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Welcome to our blog post about the delightful Clumber Spaniel! We're glad you're here to learn more about this charming breed.
In this post, we'll be exploring their temperament and unique characteristics. From their lovable personalities to their quirks and habits, we'll give you a closer look at what makes these furry friends special.
As we explore Clumber Spaniel's history, we'll uncover the roots of their temperament and delve into the traits that make them cherished companions. From their noble origins to their enduring loyalty, we'll examine what sets Clumber Spaniels apart and answer common questions about their suitability as family pets.
Whether you're curious about their compatibility with children or interested in learning about potential health issues, this blog post has you covered. So sit back, read on, and dive into the beautiful world of Clumber Spaniels!
Table of Contents
Clumber Spaniel History: Where are Clumber Spaniels from?
The Clumber Spaniel's history is shrouded in mystery, which is not uncommon in the history of Spaniel breeds. The Clumber Spaniel has been around for well over 250 years.
Clumber Spaniels have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide with their distinctive appearance and pleasant demeanour. Delving into Clumber Spaniel's history unveils a fascinating journey rooted in aristocracy and dedicated to their sporting ability.
Spaniels were very diverse and present in many aristocratic houses, and unfortunately, not everything is documented as dog enthusiasts would like. The UK Kennel Club currently recognises 12 Spaniel breeds:
King Charles Spaniel
Field Spaniel
American Cocker Spaniel
American Water Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is considered a British breed with a long heritage working alongside aristocrats and being cherished companions of the elite in the field.
Non-controversial to their origin is that the Clumber got its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. The Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park acquired or bred the first Clumber in the late 18th century. The breed's name pays homage to this prestigious estate, where Clumber Spaniels walked the woodlands in pursuit of game.
They were highly valued for their outstanding scenting abilities and tireless work attitude. Pair it with their mellow nature, and you will have the perfect hunting companion dog.
The earliest description of a Clumber is from 1861 by John Meyrick. In it, the Clumber is described as "the largest variety of Spaniel, weighing sometimes as much as 30lb." Back then, the Clumber was a lot smaller than today's Clumbers, who are still the largest breed within the Spaniel group.
A 1788 painting by Francis Wheatley, "The Return from Shooting," shows smaller Spaniels with distinct Clumber markings. It portrays Clumber Park and the 2nd Duke hunting with his dogs. Their white coats made them highly visible, reducing the risk of accidental shootings.
Where the Clumbers came from has yet to be discovered, but some believe they were imported from France between 1763 and 1786. One theory is that the Duc de Noailles sent them to avoid being taken during the French Revolution in 1789. However, James Darley refuted this theory and proved that Clumbers were in Clumber Park before that.
No documents have been found that expressly point to France being the breed's origin.
Some believe they have Basset Hound and the now-extinct Alpine Spaniel blood in them, but we might never truly know.
The Clumbers are a royal breed, and it was impossible for a commoner to own one as they were gifted between the higher-born aristocrats.
65 Clumbers are mentioned in the first KC Stud Book of 1874, and the breed remained stable numerically during the early 20th century.
The Clumber Spaniel was recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1904 after the Clumber Spaniel Club met and formulated a breed standard. Unfortunately, the World Wars led to a demise in the breed numbers, and the Clumber hasn't recovered since. Today, they are on the UK Vulnerable Breeds list, with less than 300 individuals registered yearly.
Throughout Clumber Spaniel's history, these dogs remained steadfast allies to hunters, demonstrating unparalleled skill and unwavering devotion in the field. Their gentle disposition and amiable nature endeared them to all who encountered them, earning them a cherished place in the hearts of their human companions.
In recent years, the breed standard set by the UK Kennel Club underwent revisions prompted by feedback from Clumber breeding societies. These revisions ensured that the Clumber remained true to its origins as a working dog, aligning with its initial breeding purpose.
Consequently, the term "massive" was omitted, and the ideal weight was reduced, emphasising the importance of the Clumber being "firm, fit, and capable of a day's work in heavy cover."
Interestingly, the original breed standard from 1904 better captures the essence of a well-working Clumber Spaniel, reflecting their historical size and ability to endure a full day's work in the field without carrying excessive weight.
The registrations of Clumber Spaniels in the UK saw a slight decline from 232 in 2022 to 223 in 2023, reflecting a modest decrease in breeding activity during that period. Despite this dip, the consistent registration of Clumber Spaniels indicates a continued interest and presence of this beloved breed within the UK canine community.
