Clumber Spaniel Coat Type: Texture, Shedding, And Real-Life Care
The Clumber Spaniel is a big, sturdy, laid back hunting dog that loves a slow walk and a cozy couch. People often fall in love with their sleepy eyes and blocky head, then realize later that the coat is its own project. The Clumber Spaniel coat type is soft, dense, and very fluffy underneath, and it affects almost everything, from how often you sweep the floor to how you groom.
This breed has a double coat that sheds a lot all year and even more during seasonal changes. That same coat keeps them warm in winter, comfortable in wet weather, and gives them that classic teddy bear look. It also means you will find white hairs in places you never expected.
This guide walks you through what the coat looks and feels like, how it changes with the seasons, what shedding is really like, and a simple grooming routine that works for real life, not just the show ring.
If you want a wider picture of the breed itself, including personality and exercise needs, you can also look at this helpful Clumber Spaniel breed overview.
What Does a Clumber Spaniel Coat Type Look and Feel Like?
A Clumber Spaniel has a thick, solid, medium length coat that feels both sturdy and soft. When you run your hand along the back, the outer coat feels straight and a bit firm, like a strong layer of protection. When you push your fingers deeper, you feel the soft, fluffy undercoat close to the skin.
The breed standard from organizations like the American Kennel Club describes the coat as dense, weather resistant, and straight. In simple terms, this means it keeps water from soaking in quickly and helps the dog stay warm in cold or wet conditions. It is not silky like a show Cocker Spaniel, but it is not rough like some hunting breeds either.
Most Clumbers are white with pale patches of color. Their ears feel like soft velvet, and the feathering on their chest and legs can feel like a fringe of silk. When they lie beside you, they feel like a big, warm pillow.
Because the coat is heavy, it can trap dirt, leaves, and burrs from outside. The white body makes every bit of mud stand out. Owners often joke that their dog looks clean only during the walk from the bath tub to the towel.
If you are thinking about welcoming a Clumber into your life, it helps to picture not just the dog, but also the daily brushing, the vacuum, and the towel near the back door. That is part of the package with this coat type.
Double coat explained: outer coat and soft undercoat
A double coat means the dog has two layers of hair, each with a job.
The outer coat on a Clumber Spaniel is:
- Straight and flat, not curly
- Dense, with hair that lies close to the body
- Somewhat coarse compared with the undercoat
- Designed to shed water and protect from branches and brush
The undercoat is:
- Thick and soft
- Fluffy, like cotton close to the skin
- Packed tight in cooler weather
- The main source of heavy shedding
These two layers work together like a good winter jacket over a thermal shirt. The outer coat helps block rain and snow, while the undercoat traps warm air near the skin. When the seasons change, the dog drops much of that undercoat to stay comfortable, which is why you see so much hair at certain times of year.
Because both layers have a clear purpose, shaving a Clumber Spaniel is not recommended. Shaving can:
- Damage the texture of the outer coat
- Reduce natural weather protection
- Make it harder for the coat to grow back correctly
- Leave the dog at higher risk of sunburn and temperature stress
Most breeders and breed clubs, such as those quoted in resources like the Clumber Spaniel illustrated standard, warn against close clipping or shaving. Light trimming is fine, but the double coat needs to stay.
Coat color and markings: white with lemon or orange patches
Clumber Spaniels are almost always white with touches of color. The main coat is a solid white canvas, then you see:
- Lemon or orange patches on the ears
- Color around the eyes, which can look like soft eye shadow
- Spots or patches on the body, often on the sides or base of the tail
- Light freckles, called ticking, on the muzzle or legs
The white body makes this dog very eye catching, but it also shows every bit of dirt. After a wet walk, a Clumber can look like it is wearing brown boots. A quick trip through a muddy yard can turn the belly from white to gray in seconds.
Many owners keep a stack of towels by the door to wipe down legs and bellies before the dog comes inside. Because their coat is thick and pale, stains from grass, mud, or tears can show. Regular grooming and a sensible bath schedule help keep the coat bright without overdoing it.
