A dignified and mellow hunting companion of kings, the Clumber Spaniel is the largest of the AKC flushing spaniels. For those who can handle some shedding and drooling, the amiable Clumber is an amusing best friend and a gentlemanly housemate. This heaviest of the flushing spaniels has withstood the test of time as an exemplary and versatile canine.
By all accounts, sharing one's life with a Clumber Spaniel is a wonderful thing. Clumbers possess a cornucopia of virtues — among them an affectionate and amiable nature, intelligence, handsome appearance, and talent and enthusiasm in fieldwork. But what makes Clumbers particularly delightful, their fans explain, is that they're just a joy to have around.
From the Estates of Dukes and Kings
The Clumber Spaniel is believed to have originated in France, possibly tracing back to the Alpine Spaniel, a strain of light-colored hunting dogs probably originating in Spain. Another possible ancestor is the Blenheim Spaniel, a red-and-white or lemon-and-white hunting dog of England. Yet a third theory suggests large English spaniels were crossed with Basset Hounds, or with the St. Hubert's Hound, the progenitor of the modern Bloodhound.
Whatever the case, the breed rapidly established a reputation as an outstanding hunting dog. We know for certain that the Duke of Newcastle owned the first examples of the breed in the latter half of the 18th century. The breed took its name from Newcastle's English estate, Clumber Park. The second Duke inherited his title in 1768, and his gamekeeper of 30 years or so, William Mansell, is generally given credit for developing the breed as a sturdy, adept dog for hunting in the local cover of thick rhododendron forests. For many years, people called these dogs "the Duke's breed" or "Mansell's breed."
Clumbers became a favorite of the many gamebird hunters among the area's titled families and landed gentry. Since the duke's day, Clumbers have been popular with British royals, including Edward VII and George V (an important Clumber breeder in his day). In 1844, a British officer stationed in Nova Scotia brought the breed to North America, and the Clumber was one of the first nine breeds recognized by the AKC in 1878, when a dog named "Bustler" was registered.
Heavy-Boned and Long and Low
The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, substantial dog with a heavy brow, deep chest, straight forelegs, powerful hindquarters, and massive bone. It stands 17 to 20 inches and weighs 55 to 85 pounds — a small female might be 55 pounds, and a large male could go 85 pounds. Built to push through thick cover in the field, Clumber movement is nonetheless free and easy.
The dense coat is primarily white, with sparse lemon or orange markings and freckles, and the legs and chest are feathered. Its large, square head and hanging ears complete a picture of quiet strength. The breed has a balanced, well-boned, active appearance with a thoughtful expression, denoting strength — a firm, fit dog capable of a day's work of beating in heavy cover.
Stoical, Great-Hearted, and Dignified
The Clumber Spaniel's temperament is steady, reliable, kind, and dignified — more aloof than other spaniels, showing no tendency towards aggression. The breed standard describes the Clumber as stoical, great-hearted, and highly intelligent, with a determined attitude enhancing his natural ability, a silent worker with an excellent nose.
Its partisans describe the breed as naughty, mischievous, stubborn, affectionate, and entertaining. Through it all, the Clumber retains the touch of regal dignity that marks them as a companion of crowned heads. Clumbers are sweet and easygoing at home, but these outdoorsy fellows can be relentless on scent. Though a bit wary around strangers, Clumbers are friendly dogs who bark only when they have something to say, and so make indifferent watchdogs.
Exercise and Activity
Clumbers love swimming and fetching and are sturdy childhood playmates. They need moderate daily exercise — regular walks and the chance to explore on scent keep them content. Their heritage as flushing spaniels means they have a strong instinct to carry things, often trotting around with stuffed animals or laundry.
| Dog | Daily exercise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–4 short play sessions of 10–15 minutes | Keep walks gentle; avoid hard surfaces while growing |
| Adult | 30–45 minutes total walk or play | Split into two shorter sessions if preferred |
| Senior | 20–30 minutes of gentle walking | Slow the pace and shorten distance with age |
Clumbers are slow but thorough in the field, trailing and retrieving well in rough country. The Daily Exercise Guide offers ideas for exercising a sporting breed.
Training a Clumber
Smart and eager-to-please Clumbers respond well to training. They're highly intelligent with a determined attitude, which can occasionally translate to stubbornness, so patient, positive methods work best.
