Clumber Spaniel Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Clumber Spaniel is the heavyweight of the spaniel world: a long, low, mostly white dog with a thoughtful expression, a soft mouth and a calm, dignified manner. It is steady rather than flashy, and it suits people who like a relaxed companion.

Origins and appearance

The breed is associated with English estates, where it was used to push through heavy cover and flush game at a steady pace. Clumbers are long, heavy-boned and low to the ground, with a broad head, a deep muzzle, drooping lips and heavy eyelids. The dense, silky coat is mainly white with lemon or orange markings, often with freckles on the muzzle and legs.

Temperament

Clumbers are gentle, loyal and quietly affectionate. They are usually calm indoors and enjoy lying near their people. They can be a little aloof with strangers and are rarely hyperactive. Some are stubborn, and many love food. They are generally good with children and other pets, but their size means they should be supervised around small children.

Exercise

They need moderate exercise: daily walks of about an hour, plus play. They enjoy sniffing, retrieving and swimming, but are not built for speed or long runs, especially in heat. Avoid strenuous exercise while puppies are growing, and use ramps rather than jumping from cars.

Training

Clumbers are intelligent and usually willing, although they can be slow to respond and stubborn. Use food rewards and patient, short sessions. Early socialization helps, and house training is generally manageable. Teach polite leash walking before the dog is large and heavy.

Coat and grooming

The dense coat needs brushing several times a week and a trim of the feathering and feet. See cocker spaniel grooming guide. Clean the ears weekly and wipe the face, lips and eye area. Trim nails and brush teeth. Expect noticeable shedding.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip dysplasia and elbow problems. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Ear infections. See dog ear infections
• Eyelid conditions, such as entropion and ectropion
• Intervertebral disc disease. See intervertebral disc disease in dogs
• Obesity. See dog obesity risks
• Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, a DNA-testable condition in some lines
• Heat intolerance. See dog heatstroke

Living with a Clumber Spaniel

They suit homes with room to stretch out and a garden. They are not ideal for people who dislike drool or hair. They do best with company.

A typical day

A Clumber's day moves at an unhurried pace: a morning walk with plenty of sniffing, a long nap, a short play session and an evening stroll. Many Clumbers follow family members from room to room, then flop at their feet. They tend to snore. Keep meals measured and treats small, because extra weight stresses the back and joints.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are sturdy, clumsy and comical. Begin socialization, handle the face and ears often and avoid stairs and jumping while they are growing. Feed a balanced diet in measured portions. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a heavy dog, grooming, ear and eye care and potential orthopedic or eyelid surgery. Insurance may help. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Clumbers are prone to overheating, so exercise early or late in summer and always provide shade and water. They travel well in a large crate or secured space, and need help into tall vehicles.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include overfeeding, long exercise in heat, neglecting facial folds and ears, and allowing jumping from heights.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip and elbow scores, eye checks and the parents' temperaments and weights. Because litters are small, expect to wait.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Clumber suits calm, easygoing owners who want a gentle, heavy companion and accept drool and shedding. It may not suit marathon runners or house-proud owners. For a lighter spaniel, see the English Springer Spaniel.

The takeaway

Clumbers are gentle, slow and steady, and they need weight control, heat care and regular ear and eye checks.