is rare and kept above all as a calm companion and show dog.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Clumber Spaniel's dense, silky white coat needs regular brushing, especially on the ears and feathering, as well as care of the ears, eye area and skin folds. He does shed and drools a little. His need for exercise is moderate: extended, calm walks and light search games are enough, extreme exertion should be avoided. Since he tends towards excess weight and is heat-sensitive, controlled feeding and shady, cool conditions are important.
🩺 Health
With a life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years, the Clumber Spaniel is sadly susceptible to some health problems. More common can be hip and elbow dysplasia, slipped discs, eye diseases such as entropion and ectropion as well as a pronounced tendency to excess weight and heat sensitivity. Responsible breeders examine joints and eyes carefully and pay attention to a healthy body structure without exaggerated bulk.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The calm, affectionate Clumber Spaniel fits well with families and calmer people who appreciate a leisurely, good-natured dog and are not looking for an endurance athlete. He is also suitable for attentive first-time owners and can live in an apartment, provided he gets enough comfortable walks. Anyone who has little time for coat care or expects an immaculately clean home should bear in mind the shedding and drooling. In Switzerland he is a rarity.