Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed Guide (Temperament, Care & Family Life)
Soft, sturdy, and a little bit silly, the Clumber Spaniel dog breed is not your average spaniel. This is a large, low-to-the-ground dog that prefers steady walks and long naps to endless zoomies. Many people fall in love with their sleepy eyes, chunky body, and quiet, goofy charm.
If you are curious about Clumber Spaniel temperament, you will find a dog that is calm, gentle, and very devoted to its family. They are not super high energy, but they are still sporting dogs that like to get outside and use their nose.
In this guide, you will get a clear look at Clumber Spaniel care, including history, appearance, personality, grooming, health, and what daily life with this breed really looks like. By the end, you will have a solid idea of whether a Clumber fits your home and lifestyle.
Clumber Spaniel Breed Overview: What Makes This Spaniel Different
The Clumber Spaniel is the largest of all spaniel breeds. Picture a long, low, heavy dog with a big head, droopy eyes, and a thick, white coat. They look a bit like a small mattress with legs, slowly rolling along beside you.
Originally, the Clumber was bred as a hunting spaniel, used to push game birds out of thick cover at a steady pace. Today, most are family companions, but their hunting roots still shape how they move, think, and play. They enjoy sniffing around the yard, walking on trails, and carrying toys in their mouths.
Clumbers are known for a calm and gentle temperament. They are often described as quiet, thoughtful dogs that like to stay close to their people. Many owners say their Clumber follows them from room to room, then flops down with a sigh and goes back to sleep.
They are not frantic or restless, but that does not mean they are lazy. Their energy level is moderate. They need daily exercise, mental enrichment, and social time, but they are not built for jogging or intense sports. Instead, think of them as slow and steady hiking buddies or park walkers.
Their coat is one of their standout features. The Clumber Spaniel coat is dense, straight, and mostly white, usually with lemon or orange markings on the face and body. That pretty coat comes with a cost: heavy shedding and regular grooming.
If you want a quick, structured overview that dives deeper into temperament, grooming, exercise, and even price, a detailed Clumber Spaniel breed guide can be a useful next step.
Quick facts: Size, weight, and energy level
Adult Clumber Spaniels usually stand around 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. They might not look very tall, but they are solid. Most weigh roughly 55 to 85 pounds, with males often at the higher end.
Their body is long and low, with heavy bone and strong legs. When they walk, they often have a rolling gait that looks a bit lumbering. This is normal for the breed, as long as they are not limping or showing signs of pain.
In terms of energy, a Clumber is moderate. They are not built like a Border Collie or a Springer Spaniel that wants to run all day. At the same time, they are not true couch potatoes. Daily walks, some play, and mental games will usually keep them happy.
This mix of size and energy suits people who want:
- A big dog, but not a hyper one
- A walking partner, not a running partner
- A calm presence inside the house
If you prefer a small, ultra-active dog that can hike for hours at high speed, the Clumber is probably not your match.
Who the Clumber Spaniel is best suited for
The Clumber Spaniel fits best with owners who like a calm, steady dog around the house. Families who want a good family dog that is gentle with kids often do well with this breed, as long as children are taught to be kind and respectful.
Clumbers suit:
- People who are home often and enjoy quiet company
- Families who want a loving but not overly intense dog
- Owners who are okay with lots of hair, some drool, and daily sweeping
- Households that can give daily walks and attention, but not extreme exercise
They tend to fit best in calm households rather than chaotic, always-on-the-go homes. If you are sensitive to shedding or very fussy about a spotless house, this breed may be a challenge.
History and Origin of the Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel history starts in Britain, in the large estates and hunting grounds of the upper class. The breed takes its name from Clumber Park, an estate linked to the Duke of Newcastle. While some details of the early breeding are fuzzy, most sources agree that Clumbers were created to work in dense cover and rough ground.
In those days, Clumbers were valued as UK hunting dog breeds. They were designed to be powerful, steady spaniels that could push through thick brush and quietly flush birds for hunters. Their slow pace was not a flaw. It helped hunters keep up and allowed careful, controlled work.
