Clumber Spaniel

Canis lupus

Last updated: February 10, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Dora Zett/Shutterstock.com

Clumber spaniels were a favorite companion living in the castles of many royal families in the 18th and 19th centuries.


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Clumber Spaniel Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Clumber Spaniel Conservation Status

Clumber Spaniel Locations

Clumber Spaniel Locations

Clumber Spaniel Facts

Fun Fact
Clumber spaniels were a favorite companion living in the castles of many royal families in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Clumber Spaniel
Slogan
Has a thick, soft coat!
Group
Gun Dog

Clumber Spaniel Physical Characteristics

Color
  • White
  • Orange
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 years
Weight
29kg (65lbs)

Clumber Spaniel as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Low
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1000
Dog group
Sporting
Male weight
70-85 lbs
Female weight
55-70 lbs

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Clumber spaniels were a favorite companion living in the castles of many royal families in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Clumber spaniels are affectionate dogs with a sweet temperament. These dogs have strong, stocky bodies that sit low to the ground. They are the largest spaniels, with soft, long coats of mostly white or lemon with orange markings. Although they were bred for hunting, these canines make great companions. In fact, they do well with kids and are loyal members of a family!

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Evolution

The origin of this dog goes back to England in the 1700s. The Duke of Newcastle wanted a smart, reliable dog he could take along on hunting trips in the woods. So, he crossed a Basset hound with an Alpine spaniel. The result was a Clumber spaniel, named after the Duke’s estate, Clumber Park. The dogs gained popularity among aristocrats for their superb hunting skills and gentle disposition. These spaniels belong to the sporting group and are sometimes called bird dogs or gun dogs.

Portrait of three nice clumber spaniel

Clumber spaniels drool and sheds – but make up for it with sweet personalities.



©Lenkadan/Shutterstock.com

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Clumber Spaniel

Pros!Cons!
Good with other dogs
Clumber spaniels are happy to be in the company of other dogs in a household. Of course, introducing them slowly is always a good idea.
Drooling
This dog drools quite a bit which can be a nuisance to some owners.
A loyal companion
This dog loves to spend time with its owner whether they are out walking or inside watching TV.
Chasing birds
The Clumber spaniel was bred as a hunting dog to scare birds out of bushes. Some owners may not be pleased with this type of behavior.
Easy to train
The intelligence of this dog makes it easy to train. It can be distracted by various scents in the air so keeping the training sessions short is a smart idea.
Chewing activity
Like most spaniels, the Clumber spaniel has a tendency to chew especially if left alone at home for extended lengths of time.

Size and Weight

These spaniels are large dogs with medium-length dense coats. A male grows to be 19 inches tall at the withers whereas a female reaches 18 inches tall. In terms of weight, a male weighs up to 85 pounds while a female weighs up to 70 pounds. Starting out, eight-week-old puppies weigh around 8 pounds. Finally, these dogs are fully grown at 3 years old.

Height (Male)19 inches tall
Height (Female)18 inches tall
Weight (Male)85 pounds fully grown
Weight (Female)70 pounds fully grown

Common Health Issues

Most dog breeds have their own set of health issues and the Clumber spaniel is no exception. One of the health issues common to this dog is hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid gland doesn’t make an adequate amount of hormones. A dull, thin coat can be a sign of this condition. Another common health issue is Otitis externa. This condition causes inflammation in the middle ear that doesn’t go away on its own. Pain and itching are symptoms of this issue.

Entropion is another common condition of these spaniels. This is when the eyelid of a dog folds inward. Someone looking at a group of spaniel puppies can sometimes see this condition beginning to develop. Sometimes surgery is necessary to address this issue.

The most common health issues of Clumber spaniels are:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Otitis externa
  • Entropion
Clumber Spaniel portrait. The Clumber Spaniel stands on the grass in the park.

Clumber spaniels have a gentle, calm manner and are good with children.

©volofin/Shutterstock.com

Temperament & Behavior

These spaniels have a sweet personality that makes them a pleasure to have around the house. Their gentle, calm behavior makes them ideal for families with small children.

Intelligence is one of this dog’s most notable traits and makes them easy to train. However, it can be distracted by scents of nearby wildlife. After all, these dogs are built close to the ground! So, it’s recommended to train these dogs for short periods of time using lots of verbal praise.