Their love of carrying objects is an ingrained trait from their flushing-spaniel heritage, a quirk owners learn to work with. Early socialization helps these somewhat aloof dogs become confident, well-rounded companions. The Dog Training Guide and Puppy Care Guide offer a solid foundation.
Grooming a Clumber
The Clumber's dense, silky, straight coat is primarily white, so it shows dirt readily and needs regular brushing to stay clean and free of mats. The legs and chest are feathered and need attention. Clumbers shed a fair amount, and owners should also expect some drooling.
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3–4 times a week | Brush in the direction of the coat and check for tangles |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Use a mild dog shampoo |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Trim when you hear nails clicking on the floor |
| Ear checks | Weekly | Look for wax, redness, or odor |
| Teeth brushing | 2–3 times a week | Dental chews help as a supplement |
| Professional trim or clip | Every 6–8 weeks | Keeps the coat tidy and hygienic |
Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing. The Dog Grooming Guide covers caring for a dense, feathered coat.
Feeding a Clumber
A Clumber Spaniel should be fed high-quality food appropriate to its age, size, and activity level, typically in two meals per day. As a heavy-boned, substantial breed, careful weight management is important to keep joints healthy.
| Life stage | Meals per day | Portion per meal (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (under 6 months) | 3–4 meals | 1/2–1 cup | Use a good-quality puppy formula |
| Adult | 2 meals | 1–1.5 cups | Adjust to activity level and body condition |
| Senior (7+ years) | 2 meals | 1–1.25 cups | Consider a senior or joint-support formula |
Your veterinarian can recommend the right diet and portions.
Health and Veterinary Care
The Clumber Spaniel has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. As a large, heavy-boned breed, Clumbers can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, plus certain hereditary conditions. Responsible breeders health-test their breeding stock.
| Check-up | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness exam | Annual | Includes dental and weight check |
| Vaccinations | Annual booster | Follow your veterinarian's schedule |
| Heartworm prevention | Monthly (or as advised) | Year-round in most regions |
| Dental check | Annual cleaning as recommended | Watch for tartar buildup |
| Eye and ear health checks | Discuss with your vet | Part of the annual vet review |
| Senior wellness checks | Start from age 7 | Early detection of age-related conditions |
The Signs of a Healthy Pet guide is a useful home checklist.
Home Environment
Clumbers are sweet and easygoing at home, making them wonderful family companions. They're sturdy childhood playmates and can handle the rough-and-tumble of family life. Though a bit wary around strangers, they're friendly and gentle with those they know.
This is a breed that wants to be near its people and does best with a family that includes them in daily life. If you're weighing whether a Clumber Spaniel fits your life, the Choosing the Right Pet guide can help you compare honestly.
Common Ownership Challenges
Owning a Clumber Spaniel means committing to a fair amount of shedding and drooling, a white coat that shows dirt, and a somewhat aloof, occasionally stubborn dog. They're slow to gain popularity and can be hard to find from responsible breeders. Their strong scenting instinct demands secure containment and careful leash use.
Yet for the right owner, the Clumber is a treasure — an affectionate, amusing, and regal companion, the hunting companion of kings.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Affectionate, amiable, and gentle
- Intelligent and eager to please
- Excellent hunting companion
- Great with children
- Easygoing at home
- Relatively quiet (bark only when needed)
Disadvantages
- Sheds and drools
- White coat shows dirt
- Can be stubborn
- Somewhat aloof with strangers
- Needs regular grooming
- Rare breed; may have a waiting list
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Clumber Spaniels get? They stand 17–20 inches and weigh 55–85 pounds.
How long do Clumber Spaniels live? Typically 10 to 12 years.
Are Clumber Spaniels good family dogs? Yes — sweet, easygoing, and great with children.
Are Clumber Spaniels easy to train? Yes — smart and eager to please, though occasionally stubborn.
Are Clumber Spaniels good with other dogs? Yes — steady, reliable, and kind.
Are Clumber Spaniels good guard dogs? No — they make indifferent watchdogs.
Are Clumber Spaniels rare? Yes — one of the least common spaniel breeds.
How much exercise do Clumber Spaniels need? Moderate daily exercise.
Where did Clumber Spaniels come from? Developed in England, from origins believed to be in France.
Why are they called Clumbers? After Clumber Park, the Duke of Newcastle's English estate.
Do Clumber Spaniels shed? Yes — they shed a fair amount.
What health problems do Clumber Spaniels have? Hip and elbow dysplasia and some hereditary conditions.