History

The origin of the Clumber Spaniel is shrouded in mystery. The Alpine Spaniel, Basset Hound, Brittany Spaniel and Saint Bernard, have all been suggested as possible ancestors. The curious fact is that apparently all the records relating to the early years of these dogs in this country and in the country of their supposed origin - France, have either been lost or destroyed. The Clumber Spaniel is said to have arrived in England around 1770, supposedly a gift from the Duc de Noailles to the second Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Certainly there is a 1788 painting by F.Wheatley showing the Duke of Newcastle in Clumber Park with four lemon and white dogs which are recognisabel as forerunners of the modern Clumber. For a considerable time the Clumber was only known in this area and it was from here that they took their name.

In the 1800’s the Clumber was the most popular of the gundog breeds. Books written around that time refer to the Clumber as too well known to warrant description. Unfortunately they lost popularity when the working requirements changed and people wanted fast all rounders - not the slow methodical Clumber who was bred to perform a particular task.

Royalty became connected with Clumbers, first with Prince Albert, followed by King Edward VII, King George V and more recently HRH Princess Anne. King George V kept Labradors, Retrievers and Clumbers at Sandringham and it is interesting to note that only Clumbers were housed in the Royal kennels, whilst the others were kept by the keeper. He bred many working and show champions; the best remembered being Sandringham Sparkle.

In the post-war years, until the mid 1960's, the Clumber went into a decline in popularity when its fate was in the hands of a few dedicated breeders. Thankfully, through them, they managed to maintain the excellent qualities of the breed.  Today a steady resurgence of interest in this big white spaniel from shooting and show people, and from others who seek a true and faithful companion with a sense of humour and a great character will protect the breed as we know it. 

Breed Characteristics

The Clumber is the heaviest of the spaniels, with dogs reaching a weight of over 70lbs (32Kgs) with the bitches slightly less. Considering its weight the Clumber is active, and the characteristic "Clumber roll" is a movement typical of this breed, coming from the combination of a driving hind action and broad heavy shoulders. Despite his sad face, he is very comical, easy going and full of character.  A Clumber is always white with lemon or orange markings, mainly on the head.

Other noticeable characteristics pertaining to Clumbers are their thoughtful kindly expression; large square and massive head; eyes showing "haw" (which is to say that the lower eyelid is somewhat loose), which does not cause problems because the loose skin of the upper skull makes suitable compensation when the dog is working.

Owning a Clumber

There can be no parallel to the Clumber as a companion but there are some disadvantages. He has a white coat that sheds itself liberally over everything 365 days a year. His feathering, and being low to the ground ensures that a lot of muck gets flipped up on to his underside and adheres to his large paws. They have a tendency to slobber (dogs more so than bitches) and they are very good at snoring!!   Health problems may include hip dysplasia, eye problems such as entropion, skin disorders, invertebral disc problems.....; in fact they could be described as a walking disaster; although it should be pointed out that it would be unusual for ONE dog to suffer from ALL possible Clumber complaints.

In other respects the Clumber is ideal. He mixes well with dogs of other breeds and is extremely loyal to the family, although he can be reserved with strangers. In general the breed is long lived and will serve the family to the end.  They take two to three years to mature going through a wild and loving youth before settling down into a truly aristocratic, good natured, dignified companion who will play the clown when the time is right.

A Clumber should not be left alone all day while the owner is at work as they will be lonely and may become destructive. For the first few months in his home the Clumber puppy should be allowed to start developing into the massive dog he will become, by allowing him plenty of good quality food with bone-building additives, all the sleep he requires, and only limited amounts of exercise. At about six months he should be given increasing amounts of exercise. He will require regular grooming otherwise he will suffer from the most dreadful knots.

There is an innate "feel" for fieldwork in the Clumber, and while not as fast as the lighter spaniels, he will do the work of many beaters, leaving no cover unexplored and pushing his way into the thickest of it.  His original work was as a beater, and a team of these great dogs must have been a marvellous sight. The Clumber has only one aim in life and that is to please his master, and so he takes readily to training in retrieving and most dogs are as happy as a Labrador in water.

As a show dog, the Clumber is a striking sight and good specimens have been winning well in large variety classes and puppy stakes.  To keep a dog in show condition takes time and effort and the expense involved in class entries and travel must be a consideration.