To see how coat color fits with the rest of the dog’s build, you can compare photos and descriptions in breed articles like this Clumber Spaniel dog breed profile from Showsight Magazine.
Feathering and coat length on ears, belly, and legs
Feathering means the longer, softer hair that hangs down from certain parts of the body. On a Clumber Spaniel, feathering shows up on:
- Chest and neck
- Back of the front and rear legs
- Belly and the underside of the tail
- Edges of the ears
This feathering gives the dog a soft, flowing outline. When the dog trots, the feathering moves like a light fringe and makes the dog look even more gentle and cushy.
That pretty hair comes with extra work. Feathering:
- Tangles and mats faster than the main coat
- Catches burrs, grass seeds, and twigs
- Soaks up mud and water, especially on the belly and legs
Because of this, feathering is the area that needs the most brushing and some trimming. Keeping the feathering neat does not mean turning the dog into a short haired dog. It simply means shaping the edges and removing knots so the coat stays comfortable and clean.
Do Clumber Spaniels Shed a Lot? What Owners Should Expect
Clumber Spaniels shed a lot. Many owners joke that their dog is always in season, at least when it comes to hair. If you wear black pants, you will see white hairs on them.
The coat is thick, so when hair falls out, it collects on floors, carpets, and furniture. With a simple grooming routine and a good vacuum, the situation feels manageable, but it is not a low shedding breed.
Compared with other medium and large double coated dogs, such as Golden Retrievers or English Springer Spaniels, Clumbers are in the heavier shedding group. They are usually not quite as extreme as some Arctic breeds, but they are far from light shedders.
Before you bring home a puppy, it helps to read a full care breakdown, like the one in this Clumber Spaniel breed information guide from PetMarketNYC, so you can picture the daily reality.
Year-round shedding with heavier seasonal coat blow
Clumber Spaniels shed all year. That is part of having a double coat. You will see loose hairs every day, especially on areas where the collar rubs or where the dog stretches out to nap.
Twice a year, usually in spring and fall, many Clumbers go through a heavier shed, often called a “coat blow.” During this time, the thick undercoat comes out in clumps. You may pull out handfuls of soft hair during brushing. The dog may look slightly thinner in coat for a few weeks after this heavy shed.
Compared with other breeds:
- They shed more than many single coated breeds
- Shedding is similar to or heavier than typical sporting dogs with double coats
- They are not as extreme as some thick coated northern breeds, but they are still heavy
The coat blow is normal, not a sign of illness, as long as the skin looks healthy and the dog is acting like itself. Regular brushing during these times helps control loose hair and keeps the coat comfortable.
How Clumber Spaniel coat type affects your home and cleaning routine
Living with a Clumber Spaniel means living with dog hair. You will see it:
- Along baseboards and in room corners
- On couches, chairs, and car seats
- On your clothes, especially dark fabrics
- On dog beds, blankets, and rugs
This does not have to feel overwhelming. Simple habits make a big difference.
Helpful ideas:
- Use washable throws or blankets on furniture where your dog likes to sleep
- Choose easy to clean flooring in high traffic areas, such as tile or vinyl
- Vacuum floors and soft surfaces often, even a quick daily pass in your main room helps
- Keep a lint roller or pet hair remover near the door for a quick clothing check
Some owners also keep a “dog towel” by the back door. Wiping the belly, legs, and feet before the dog comes in cuts down on dirt and loose hair that spread through the house.
If you are still in the planning stage and looking at different breeds, you can match coat needs with puppy shopping ideas on pages like these Clumber Spaniel puppies for sale, then weigh how much shedding you truly can handle.
Allergies and dander: is a Clumber Spaniel hypoallergenic?
Clumber Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. They have a heavy double coat and normal dog dander. Dander is tiny flakes of skin and dried saliva that stick to hair and float in the air. People with allergies often react to these proteins, not just the hair itself.