Over time, the breed spread from royal and noble homes to more ordinary people. The Clumber became a favorite in some shooting circles and later began to appear in dog shows. According to the American Kennel Club’s Clumber Spaniel profile, they arrived in the United States in the 1800s and were one of the early breeds recognized by the AKC.
Today, the Clumber is still considered a rare breed. You will not see them at every dog park. But their shift from hunting fields to couches has not erased their original traits. They remain thoughtful workers with strong noses and good stamina at a slow pace.
From English estates to modern homes
On English estates, Clumber Spaniels often hunted with nobles and their guests. They were prized for their quiet style. Instead of racing around wildly, they moved close to the gun, working brush methodically and using their powerful noses to find birds.
As shooting sports changed and more people began to keep dogs as companions, Clumbers slowly moved into regular homes. Many families discovered that the same traits that made them good estate dogs also made them great house dogs. Calm, loyal, observant, and not easily rattled.
Those hunting roots still show today:
- They love to use their nose on walks or in the yard
- They often carry toys or objects around the house
- They usually prefer steady movement over sudden bursts of speed
Their story is a bit like a retired country worker who now lives in town but still loves long walks in the woods.
Hunting roots: A slow but steady working spaniel
In the field, a Clumber Spaniel worked as a flushing and retrieving dog. Instead of sprinting in wide circles, they stayed fairly close to the hunter. They moved at a slow but steady pace, pushing into thick hedges and cover that might stop a lighter dog.
That style means a few things for modern life:
- They often walk at a steady, rolling pace, not racing ahead
- They can go for longer walks, as long as you respect their joints and weight
- They enjoy scent games, searching for hidden treats, or following trails
Their calmer nature compared with many other spaniels is no accident. It comes from generations of breeding for patient, controlled work. This is part of why Clumber Spaniel temperament feels so different from many other sporting breeds.
If you want more relaxed, practical insights on personality and lifestyle, the Clumber Spaniel breed guide: care, training, and fun facts is another solid resource.
Clumber Spaniel Appearance and Grooming Needs
A Clumber Spaniel has a very distinct look. The body is long and low, heavy-boned, and powerful. The head is large and broad, with a deep muzzle. Their eyes are often described as soft or sleepy, which adds to their gentle expression.
The Clumber Spaniel coat is dense, straight, and weather resistant. Most dogs are white with lemon or orange patches, often around the ears and face, sometimes on the body. Feathering on the legs, chest, belly, and tail gives them a soft, flowing look.
All of this beauty comes with responsibility. Clumber Spaniel grooming is not hard, but it is regular. You will deal with heavy shedding, long feathering that can mat, and ears that need frequent cleaning.
Big, low, and chunky: Key physical traits
To picture a Clumber, imagine:
- A long, low frame that almost seems too big for its legs
- Strong, thick legs and large, rounded paws
- A massive head with a broad skull and heavy brow
- Deep-set, kind eyes that may look a bit droopy
- Long, pendulous ears covered in soft feathering
Their tail is usually docked in some countries, but in others you will see a natural tail, thick and well feathered. When they move, they often have a rolling walk. As long as the dog is not wincing, stumbling, or limping, this rolling gait is normal for the breed.
Color is simple. White is the base, with lemon or orange markings. Some Clumbers are almost pure white. Others have patches on the head, ears, or body. That bright coat looks lovely in photos, and very dirty after a muddy walk.
Coat care: Shedding, brushing, and cleaning those ears
Clumber Spaniels shed a lot. If you bring one home, expect white hair on your furniture, clothes, and car. Regular brushing helps, but it will not remove shedding completely.
Good grooming habits include:
- Brushing several times a week with a slicker brush or pin brush
- Using a comb on feathering to prevent mats behind ears, under legs, and on the belly
- Short daily touch-ups and a longer session once a week
Because their ears are long and hang down, air does not flow well inside them. This makes ear infections more likely. Clean the ears weekly with a vet-recommended cleaner, and dry them well after baths or swims.