This bird dog needs a moderate amount of exercise each day. Taking it for a walk in the woods or a field would be a delight to a canine with a nose that can detect every scent in the area!

How to Take Care of Clumber Spaniels

One of the best ways to prepare for a new puppy or adult dog is to learn as much about the breed as possible. Factoring in its health issues, diet, exercise, and grooming needs can help an owner provide first-rate care for this pet.

The Best Dog Food for Clumber Spaniels

Clumber spaniel puppies and adult dogs have different types of diets. Their nutritional needs change over time and feeding them the proper nutrients can help to head off certain health issues.

Puppy food:

A proper diet for Clumber spaniel puppies must include protein. Protein contains amino acids that contribute to the healthy growth of muscles and tissue. Also, protein provides the nutrients needed to grow a healthy coat. Fat in a puppy’s diet provides them with the energy they need to run around and explore its environment.

Furthermore, fat in a puppy’s diet supports brain and vision development. Vitamin E delivers antioxidants to support a puppy’s developing immune system. A strong immune system can prevent some of the common health issues faced by Clumber spaniels. Omega 3 fatty acids can decrease inflammation in a puppy’s ears and may help in the fight against Otitis externa.

Adult dog food:

Adult Clumber spaniels need fat in their diet to maintain their energy level. Of course, adults are less active than puppies, so they need a smaller amount of fat in their food. Protein in a Clumber spaniel’s diet continues to strengthen muscle and tissue. Vitamin A supports eye health in these dogs. Zinc and phosphorus support an adult dog’s immune system which can help in the battle against ear infections (Otitis externa).

Both puppies and adult dogs should drink at least one bowl of water per day. Water helps with digestion and eliminates toxins from the body.

This breed’s primary health concerns are difficult to treat with a targeted diet, but it doesn’t make food with balanced, complete nutrition any less important.

So A-Z Animals thinks the best dog food for Clumber Spaniels is Wellness CORE RawRev Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, High Protein Dog Food, and Original Recipe.

First of all, we like this boost of raw protein, especially for dogs dealing with thyroid problems and the dull, thin coat that may result. Second, the raw infusion retains more flavor, and it also supplies greater all-around nutrition. And combined with omega fatty acids, this recipe may improve the look and feel of your dog’s coat.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

Best Raw High Protein
Wellness CORE RawRev Wholesome Grains High Protein Dry Dog Food
  • Does not contain any fillers, wheat, corn or soy.
  • Fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine.
  • Features 100% freeze-dried turkey bites for a boost of savory flavor that dogs love.
  • Thoughtfully balanced with high-protein kibble, wholesome grains and nutrient-rich superfoods.
  • Crafted using advanced natural nutrition to support lean body mass, muscle tone and a healthy coat and skin.


Check Chewy Check Amazon
Clumber spaniel in a meadow

Because they shed, Clumber spaniels require brushing at least twice a week.

©Dora Zett/Shutterstock.com

Maintenance and Grooming

How much does a Clumber spaniel shed? These dogs shed a large amount of hair. However, brushing it twice per week can remove loose and dead hair from its coat. Brushing a Clumber spaniel outdoors is ideal.

It’s best to brush a dog starting at its head, then move in the natural direction of its coat toward its tail. A large slicker brush is an effective grooming tool for getting rid of loose and dead hair from its dense coat. A soft bristle brush can be used on this dog’s face.

Another part of the grooming routine should be cleaning the dog’s ears. Remove the debris in the dog’s ears with a gentle cleaning solution specially made for a dog’s ears. A soft cloth should be used on this sensitive skin. Cleaning a Clumber spaniel’s ears can help to prevent ear infections. An owner who’s unsure about how to clean the ears of this bird dog should look to a veterinarian for guidance.

Hypothyroidism is a Clumber spaniel trait that can cause dry, flaky skin. Owners should be aware of that as they go about their grooming routine.

Clumber spaniels are easy to train.

©Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Training

The Clumber spaniel is easy to train due to its intelligence. Owners must keep in mind that these dogs can be distracted fairly easily by any scents traveling through the air. Short obedience training sessions are the best way to go.

