Are Clumber Spaniels Good Pets? 6 Reasons to Consider This Breed

Clumber Spaniels are a rare dog today. However, they’re known for their mild-mannered nature and aristocratic vibes. For the most part, they’re utilized for hunting purposes and have yet to become exceedingly popular as companion animals.

That said, they absolutely can make good pets for the right family. There are tons of reasons you may want a Clumber Spaniel as a companion, including:

1. Exceptionally Easygoing

Spaniels are hunting dogs, so you’d be forgiven if you thought the Clumber spaniel was active. However, that isn’t the case, especially indoors. These dogs are true couch potatoes, tending to spend much of their time lying around. They tend to be readily behaved indoors, even as puppies.

They can have a mischievous streak, especially when they are younger. However, they are not nearly as active as most other Spaniels.

Expect your adult Clumber Spaniel to spend much of their time sleeping. You shouldn’t expect much activity out of them, which makes them suitable for more laidback families. However, they can be more prone to obesity than other dogs, as they won’t move around much unless encouraged.

Of course, obesity is related to tons of different health issues. You must keep these dogs on an exercise routine to prevent this.

2. Animated Outside

While these dogs spend their time lying around inside, they can be quite active outside. If you pick up a tennis ball, they become suddenly enthusiastic. (This breed tends to have a love for tennis balls. Seeing them carrying around two inside their massive mouth isn’t odd.)

If you have children, they can be great, gentle playmates outside. They can get moving, but they also have a bit of a “slowness” to them. They don’t become torpedoes like some other dog breeds, but they do like a good game of fetch. Their laid-back nature while exercising can prevent injuries to themselves and others.

When playing, you do have to prevent too much twisting or jumping. Otherwise, this breed is prone to back injuries thanks to their very short legs and stretch back, similar to Dachshunds and other similarly shaped dogs. They are not dogs to try out agility with.

3. Unusual, Rare Dog

Clumber Spaniels are common enough to find one relatively easily. They aren’t exceedingly rare dogs, but you’ve probably never seen one before. If you’re looking for a dog that is a bit more unusual, they can be a great option. Everyone in your neighborhood will surely wonder what dog you’ve adopted.

They also look odd and are very memorable, like a Corgi. They are built long and low to the ground. They’re surprisingly heavy for their size, and they tend to act more massive than they are.

Thanks to their laidback nature, they move like lumbering beasts.

4. Friendly and Polite

Clumber Spaniels are not guard dogs. They love everyone, including humans and other animals. They love to greet new friends with tennis balls and wagging butts. These dogs do tend to get their whole body into greeting new friends, so teaching them not to jump at a young age is important.

Of course, socialization is still important and highly recommended from a young age. Get them around lots of people and places to prevent potential behavioral issues, like fear-based aggression.

While Clumber Spaniels are friendlier than other dogs, you shouldn’t use this as an excuse to skip socialization.

5. Low-Key Barking

Clumbers aren’t known for excessively barking, despite being Spaniels. They’re well-suited to apartment living or in homes near each other. If you do a bit of “quiet” training, you can make them practically uninterested in barking, especially as they get older.

Given that many shorter dog breeds bark quite a bit, this trait can be hard to find. Of course, personality differences do play a role, too. Some Clumber Spaniels bark more than others.

6. Trainable

Clumbers are eager to please and bond closely with their owners. They want to make their owners happy, so training them is often straightforward. They are also intelligent, allowing them to pick up commands relatively easily.

Because of their ease of training, these dogs are often recommended for beginners. However, they can possess some stubbornness, especially around adolescence. It’s important to remain consistent, even if they decide to start ignoring your commands a few months into training.

Patience and consistency are key with this breed. However, your relationship is your main “pull” to encourage them to listen, so stick with positive reinforcement. Punishments can harm your bond and make them ignore you even more.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © CaptureLight/iStock via Getty Images