July 27, 2025, 6:35 am | Read time: 5 minutes

Origin

The origins of the Clumber Spaniel can be traced back to the 18th century. According to historical accounts, some French hunting dogs were brought to the British Duke of Newcastle by the Duke of Nouailles, who continued breeding them on his estate, Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Through selective breeding, the modern Clumber Spaniel was developed, with its name directly referencing this place of origin.

For a long time, the breed was reserved for the British nobility, particularly as a flushing and retrieving dog for bird hunting. Its calm, systematic working style and keen sense of smell made it a valued hunting companion–even King George V is said to have used it into old age.

Despite its long history, the Clumber Spaniel is a rarity today. In Germany, it is extremely rare, and even in the United Kingdom, the Kennel Club lists it as a vulnerable native breed: Fewer than 300 puppies are registered there annually.

Appearance & Coat

The Clumber Spaniel appears compact and robust, with a shoulder height of about 18 inches and a weight between 66 and 75 pounds. The body is massive, while the legs are relatively short. Notable is the broad skull with a pronounced forehead, occasionally reminiscent of a St. Bernard.

The face is framed by large, hanging ears with smooth hair. Its coat is medium-length, dense, silky, and water-repellent–ideal for outdoor use. The base color is always white, complemented by lemon or orange markings, especially around the muzzle and ears.

A critical point in breeding is the increasing focus on excessive mass, which can promote health issues like joint strain or reluctance to move. Responsible breeding should therefore prioritize functionality over extreme appearance.

Character & Temperament

Compared to other Spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel often appears more reserved, almost introverted. It is considered gentle, loyal, and very balanced–qualities that make it particularly attractive for families or quiet households.

This dog appreciates a leisurely pace and brings a soothing deceleration to everyday life with its calm nature. It forms close bonds with its caregivers but is not overly demanding. However, the Clumber can be stubborn and has a strong will, requiring patience and experience in training.

Those who can live with occasional drooling and a rather laid-back temperament will find the Clumber Spaniel to be an affectionate and characterful partner.

Training

Clumber Spaniels are intelligent and eager to learn–provided their motivation is understood. With loving consistency, good results can be achieved. However, one should not be deceived by their apparent sluggishness: They quickly recognize weaknesses in consistency and cleverly exploit them.

An early visit to dog school and clear rules in everyday life are recommended. Positive training, combined with patience and firm routines, promotes their willingness to cooperate. Despite their calmness, they have a sensitive sense of injustice, making harsh training methods counterproductive.

Proper Care & Maintenance

The Clumber Spaniel does not have extreme environmental demands but requires regular exercise to prevent obesity. Walks, scent work, and moderate play sessions are usually sufficient to keep it physically and mentally stimulated.

Coat care is relatively straightforward: Brushing several times a week is enough to remove tangles and dirt. Typical are heavy shedding and increased salivation–both should be considered in its care.

The hanging ears must be regularly checked and cleaned, as they are prone to infections and parasites. The body weight should also be regularly monitored to prevent health problems.

Nutrition

The Clumber Spaniel requires a balanced, protein-rich diet with a meat content of about 70 percent. Vegetables, fruits, and fiber-rich ingredients should make up about 30 percent of the food ration.

Since the breed tends to overeat, a needs-based feeding is crucial. The daily ration should be adjusted to the activity level to avoid obesity. Treats should be used sparingly and included in the total food amount.

Food with high animal protein content and omega-3 fatty acids can additionally support coat and joint health.

More on the topic

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Rare Dog Breed Sussex Spaniel: Why the Nearly Forgotten Hunting Dog Is a Rare Find for Families

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Despite a generally robust constitution, the Clumber Spaniel is prone to some typical diseases. These include hip dysplasia (HD), eye problems like entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids), and disc issues. Due to its massive build, it is prone to obesity, which further strains joints and circulation. Regular weight checks and adjusted exercise are therefore essential.

Heat tolerance is also a concern: Clumber Spaniels are considered heat-sensitive and should always have access to cool, shady places in the summer. Regular veterinary checks help detect and treat health problems early.

The Clumber Spaniel at a Glance

• Temperament: loyal, gentle & calm

• Size: 18–20 inches

• Weight: 66–75 lbs

• Coat: medium-length, dense, silky, water-repellent

• Special Traits: rare breed, prone to drooling, obesity, and heat sensitivity