Life expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: 18-20 inches (male); 17-19 inches (female)
Coat: Medium
Temperament: Gentlemanly, mellow, intelligent, eager to please, gentle, loyal
Exercise needs: An hour a day
Origin: England
The Clumber Spaniel gains its namesake from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, UK, and they were originally bred at the end of the 18th century as hunting dogs designed to work in thick cover. Though they are the heaviest spaniel breed, they are true gentle giants. With their large heads, droopy eyes and floppy ears, they are a gentlemanly and mellow addition to a family home, though they are serious scent-hunters when out and about.
These friendly spaniels are easygoing and easy to please, and though they can be wary of strangers, they are not prone to bark or show aggression. They get along well with children and other dogs, but as with all working breeds, they benefit from early training and socialization.
If you think a Clumber Spaniel is the perfect match for you, read on to find out more about this British breed, with expert advice from vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan.
Do Clumber Spaniels shed?
Yes, Clumber Spaniels are known for their shedding. They have a double coat made up of a dense undercoat and a water-resistant outer coat. The coat is medium in length, with feathering around their chest, legs, tail and ears.
During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing with a de-shedding tool can help you to keep on top of the increased hair loss, keeping them – and your home – looking tidier.
What grooming needs does a Clumber Spaniel have?
Thanks to the Clumber Spaniel’s double coat, regular grooming is a must to avoid tangles and matting.
“Brushing a Clumber Spaniel’s coat a couple of times a week is recommended to keep it looking its best,” confirms Dr MacMillan. “You may also need to trim their feathery legs, paws, and ears to keep them neat and tangle-free.”
As with all dogs, daily toothbrushing is recommended, along with monthly nail trims. Keeping their long, droopy ears clean will also help to keep ear infections at bay.
Are Clumber Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes, Clumber Spaniels are renowned for being really great family dogs. Though they are a powerful breed, they are gentle and laid back in the home, and they’re a steady and dependable companion if the right training has been provided.
“Clumber Spaniels are known for being patient, gentle and affectionate, which makes them great family pets,” says Dr MacMillan. “They are good with children, provided they have had the right early socialization and training.”
They are an intelligent breed and are easy to please, though they can show some stubbornness and like to think things through. Keep training sessions short and sweet to maintain their interest, and focus on positive, reward-based training to get the best from your Clumber Spaniel.
And bear in mind their history as a working dog – though they are mellow at home, they do need enough exercise to prevent any boredom. They enjoy long walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing – while they are slower-moving than many spaniels, they still have plenty of stamina.
Are Clumber Spaniels good with cats?
Although Clumber Spaniels are working dogs, they are generally considered to be a good choice of dog for a home with cats, as long as they are introduced to them at a young age.
“Clumber Spaniels are calmer and less energetic than most other spaniel breeds, which makes them a good choice if you have cats,” explains Dr MacMillan. “However, you must ensure that your Clumber is introduced to cats from an early age and that any interactions are supervised and positive.”
Do Clumber Spaniels drool a lot?
Yes, Clumber Spaniels are a breed known to drool a lot, thanks to their droopy lips. This can make the coat around their face and chest sticky, meaning regular brushing is important to prevent matting. Their face shape can also mean they are prone to snoring.
Clumber Spaniel common health problems
Clumber Spaniels are prone to “many different” health complaints, says Dr MacMillan.
Due to their characteristic droopy facial features, various eye complaints can be common.
“Entropion (rolling inwards) of the eyelids can cause watery eyes and painful eye ulcers,” she explains. “Ectropion (eyelids that roll outwards) can contribute to dry eye and eye infections.
“They are also prone to hereditary eye conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), but health screening parent dogs can reduce the risk of these problems being passed on to their offspring,” Dr MacMillan adds.
The Clumber Spaniel’s droopy ears are another consideration to bear in mind, as they can be prone to ear infections.
“Floppy ears trap heat and moisture in the ear canal, which is the perfect breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Underlying skin allergies can also increase their chances of suffering from ear flare-ups,” explains Dr MacMillan.
The breed’s long backs can be another cause for concern, as Dr MacMillan confirms: “Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is common in this breed due to their long backs. IVDD can cause pain, paralysis, and incontinence.”
As with many pedigree breeds, developmental joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia are also seen frequently in Clumber Spaniels. Dr MacMillan explains that this can lead to “pain, mobility issues and the early onset of arthritis”.
Should I buy a Clumber Spaniel?
If you’re after a gentle giant who enjoys long, leisurely walks, then the Clumber Spaniel could be for you. These mellow gentlemen are a welcome addition to any family home, getting on well with children and other pets, and they’re the perfect snuggle buddy after a long day.
They’re not prone to barking or aggression, and though they can be aloof with strangers, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more loyal dog breed to add to your family.
These friendly dogs can be a good choice for first-time dog owners, as long as you’re prepared to put in the time and effort to train and socialize your new pup. However, do be aware of their grooming needs – particularly thanks to their shedding and drooling – and ensure they have annual health check-ups with the vet to catch any potential health issues early on.
Read next: King Charles Cavalier vs Cocker Spaniel or Cocker vs Springer
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
