Clumber Spaniel

Temperament & Personality

The Clumber Spaniel presents a wonderfully paradoxical personality: they are the very picture of a dignified, mellow, and gentle giant, yet beneath that stoic exterior beats the heart of a playful and mischievous clown. Often called the "retired gentleman's spaniel" for their leisurely pace, they are loyal, affectionate, and profoundly good-natured companions who bond deeply with their families.

Don't let their calm demeanor fool you; your Clumber is an intelligent and determined dog, especially when something captures their interest—which is often food. This intelligence fuels a comical, naughty streak, and they are famous "counter surfers" known for plotting raids on the kitchen. Their puppyhood is famously long, often lasting until they are three or four years old.

With a low-energy disposition, they prefer long, steady walks to intense runs, but daily exercise is still essential. In the home, they are devoted family members. Clumbers are generally patient with children, though their heavy build (up to 85 pounds) means they can accidentally topple a small child during play, so supervision is always wise. While they are usually amiable with other dogs, their strong hunting instincts make them unsuitable for homes with small pets like birds or rabbits. They tend to be aloof with strangers but are rarely shy or aggressive.

Care, Living Environment, & Grooming

Caring for a Clumber Spaniel means embracing their unique needs, from their exercise requirements to their considerable mess. A daily walk of 30 to 40 minutes at a steady pace is typically sufficient to keep them happy and, most importantly, to help prevent obesity—a significant risk for this heavy-bodied breed. They also enjoy activities like swimming and retrieving.

Due to their large size, heavy shedding, and prolific drooling, Clumbers are best suited for a house with a yard rather than an apartment. Be prepared for "Clumber glitter"—their white hair will be on everything—and have towels readily available to manage drool. They are also known for snoring loudly.

A Clumber's grooming routine is less about cosmetic appearance and more about proactive healthcare. Many of the breed's defining physical traits, like their droopy ears and facial folds, are also sources of potential health problems if not cared for diligently.

Daily/Weekly Tasks

• Dental Care: Because they are prone to dental disease, daily tooth brushing is highly recommended
• Ear Cleaning: Their heavy, low-set ears must be cleaned weekly to prevent infections
• Facial Fold Care: Wipe the skin folds on their face with a damp cloth every few days to keep them clean and dry, preventing yeast infections
• Brushing: Brush their dense coat two to three times a week to help manage heavy shedding and prevent mats

Monthly Tasks

• Bathing: A bath about once a month should suffice
• Nail Care: Trim their nails regularly
• Paw Maintenance: Trim the hair between their paw pads and up to their hocks to keep them neat and prevent debris from collecting

Training & Socialization

Training a Clumber Spaniel requires patience, a good sense of humor, and an understanding of their thoughtful nature. They are intelligent dogs with a desire to please, but they are also famously stubborn and independent thinkers. When you give a command, your Clumber will often stop and think it through before deciding whether to comply. This isn't defiance for its own sake; it's their methodical mind at work, weighing your request against more interesting options, like a compelling smell or a potential snack.

Because of this, training is often a negotiation. You must make your request the most rewarding option available. Positive reinforcement with praise and high-value treats is essential, but use food rewards wisely to avoid weight gain. Harsh methods are completely ineffective and will damage your bond with this sensitive breed.

Early and thorough socialization is vital to help your Clumber puppy grow into a confident, stable adult. Gentle exposure to many different people, dogs, and environments will prevent them from becoming overly reserved or shy. Be aware of their natural instincts: they have a strong prey drive for small animals and a tendency to carry—and sometimes swallow—foreign objects, which can lead to dangerous blockages.

Health Considerations

While loving and loyal, the Clumber Spaniel is prone to a number of significant health issues. Their average lifespan is 10 to 12 years. Many of their common ailments are directly linked to the physical conformation that defines the breed—their heavy bones, long back, and massive head. This makes choosing a responsible breeder who conducts extensive health screening an absolute necessity.