Because Clumbers shed a lot, they spread more dander covered hair around the home. This can make allergies worse for some people.
If someone in your home has mild allergies and still wants a Clumber, these steps may help:
- Brush and bathe on a sensible schedule
- Vacuum often with a machine that has a good filter
- Use air purifiers in rooms where the dog spends the most time
- Keep the dog out of the bedroom, or at least off the bed
Even with these steps, no dog is 100 percent hypoallergenic, and Clumbers are on the higher shedding side.
Clumber Spaniel Coat Care: Simple Grooming Routine That Works
Good news for busy owners: you do not need fancy show grooming to keep a Clumber Spaniel coat healthy. You do need steady, simple habits.
A realistic home routine includes:
- Brushing 2 to 3 times per week, more in heavy shedding seasons
- Baths about once a month, or when the dog gets dirty
- Light trimming of feathering, feet, and sanitary areas
- Quick health checks during grooming sessions
This kind of routine keeps the coat clean, reduces mats, and helps you spot skin or ear problems early. Many owners use grooming time as quiet bonding time. The dog gets attention and touch, and you get a calmer, cleaner house.
How often should you brush a Clumber Spaniel coat?
At minimum, plan to brush your Clumber Spaniel 2 to 3 times a week. Daily brushing is even better during spring and fall when shedding is heavy.
Simple tools that work well:
- Pin brush: looks like a human hairbrush with rounded pins; good for overall brushing on the body
- Slicker brush: flat brush with many fine wires; good for removing loose hair from the outer coat
- Metal comb: helps find tangles in feathering on ears, belly, legs, and tail
Gentle brushing matters, especially with a thick coat. Press lightly so you do not scratch the skin. If you hit a tangle, work it out slowly with the comb instead of pulling hard.
A simple brushing routine:
- Start at the neck and shoulders, use the pin brush or slicker.
- Work along the back and sides in small sections, brushing all the way down to the skin.
- Brush the chest, belly, and under the tail, where mats often form.
- Finish with the legs, tail, and behind the ears, then follow with the comb in the feathering.
Short, regular sessions keep the coat in better shape than long, rare sessions.
Bathing and drying a Clumber Spaniel without damaging the coat
Bathing a Clumber Spaniel is important, but it should not happen too often. Too many baths can dry out the skin and coat.
Basic guidelines:
- Bathe about once a month, or when the dog is clearly dirty or smelly
- Use a gentle dog shampoo, not human shampoo
- Rinse very well, since shampoo trapped in the thick coat can cause itchiness
Drying is just as important as washing. A Clumber’s dense undercoat can stay damp close to the skin even when the outer coat feels dry. Damp coat can lead to odor or skin problems.
If possible, use a blow dryer on a cool or warm setting (never hot). Keep the dryer moving and hold it a few inches from the body so you do not overheat the skin. At the same time, brush through the coat so the air reaches down into the undercoat.
If you do not have a dryer, towel dry very well and keep the dog in a warm, dry place until completely dry.
Trimming feathering, feet, and sanitary areas to keep things tidy
Clumber Spaniels are meant to keep a natural look, not a shaved one. Light trimming is enough for most family pets.
Helpful trimming areas:
- Hair between the toes and around the pads, to prevent slipping and dirt buildup
- Long feathering around the feet, so they look neat and track in less mud
- Feathering on the back of legs and tail, lightly shaped to prevent mats
- Hair around the rear and under the tail, trimmed short for hygiene
If you are new to grooming, ask a professional groomer for a “low maintenance pet trim” and explain that you do not want shaving, just tidy feet, feathering, and sanitary areas. Many groomers are happy to show you how to maintain this between visits.
There are also discussions from breed clubs that explain why cutting too much coat is a problem. For example, you can browse grooming advice threads like this Clumber Spaniel grooming recommendation for shedding to see what long term owners suggest.
Basic coat-related health checks: skin, ears, and nails
Grooming time is a great chance to check overall health. While you brush, take a few extra seconds to look and feel.