The American cocker spaniel is a close relative and another gun dog that’s easy to train.

Exercise

This dog needs a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy. An exercise period of 30 to 40 minutes daily is recommended. The combination of a Clumber spaniel’s stocky body and short legs makes it prone to taking on excess weight. Giving this dog exercise every day can help prevent unnecessary weight gain.

Walking in the woods, visiting a dog park, playing fetch, or throwing a ball around in the backyard are all fun activities for this dog. Keep in mind that it has short legs, so it won’t be able to take huge strides like a larger canine!

A Clumber spaniel is one of the many breeds of dogs that can live in an apartment. Of course, an owner should make sure the dog gets at least 30 minutes of exercise outdoors each day to keep it in good condition.

Puppies

The cuteness of a Clumber Spaniel Puppy

Clumber puppies need their eyes to be monitored for entropion.

©DNTaylor Photography/Shutterstock.com

One thing to keep in mind when raising Clumber spaniel puppies is to monitor their eye health. Entropion can start to form even during puppyhood. The sooner a veterinarian checks the puppy’s eyes, the quicker an owner can find out what can be done.

Children and Clumber Spaniels

These spaniels are known to be good with kids of all ages. They are even-tempered with an affectionate nature. Of course, small children should always be taught how to treat any puppy or dog with respect and kindness.

Dogs Similar to Clumber Spaniels

Breeds similar to the Clumber spaniel include the American Cocker spaniel, the English Cocker spaniel, and the American Water spaniel.

  • American Cocker spaniel – The American Cocker spaniel is another gun dog like the Clumber spaniel. It shares the Clumber’s sweet, energetic temperament. However, an American Cocker spaniel is a much smaller dog.
  • English Cocker spaniel – An English Cocker spaniel shares a lot of qualities with the Clumber spaniel including its reputation as a gun dog and ease of training. But, English Cocker spaniels don’t grow as large as Clumbers.
  • American Water spaniel – These dogs are intelligent and suitable for families with kids. But they can be more difficult to train due to a stubborn streak that a Clumber spaniel doesn’t seem to share.

Some popular names for Clumber spaniels include:

  • Duke
  • George
  • Blue moon
  • Jacques
  • Daisy
  • Greta
  • Ginger
  • Ozzy

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Clumber Spaniel FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much does a Clumber spaniel cost to own?

The initial cost for a Clumber spaniel ranges from $800 to $1200. A well-known kennel with Clumber spaniels such as the Blue Moon would have more specifics regarding the prices for these dogs. A kennel like the Blue Moon is going to be able to report on the family history of a puppy as well.

Veterinary care for this dog ranges from $500 to $1000 a year. The specific fees depend on the vaccinations and type of care this dog needs.

Food costs for this gun dog fall between $50 and $80 per month depending on the type of food an owner purchases.

Is a Clumber spaniel good with kids?

Yes, this breed is good with children.

How long does a Clumber spaniel live?

The lifespan of this breed is 10 to 12 years.

What breeds make a Clumber spaniel?

The Clumber spaniel is a mix between a Bassett hound and an Alpine spaniel. Unfortunately, Alpine spaniels are no longer around.

Are Clumber spaniels easy to train?

Yes, these dogs are intelligent, so they are easy to train.

Are Clumber Spaniels herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Clumber Spaniels are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Clumber Spaniels belong to?

Clumber Spaniels belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Clumber Spaniels belong to?

Clumber Spaniels belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Clumber Spaniels belong to?

Clumber Spaniels belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Clumber Spaniels belong to?

Clumber Spaniels belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Clumber Spaniels belong to?

Clumber Spaniels belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do Clumber Spaniels have?

Clumber Spaniels are covered in Hair.

What genus do Clumber Spaniels belong to?

Clumber Spaniels belong to the genus Canis.

What is an interesting fact about Clumber Spaniels?

Clumber Spaniels have a thick, soft coat!

What is the scientific name for the Clumber Spaniel?

The scientific name for the Clumber Spaniel is Canis lupus.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-facts-about-the-clumber-spaniel/
  2. Hill's Pet, Available here: https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/clumber-spaniel
  3. Your Pure Bred Puppy, Available here: https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/clumberspaniels.html

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