Description

Considered the most gentlest of all the aristocrats of the dog breeds, this very lovable and highly intelligent Clumber Spaniel is physically a very sound and sturdy dog, with the most perspective intelligent personality of any breed available in the sporting group. Very much a family dog, this dog adores children and all family members, and is very protective toward them along with being a good mother to their own puppies. As puppies themselves, they love to play ball and fetch, from the moment they can stagger around on their pudgy little legs and put things in their mouth--they and children kind of go hand-in-hand.

A very gentle dog, this long and low-to-the-ground heavy dog cannot handle any harsh criticism, or physical abuse. If treated as such, the dog will simply go down emotionally and mentally, refusing to budge, which gives the Clumber a "dumb attitude" appearance which causes many people to consider this dog an unintelligent breed and not worthy of anything--which is quite the opposite of what the breed actually is. Anyone who has ever had a Clumber Spaniel will stay with the breed, even as uncommon as the breed is, as there are no other breeds with this level of devotion or kindness to their owner and his family until their dying day.

Coat Description

The coat of the Clumber Spaniel is very thick, silky, with a very dense undercoat. Very soft to the touch, the Clumber\'s hair is straight and weather resistant, which combined with its low body feature and heavy weight allows it to move through the field without tearing of the skin or damage to the body.

History

The legend of the Clumber Spaniel says that its ancestors were beaters and retrievers, owned by the French Duc de Noailles, who during the French Revolution sent quite a number of his dogs to the Duke of Newcastle in England to ensure their safety. This may be the reason the history of the dog is split between the two countries, both laying claim to its early development. Where today this avuncular dog methodically tracks and retrieves fallen leaves and hidden insects, at one time it worked as a team to very carefully, step by step, beat game toward the hunters waiting at the end of the field.

But regardless, the development of the Clumber Spaniel is wide and varied with its parent stock disappearing into thin air, with the only written words going back to the last half of the 18th century. The Clumber Spaniel in theory to come from a blend of the Basset Hound with an early European spaniel, the now extinct Alpine Spaniel. England states their name comes form Clumber Park in Nottinghanshire. Unequaled to any dog other than the Bloodhound, this aristocratic breed has been kept pure from any outside sources of plebian blood for several generations. With a noble and ancient lineage that goes back such a long way, they popularity of the Clumbers around the early 1900s was due to the excellent record these dogs had at field trials. In the United States by 1995, over 500 Clumbers have placed with either an AKC Championship title before their name, or AKC Obedience, Tracking, and Hunting titles after their name.

Regardless which country, Britain or France, laid claim to the original development of the Clumber, their breed was totally confined to the nobleman, not being allowed into any outside hands until the mid-nineteenth century. But during WWI, any breeding operation of this breed was stopped entirely, which caused their numbers to sink to a record low with only a few breeding stock remaining. But in 1925, King George V re-developed the Sandringham Clumbers, with the Royal Kennel producing a line of Clumbers that were working dogs in the field, with durable and outstanding quality showmanship in the dog rings. Rated highly, the King\'s Clumbers were used in a pack to work the vast rhododendron field around the Sandringham Estate.

After the war, breeding stopped entirely until a period in time when many prominent English kennels appeared--Snowholme, Cuerden, Mason, Mason, Anchorfield, Fatpastures, Oldholbans, Alansmere, Sefton, and Raycroft. The breed was brought over to the United States as early as 1844 by Lt. Venables of the British regiment, stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, introducing the dog to his fellow officers. Recognized as one of the oldest breeds in America, one of the first ten breeds recognized by the AKC when their organization began in 1884, it really did not enter into the mainstream until the past ten years or so.

Temperament

The devoted Clumber Spaniel is a very heavy dog that refuses to acknowledge that it is not a small lap dog, and cannot just lightly jump into anyone\'s lap. Desiring to lie as close to its owner as possible to touch, it will lie on your feet or lap (if it can!), and if desperate enough, will lean against the legs--anything that will bring it in close physical proximity to its owner. To develop this close relationship, it is a good idea to exercise the family Clumber by walking or playing fetch in order to keep the weight down, which is a really problem with this breed in addition to constant shedding. Enough exercise and regular daily to weekly brushing and combing will work wonders with this small gentle giant with the big heart.

Known as a stubborn breed, usually it refers to the fact the Clumber Spaniel is not getting enough physical or mental stimulation. Not an easy dog to work with, they become bored very easy. It is said by Clumber trainers that the owner needs to show them with firm consistency, they mean what they say--the owner is "alpha" and not the dog. Respect training is a mandatory requirement for individuals who are in the process of getting a Clumber. The need to learn to respect their owner, and know the rules of the home for visitors and other pets. Otherwise if allowed to reign free--like most breeds, but especially this breed, will believe they are higher in the "pack order" of the home. The pack order is a ladder of hierarchy regarding "who is boss." Dogs are very sociable animals who enjoy having other sociable animals or humans around them in a group (family) or pack of animals.

As a hunting dog, this breed is by tendency to have the keenest of noses with the most remarkable massive build, and powers of endurance. With an ancient lineage proudly behind them, they are very deserving of the hunting reputation as a very capable hunting assistant to their owner. Easily controlled with the proper training, the Clumber Spaniel takes naturally to the water for retrieving and "fetching," and are good at retrieving anywhere in the field.

Thyroid Disease - Low Risk

The Clumber Spaniel ranks #79 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence. This is considered a low risk breed so your chances of obtaining a dog with the disease is small. It is still suggested that dogs meant for breeding still be tested to help bring the incidence of disease even lower (or even eliminate it). 

You can download the full report (on all breeds) by the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health. Here

Other Health Problems

CHD refers to canine hip dysplasia, and is considered a skeletal abnormal development. The head of the femur does not fit snugly into the pelvic socket, requiring hip radiograph as a special diagnostics. Entropion refers to inversion of the eyelids, where the eyelids roll inwards enough to irritate the eye.

Lamb and rice diets are usually the prime food for this dog as it gains weight easily, and is prone to flea and skin allergies. Not health issues--but they do drool, wheeze, and snore--which is easily overlooked by their owners as they are so sweet, loyal, and lovable.