Things to check:
- Skin: look for redness, hot spots, scabs, or signs of fleas and ticks
- Ears: lift the ear flap and check for redness, strong odor, or dark buildup
- Nails: see if nails are too long or cracked, and listen for nails clicking on hard floors
Heavy feathering around ears and feet can hide problems. Regular checks help you catch issues early, when they are easier to treat. If you see something that worries you, take photos and talk with your vet.
How Clumber Spaniel Coat Type Compares to Other Breeds
When you compare coat types, you get a clearer idea of what living with a Clumber feels like. Some people choose this breed over others because they prefer brushing over frequent haircuts. Others decide they need a lighter shedding dog instead.
Resources like this general Clumber Spaniel dog breed information page and other spaniel guides are useful to see how coats differ in photos and care notes.
Clumber Spaniel coat vs other spaniels
Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels are more common in many areas, so people often compare them with Clumbers.
Key differences:
- Clumbers have a heavier, denser double coat with more undercoat
- The body is stockier, with a wider chest and big head, so the coat sits on a larger frame
- Many Cockers and Springers are groomed with more styling, such as longer skirts and more shaped feathering
- Clumbers are usually kept in a more natural style, with light trimming just for neatness
In short, Clumbers look more solid and practical, less frilly. Their coat still needs regular brushing, but it does not need the same level of shaping and scissoring as some show styled spaniels.
Clumber Spaniel coat vs low-shedding or curly-coated breeds
Many people today look at low shedding or curly coated breeds like Poodles or doodle mixes. These dogs often shed less, but they need different care.
Comparing care:
- Clumber Spaniel: heavy shedding, lots of brushing, more vacuuming and lint rolling, fewer full haircuts
- Poodles and doodles: lighter shedding but hair keeps growing, need regular professional grooming and trims, coat mats if not brushed often
If you hate seeing dog hair on your clothes but do not mind a grooming appointment every 6 to 8 weeks, a curly coated breed may fit better. If you prefer a soft, fluffy dog who sheds but does not need full haircuts, a Clumber might make more sense.
A detailed breed comparison, like the one in some all breed guides and Clumber Spaniel breed overviews, can help you weigh these trade offs.
Is a Clumber Spaniel coat type right for your lifestyle?
Ask yourself a few quick questions:
- Am I okay seeing white hair on my floors and clothes?
- Can I brush a dog for 10 to 20 minutes, several times a week?
- Do I mind a mostly white dog that shows dirt and needs wipe downs?
- Would I enjoy quiet grooming time as bonding, instead of just a chore?
If you said “yes” to most of these, you may be a good match for a Clumber Spaniel. This breed gives a lot back: a calm, gentle, affectionate companion who loves to relax with you. Their soft coat and easygoing nature make them feel like a living weighted blanket.
If the thought of regular vacuuming or brushing makes you stressed, it might be better to look at other coat types before you decide. The good news is, once you find the right fit, caring for that coat becomes part of a happy routine, not just extra work.
Conclusion
The Clumber Spaniel coat is a true double coat, with a straight, dense outer layer and a thick, soft undercoat that keeps the dog warm and dry. It comes in a mostly white color with lemon or orange markings and soft feathering that looks beautiful but catches dirt and tangles. This coat sheds a lot, all year, yet shedding stays manageable with regular brushing and a basic cleaning routine at home.
You do not need fancy grooming skills to keep a Clumber looking and feeling good. Focus on steady brushing, monthly or as-needed baths, light trimming of feathering and feet, and quick health checks of skin, ears, and nails. If you are unsure about tools or trimming, talk with your vet or a trusted groomer and ask them to show you a simple pet trim.
With a bit of planning and a weekly brushing habit, the Clumber Spaniel coat becomes less of a problem and more of a pleasure. In return, you get a calm, devoted companion who is soft to hold and happy to share your couch, your walks, and yes, a little bit of hair on your clothes.