Due to their popularity and limited availability, if you're considering welcoming a Clumber Spaniel into your home, you may need to plan for some waiting time. However, bringing a loyal and loving companion home will be worth the wait!
2022 Total | Q1 2023 | Q2 2023 | Q3 2023 | Q4 2023 | Total 2023 |
232 | 46 | 96 | ​43 | 38 | 223 |
Source: https://kc-media-production.azureedge.net/media/vapbgfqj/quarterly-breed-stats-gundogs.pdf March 2024
Now that we have learned about their history let's look at the temperament of the Clumber Spaniel.
What is the Temperament of the Clumber Spaniel?
Clumber Spaniels are renowned for their gentle and endearing nature. Rooted in their history as noble hunting dogs, these Spaniels exude a sense of calm and dignity that hides their playful disposition. With their soulful eyes and expressive faces, Clumbers have a knack for melting hearts and captivating humans with their irresistible charm and clownish antics.
But there is more to this dog than meets the eye. Clumbers possess remarkable sensitivity and intuitively understand the emotions of those around them.
Having worked alongside humans for a long time, they have almost human-like expressions.
Clumbers can provide comfort and companionship, whether offering a comforting nuzzle or a sympathetic ear. Their empathy is endless, and there are Clumbers who excel as therapy dogs.
Bred as a hunting companion, particularly for flushing game birds, the Clumber Spaniel possesses traits highly valued by hunters, such as a calm demeanour, steadiness, and a systematic approach to work. Be aware of their size; Clumbers can be surprisingly fast.
If you're looking for a hunting companion with a gentle temperament, a Clumber Spaniel might be the perfect choice! These dogs are known for their loyalty, reliability and friendly nature, making them popular among aristocrats.
Clumbers are experts at tracking scents and work hard to complete the job. They are generally calm and quiet in the home, except for the occasional snore. But they become playful and energetic once outside, especially when chasing down a scent.
Clumber Spaniels are known for their dependable and steady demeanour, characterised by their gentle mouths and calm temperaments. They exhibit quietness in the field yet demonstrate remarkable tenacity when navigating through dense cover.
Clumbers can go deaf when outside, picking up an attractive scent. They have the gundog engrained in them, and even the best training can make them deaf at some point. Train your dog and train some more, and when you think they're fully qualified, train again.
Training a gundog never stops and should be performed consistently. Some would call this dog stubborn and willful, but they're very determined working dogs and should be worked with scents and retrieving dummies whenever possible.
Hence, even if you don't plan to work your Clumber Spaniel, having some interest in professional gundog training is beneficial. Clumber Spaniels generally have an aversion to repetitive drills, preferring engaging and varied training sessions. With their high level of intelligence and playful demeanour, they thrive in environments where training is stimulating and enjoyable.
By keeping training sessions exciting and interactive, owners can foster a strong bond with their Clumbers, who will dedicate themselves to tasks when treated as valued partners. Hard-handling training won't work with your Clumber Spaniel. Treats and a lot of praise work wonders.
When in a home environment, the Clumber is easily trained. A loyal companion dog who has worked alongside humans for the past 250 years, they're biddable and want to please you. Training should be a breeze with this dog; house-breaking your puppy should be quick.
Clumbers are friendly dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs and people they know. Their breed history as pack animals makes them thrive in social settings, and they may struggle with separation anxiety and destructive behaviour if left alone for extended periods. They build strong bonds with all family members and are usually not a one-person dog like a Doberman or German Shepherd.
Clumber Spaniel puppies can exhibit boisterous behaviour as they grow and become more aware of their strength. This vitality is typical during their developmental stage and is often a sign of their playful and energetic nature. Clumber Spaniels maintain a gentle disposition as they mature, characterised by their affectionate demeanour and loyalty to their family members.
However, proper training and socialisation are essential during puppyhood to channel their energy appropriately and ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs. Training should start on day 1.
If you prioritise a clean home, the Clumber Spaniel may not be the ideal breed for you. Their feathering tends to bring the outside to your home, and they shed nonstop, leaving their white fur visible on carpets and furniture.
Additionally, Clumbers are known to drool, which can further contribute to household messiness. However, all Clumber lovers find that the joys of owning this breed outweigh the extra cleaning efforts.
Clumbers aren't the best watchdogs, as they don't bark often. However, they can be reserved with strangers, sometimes waiting for the person to make the first move. This also depends on their level of socialisation in the puppy stage.
In conclusion, the Clumber Spaniel temperament is a delightful combination of gentleness, loyalty, and playfulness. Whether as a faithful family companion or a skilled hunting partner, Clumbers bring joy and warmth to all who know them. With their endearing charm and unwavering devotion, Clumber Spaniels genuinely embody the essence of a human's best friend.
