Clumber Spaniel

Breed Description:

Author, Breed Description: Ed Presnall, TX

• Original Purpose: Clumbers were orignially bred as a "Gentlemen's Gun Dog". The Clumbers are deserving of their popularity with shooting men, for no dog is a more capable assistant to the gun. They are by inclination the keenest and most persevering of hunters, have the best noses, and, considering their massive build, have remarkable powers of endurance.

• Breed History:

  • Earliest record: 1000 AD
    
  • Country of Origin: Unknown - Most Likely Spain
    
  • First Year of Registry with AKC 1878
    
  • Breed Registration Statistics

  In 1994 the AKC registered a total of 129 Clumbers from 36 litters and in 1995 a total of 183 Clumbers from 47 litters. There are approximately 1,200 Clumbers in the U.S. and it is estimated that there are less than 3,000 worldwide.

• A Clumber Historical Time Line and Frequently Asked Questions at the author's web site.

Size:

• Height (inches): 19 to 20 (dogs); 17 to 19 (bitches)
  The standard states that Clumbers above or below these sizes are to be severely penalized. The Clumber possesses massive bone, and is rectangular in shape. Length to height is approximately 11 to 9 measured from the withers to the base of the tail and from the floor to the withers.

• Weight (pounds): 70 to 85 (dogs); 55 to 70 (bitches)
  

Eye color: dark preferred

Lips: a loose lipped breed with large jowels

Ear type: a grape leaf shape drop ear. The drop ear is typical in spaniels in general. Dogs with drop ears may require a bit more ear care than dogs with the wild type erect ear. Generally a weekly cleaning with a cotton ball is all that is necessary.

Average life span: 10-12 years.

Cosmetic Surgeries (to establish 'breed look')? Front and hind dew claws if present should be removed. Tail is to be docked.

Color: The Clumber is primarily a white dog with lemon or orange markings. Marking around one eye, both eyes or white face are of equal value. Freckles on the muzzle and forelegs are common. The fewer markings on the body, the better, although a spot near the root of the tail is common.

Coat Type: The body coat is dense, straight, flat and is of good weather resistant texture; it is soft to the touch, not harsh. Ears are slightly feathered with straight hair. Feathering on the legs and belly is moderate. The Clumber has a good neck frill and on no condition should his throat be shaved. The feet may be trimmed to show the natural outline, as well as the rear legs up to the point of hock. Tail feathering may be tidied. Trimming of whiskers is optional. No other trimming or shaving is to be condoned.

The coat on most Clumbers has longer guard-hairs on top with a soft, dense undercoat, depending on seasonal conditions. All dogs lose coat at some point during the year, and the hair they do lose is long enough that it's pretty easy to sweep or vacuum. Extreme stress or health problems can lead to excessive shedding. Daily brushing will help keep things under control.

The coat of a typical clumber while pleasantly feathered is not dense and full like the coat of the American Cocker Spaniel and show-type Irish Setter. This means that the average owner can maintain the coat and that regular clipping and thinning by a professional groomer is not necessary.



Temperment: The stocky, slow moving Clumber Spaniel is a great companion. Clumbers are a sedate and affectionate breed and will be great partners to those who appreciate the qualities of a fine sporting dog but do not have the time or energy to trail after the speedy flight of the setters or pointers. Clumbers get along well with just about everyone - other animals included. They are not aggressive and can be fine guardians for children.

A first time Clumber owner should carefully consider the genetic background of the parents. Clumbers, like most "rare" breeds have a limited gene pool. They are therefore sometimes diagnosed with eye and hip problems.

Some Clumbers have been diagnosed with eye problems. Retinal Dysplasia (RD) is a genetic defect present at birth in which the retina may be curved or irregularly shaped and may also be detached. Responsible breeders will check their litters by the age of 8 weeks, and will offer written documentation to the buyer, signed by a AVCO Board-Certified Veterinarian, of "clear eyes" or to the extent of any detected eye defects.

Most of the time, this condition if diagnosed in puppies does not get worse. For additional information on RD visit the CERF page on-line.

RD is caused by a simple recessive gene. It takes a defective gene from each parent to produce an affected dog; however, an unaffected dog could be a carrier of the gene. Dogs which are known carriers should not be bred.

Additionally, Clumbers are abnormally susecptible to eye problems known as entropion. Entropion is the rolling inwards of the eyelid, sometimes allowing the stiff rim of the lid to rub and irritate the eye. In Clumbers it seems to be the lower lids that cause the most problems. The lid may roll so far as to allow the hair on the lid to rub the eyeball itself. Depending on the dog this may cause considerable discomfort, corneal ulcers, infections and even blindness. For lucky owners the dog may be somewhat resistant to this abrasion.

Clumber owners should, on a daily basis, place a soaked warm washcloth over the eyes, soften any crust or tear residue and wipe away. This process takes only about a minute and should feel good to the dog. Several articles on entropion , causes and care, have been written and are available on-line for your review.

Clumber Spaniels are equally at home in an apartment or a residential home. They, like most spaniels, require some daily exercise. While they might prefer ten acres in the country and their own pond to play in, many Clumbers thrive in city settings. As the Clumber matures, brisk walks, bicycling, or ball-chasing can keep the Clumber in excellent shape.

Clumbers, bred originally as working dogs, may require more exercise than a normal spaniel. Failure to provide sufficient excercise will result in an overweight condition, atrophy of the muscles and a reduced lifespan.

As in most of the medium to large breeds, Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) affects most Clumbers. Although the percentage of affected dogs is decreasing, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) statistics for Clumbers shows that of the 124 animal X-rays submitted for examination, between January 1974 and January 1995, only 2.4% of these animals had Excellent hips, with 45.4% being rated as Good or Fair.


Special Requirements: Fenced yard. Owner who is willing to own a dog that generally cannot be turned free in an unfenced area to run and play. The coats require at least weekly brushing.

Special Competitive Activities for this Breed: As a large boned dog, Clumbers are quite adapt at conformation and obedience. Clumbers have won Best In Show at both Crufts and Westminister. They are easily trained and are natural hunters and trackers.

Breed Pluses: Adults are calm in the house - they spend most of their time asleep on the floor or your bed, while you read or engage in some other task for hours. However they have a tendency as young adults to chew on furniture, books or anything else they can fit into their mouth. The coat does not hold mud, a quick brushing once mud is dried will clean the dog.

Breed Minuses: Owners typically get very tired of responding to the question, 'What kind of dog is that?" They are a lovely breed with minimal negative response, provided sufficient exercise is allowed.

Who should own this breed?

Anyone who is looking for a lifelong friend. They will lie around all day and then be ready to walk for miles with their owner. People involved in outdoor activities such as hunting, tracking or obedience. Clumbers are not Goldens. They tend to do things in their own manner and on their own time frame. They are easily trainable, but there has never been a OTCH Clumber. People who want a dog that is quiet when they are in its presence and is very good with children and other animals.

Who should not own this breed?

People who think they don't need a fence because they have acreage in the country. People without fences. People who expect a high degree of instant obedience out of a dog. People who don't like brushing a dog or scooping up dog hair off of the floor. People who have problems dealing with the ear and eye care needs of a modertly loose skinned dog with drop ears.