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Clumber spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is the heaviest of the spaniels, associated with Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire and with British aristocratic shooting from the eighteenth century.

It works slowly and methodically through dense cover rather than quartering at pace.

It stands 43 to 51 centimetres but weighs 25 to 39 kilograms — an unusual build, long and low and very substantial — and lives ten to twelve years. It is gentle, calm and affectionate, and it drools, sheds and snores considerably. It is a vulnerable native breed in Britain, with few litters registered annually, and it carries the health problems that come with a heavy body on short legs and a loose-eyed head.

Origin
England; associated with Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
Size
43–51 cm; 25–39 kg — long, low and heavy
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Dense white coat with lemon or orange markings; sheds heavily
Temperament
Calm, gentle and affectionate; slow and methodical
Health
Entropion and ectropion, hip dysplasia, obesity, ear infections

Related: American water spaniel · Boykin spaniel · Cavalier King Charles spaniel · Cocker spaniel · English cocker spaniel

2 clumber spaniel photos, newest first

  • Cinnamon, a clumber spaniel

    Cinnamon

    Cinnamon was promoted to baker guarding a runaway bread roll; unfortunately, a pile of cushions slowly topples.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Cinnamon, a clumber spaniel

    Cinnamon

    Cinnamon was told to stay. Cinnamon negotiated.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a clumber spaniel

Weight control is the central health task. A heavy dog on short legs is hard on hips and spine, and Clumbers are enthusiastic eaters that gain easily. Measure food and feel the ribs monthly.

The loose lower eyelids mean entropion and ectropion are common; both often need surgery, and the eyes need wiping regularly in the meantime.

Ask for hip scores. Hip dysplasia is common in the breed.

Ears are long, heavy and poorly ventilated. Clean weekly.

Exercise needs are moderate rather than low — they need real walks, just not fast ones. Expect drool, shedding and snoring as part of the package.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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