Key health concerns include:

• Orthopedic Problems: Hip and elbow dysplasia are extremely common; one report suggests that up to 44% of the breed is affected by hip dysplasia. Their long back also predisposes them to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which can cause severe pain and even paralysis
• Eye Conditions: The breed's characteristic droopy eyes and loose facial skin make them susceptible to entropion (eyelids roll inward) and ectropion (eyelids roll outward), which often require surgical correction to prevent pain and corneal damage
• Ear Infections: Their heavy, low-set ears provide a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, leading to chronic infections if not cleaned regularly
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland is not uncommon and requires lifelong medication to manage symptoms like weight gain and skin issues
• Bloat (GDV): As a deep-chested breed, Clumbers are at an increased risk for this life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Owners should learn the signs and take preventative measures, such as feeding smaller meals
• PDP1 Deficiency: A rare, inherited metabolic disorder that causes extreme exercise intolerance. A DNA test is available and should be performed on breeding dogs

Cost of Ownership

Owning a Clumber Spaniel is a significant financial undertaking. As a rare breed, puppies from reputable breeders are expensive, typically costing between $2,000 and $4,000. The first year also involves costs for supplies, initial vet care, and spaying or neutering.

The estimated annual cost of ownership is around $2,400. This figure is higher than that of many other breeds due to the Clumber's large size and extensive health risks. A breakdown includes:

• Food: Feeding a large dog of 55 to 85 pounds with high-quality food will likely cost between $600 and $900 per year
• Veterinary Care & Insurance: This is the largest and most critical expense. Routine care can be $500 to $700, but given the high probability of health issues, annual vet bills can easily reach $2,000 or more. Pet insurance is strongly recommended and may cost $600 to $1,200 or more per year for this breed
• Grooming: You will need a steady supply of brushes, ear cleaner, and wipes for facial folds, which can cost $200 to $500 annually, especially if you opt for any professional grooming

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely loyal, gentle, and affectionate with family
• Mellow, low-energy companion, calm in the house
• Amusing, playful, and clownish personality
• Good with children and other dogs (with supervision)
• Unique, dignified appearance and a rare breed

Cons

• Sheds and drools heavily; a very messy housemate
• Prone to numerous serious and expensive health problems
• Can be very stubborn and challenging to train
• Not suitable for homes with small pets due to prey drive
• Loud snorer

Fun Facts

• The Clumber is the largest and most substantial of all the spaniel breeds, with males weighing up to 85 pounds. They are built long, low, and heavy to power through dense underbrush while hunting
• The breed has long been a favorite of British royalty. Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's husband), King Edward VII, and King George V were all devoted fans and breeders of Clumber Spaniels
• Despite their rarity today, Clumber Spaniels were one of the first nine breeds to be officially recognized by the American Kennel Club upon its founding in 1884, highlighting their long-established history

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Clumber Spaniels shed a lot?

Yes, they are heavy shedders year-round. You should expect to find their white hair, affectionately called "Clumber glitter," on everything. They also drool a great deal, making them a less-than-ideal choice for very neat households.

Are Clumber Spaniels good apartment dogs?

No, they are generally not suited for apartment living. While they have low energy needs, they are large dogs that require more space than a small apartment typically offers. A home with a securely fenced yard is the best environment for them.

How much exercise does a Clumber Spaniel need?

A Clumber Spaniel needs moderate daily exercise, such as a steady walk of about 30 to 40 minutes. They are built for endurance, not speed, so they enjoy leisurely strolls and swimming more than intense running. This exercise is vital to prevent obesity.

Can first-time owners handle a Clumber Spaniel?

A first-time owner can be successful with a Clumber, but only if they are exceptionally patient, have a great sense of humor, and are fully prepared for the breed's messiness (shedding, drool) and significant health care needs. Their stubbornness requires a commitment to consistent, positive training.

References

1. American Kennel Club – Clumber Spaniel
2. Clumber Spaniel Club of America – Breed Information Booklet
3. WebMD – What to Know About Clumber Spaniels
4. Wikipedia – Clumber Spaniel
5. American Kennel Club – 7 Things You Didn’t Know About the Clumber Spaniel