Are Clumber Spaniels rare?
Yes, the Clumber Spaniel is considered a rare breed and has been on the UK Vulnerable Breeds list since 2003.
The Kennel Club identifies dogs as vulnerable if the registrations fall below 300 individuals. The Clumber Spaniel typically sees registrations between 160 and 220 dogs yearly.
With such a limited number of puppies born each year, a potential buyer may have to be patient until they can be the proud owner of a Clumber Spaniel.
Are Clumber Spaniels good with children?
Yes, Clumber Spaniels generally exhibit a gentle and affectionate temperament, making them well-suited for families with children. Their calm and patient nature allows them to interact positively with kids, often forming solid bonds and becoming loyal companions.
While supervision is always recommended, Clumber Spaniels tend to be tolerant and protective, ensuring a harmonious relationship between them and the children. Their size can also easily withstand the occasional tumble from a child. Their adaptable and friendly demeanour and proper training and socialisation foster a safe and enjoyable environment for kids and Clumber Spaniels to thrive together.
Do Clumber Spaniels bark a lot?
Clumber Spaniels are typically known for their quiet and reserved nature. They often do not exhibit excessive barking tendencies. While they may bark occasionally to alert their owners or in certain situations, they are generally not prone to continuous or excessive barking.
This breed tends to be more laid-back and calm, preferring to express themselves through other means, such as body language or gentle vocalisations. However, individual temperament and training can also play a role in their barking behaviour. Overall, Clumber Spaniels are often considered to be quieter dogs compared to some other breeds.
6 Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers
Embark on a delightful journey of gift discovery as we unveil six perfect presents that capture the hearts of Clumber Spaniel enthusiasts, celebrating the unique charm of these spirited companions.
Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers #1: Clumber Spaniel reusable shopping bag
Are you looking for the perfect gift for a Clumber Spaniel lover? How about a stylish and eco-friendly reusable shopping bag featuring an adorable Clumber Spaniel design – a practical and thoughtful choice for any dog enthusiast.
Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers #2: Clumber Spaniel Candle
Why not surprise the Clumber Spaniel enthusiast with a delightful Clumber Spaniel candle, filling their surroundings with the comforting essence of their beloved breed for a truly heartwarming atmosphere?
Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers #3: Clumber Spaniel Wooden Ornament
Delight the Clumber Spaniel devotee with a charming wooden Clumber Spaniel ornament, adding a touch of rustic charm to their décor while celebrating their cherished breed with enduring elegance.
Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers #4: Clumber Spaniel Mug
Elevate the morning coffee routine of any Clumber Spaniel lover with a delightful Clumber Spaniel mug, offering a daily dose of canine charm and warmth with every sip, making it the perfect gift for celebrating their adoration of this beloved breed.
Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers #5: Clumber Spaniel Birthday Card
Celebrate the special day of a Clumber Spaniel enthusiast with a charming Clumber Spaniel birthday card adorned with adorable illustrations of their favourite breed, offering heartfelt wishes and a touch of canine cheer to make their day extra special.
Gift ideas for Clumber Spaniel Lovers #6: Clumber Spaniel Tote Bag
Encourage eco-friendly shopping habits with a stylish Clumber Spaniel tote bag, perfect for the environmentally-conscious Clumber Spaniel enthusiast. This reusable bag showcases their love for the breed and promotes sustainability with every use, making it a thoughtful and practical gift choice.
Clumber Spaniel Temperament in a Nutshell
Gentle and affectionate nature with a lot of love to give
A true Gundog that can become tone-deaf when picking up a scent
Calm demeanour, but can be playful and energetic, especially outside
Thrive on human interaction and companionship
Known for their unwavering devotion and affection towards their families
Due to their shedding, they're not for the house-proud person
Top 10 Female Clumber Spaniel Names
Top 10 Male Clumber Spaniel Names
Potential health issues in the Clumber Spaniel Breed
Like all breeds, Clumber Spaniels are susceptible to specific health conditions that prospective owners should know. The below part will explore common health issues that affect Clumber Spaniels, providing valuable insights to help ensure the well-being of these delightful dogs.
It's important to note that while these health conditions may be prevalent in the breed, they may not necessarily manifest in every individual Clumber Spaniel.
Factors such as diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle can significantly mitigate the risk and severity of these conditions, underscoring the importance of proactive care and responsible ownership.
Entropion / Ectropion: Entropion and ectropion are common eye conditions in Clumber Spaniels, characterised by inward or outward rolling of the eyelids, respectively. If left untreated, these conditions can cause discomfort, irritation, and even vision impairment, highlighting the importance of regular eye examinations for Clumber Spaniels.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary eye disorder in Clumber Spaniels. It leads to retina degeneration and eventual blindness. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing are crucial for early detection and management of PRA in Clumber Spaniels to maintain their visual health and quality of life.
Spinal Disk Herniation: Although not as common as other health issues, this can occur in Clumber Spaniels due to their elongated bodies. This condition involves the displacement of spinal disks, leading to pain, nerve compression, and mobility issues. Owners should be vigilant for signs of back pain or hind limb weakness and seek prompt veterinary attention if suspected, as early intervention can improve outcomes for affected Clumber.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: These orthopaedic conditions can affect Clumber Spaniels, causing pain and reduced mobility. Responsible breeding practices and regular exercise tailored to their needs can help mitigate the risk of these conditions.
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency: This genetic disorder affects Clumber Spaniels, leading to neurological symptoms and metabolic disturbances. Early detection through genetic testing and careful breeding practices are essential in reducing the prevalence of this condition within the breed.
Exercise-Induced Collapse: This is a hereditary condition in some Clumber Spaniels, where strenuous exercise can lead to muscle weakness or collapse episodes. Proper management involves avoiding intense physical activity and ensuring a suitable exercise regimen for affected dogs to prevent triggering episodes of collapse.
Ensuring proper dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Regular dental care can help prevent dental diseases, maintain fresh breath, and promote good oral hygiene.
Prebiotic Dental Sticks are a tasty and effective solution for your pet's oral health. These dental sticks are formulated with powerful ingredients like Chicory Root, Ground Flaxseed, and Organic Coconut Oil, which not only target plaque and tartar build-up but also support your dog's digestive system, promoting overall health and vitality.
Clumber Spaniel Fun facts
When it comes to delightful quirks, Clumber Spaniels never fail to surprise us. Their love for carrying objects in their mouths is among their endearing traits. This charming characteristic speaks to their heritage as skilled retrievers, tracing back to their days as esteemed hunting companions.
Clumber Spaniels have a natural inclination to hold onto items, whether it's a favourite toy, a cherished stick discovered during a walk, or even household items they've taken a fancy to. This behaviour points to their roots as versatile working dogs, adept at retrieving game for their human companions.
Their predisposition for carrying things in their mouths isn't just practical; it's also a source of entertainment for Clumbers and their owners. Watching them proudly parade around with their prized possessions is a heartwarming sight that always brings a smile to our faces.
So, if you're lucky enough to share your life with a Clumber Spaniel, embrace their love for carrying things—it's just one of the many delightful quirks that make these dogs so unique.
Is the Clumber Spaniel the right dog breed for me?
To wrap up, individuals interested in owning a Clumber Spaniel should be aware that they require ample love, companionship, and attentive care to ensure their well-being.
With their endearing temperament, fondness for affection, and distinctive quirks, Clumber Spaniels can be a delightful addition to any household willing to welcome their charming attributes and provide a nurturing atmosphere for their beloved furry companions.
First and foremost, the gentle and affectionate temperament of Clumber Spaniels makes them wonderful family pets. Known for their loyalty and devotion to their human companions, Clumbers thrive in households where they receive love and attention. However, it's essential to recognise that Clumber Spaniels can be sensitive, requiring positive reinforcement and gentle handling during training and socialisation.
Additionally, you should consider the exercise needs of Clumber Spaniels. While they may appear relaxed indoors, Clumbers are energetic and enjoy regular outdoor activities to stimulate them mentally and physically. An interest in Gundog Training or previous experience with Gundogs will be beneficial to keep their mind occupied and out of trouble.
One thing to be aware of is that Clumber Spaniels tend to shed a lot and drool quite a bit, so they might not be the best choice if you're house-proud. However, many Clumber lovers find the joy of having these furry friends around outweigh the extra cleaning efforts.
Owners voices in three words
to be added :)
Breed Box Clumber Spaniel
Size | Large |
|---|---|
Dog Size | 45cm - 51cm |
Dog Weight | 29kg- 34kg |
Bitch Size | 42cm - 49cm |
Bitch Weight | 25kg- 29kg |
Grooming | High |
Feeding Need | Medium |
Tendency to drool | High |
Energy level | Medium |
Tendency to bark | Low |
Tendency to dig | Low |
Attention need | Medium |