You should also:
- Check eyes often for redness, discharge, or irritation
- Part the coat and look at the skin for hot spots or hidden rashes
- Trim nails regularly so the dog walks comfortably
Expect to spend a little time most days on coat and ear care. Once you build the routine, it becomes part of normal Clumber Spaniel care. For step by step ideas on grooming, exercise, and diet, this Clumber Spaniel grooming and exercise tips article is handy.
Clumber Spaniel Temperament, Training, and Daily Life
Living with a Clumber Spaniel feels a bit like sharing your home with a quiet, clingy roommate who loves naps, snacks, and soft toys. They are often calm indoors, affectionate with their family, and happy to simply be near you.
Understanding Clumber Spaniel temperament, training style, and daily needs will help you decide if this is one of the right family dog breeds for you.
For another overview of personality and day to day life, you can also check the Clumber Spaniel profile on Wag!.
Gentle, goofy, and loyal: Clumber Spaniel personality
Most Clumbers are:
- Gentle and sensitive
- Affectionate with their family
- A bit goofy or clownish at home
- Calm and quiet compared with many sporting breeds
They may be reserved with strangers at first, but rarely aggressive if well socialized. Many enjoy greeting visitors once they feel safe and may lean on them or sit on their feet.
They are usually not constant barkers, though they will alert you if someone is at the door. On the flip side, they can snore, drool, and pass gas. If you are easily grossed out, keep that in mind.
Clumbers bond strongly with their people and often seek body contact. They might lie on your feet, lean on your legs, or rest their head on your lap. This closeness is part of their charm.
Life with kids, other dogs, and smaller pets
With proper training and supervision, Clumber Spaniels can be very good family dogs. Their natural patience and steady nature suits many homes with children.
Key points for life with kids:
- Teach children to be gentle and not climb or ride the dog
- Show kids how to respect the dog’s space, bed, and food
- Never leave young children alone with any dog
With other dogs, Clumbers are usually friendly or neutral if socialized from a young age. They often enjoy having a dog buddy, especially another easygoing dog.
Small pets, like rabbits or birds, can be more complex. Clumbers were bred as bird dogs, so they may be very interested in feathery animals. Some can live peacefully with small pets, but you should always supervise and never trust the situation fully, no matter how calm the dog seems.
Early, positive socialization is very important. Take your Clumber puppy to safe puppy classes, introduce them to a variety of people and dogs, and reward calm, friendly behavior.
Training a Clumber Spaniel: Smart but sometimes stubborn
Clumber Spaniel training can be very rewarding, but it requires patience. They are intelligent and want to please their people, however they are not always quick or flashy learners. Many Clumbers are slow to mature and can be a bit stubborn.
Training tips:
- Use positive reinforcement: treats, praise, toys
- Keep sessions short, fun, and clear
- Avoid harsh corrections that can shut them down
- Be consistent with rules and routines
Focus on the basics first:
- House training and crate training
- Sit, down, stay, and come
- Loose leash walking
- Polite greetings, especially for a heavy dog
Mental games help prevent boredom. Nose work, simple scent trails in the yard, puzzle toys, and basic retrieving games work very well for this breed.
If you want more support with behavior and bonding, you might enjoy a full Clumber Spaniel temperament and care guide that walks through training and lifestyle in more detail.
Exercise needs: How much activity does a Clumber Spaniel really need?
Clumber Spaniels may look like couch potatoes, but they do need daily exercise to stay fit and avoid weight gain. Their body is heavy, and extra pounds can strain their joints.
A general target is about 45 to 60 minutes of total activity per day. This can be broken into:
- Two or three walks at a comfortable pace
- Short play sessions in the yard or home
- Mental work, like scent games or training
They are not great jogging partners and should avoid repetitive high-impact activities, especially on hard surfaces. Swimming can be a good low-impact choice for some Clumbers.
For puppies and young dogs, be extra careful. Their joints are still forming. Avoid long runs, hard jumping, and too many stairs. Let them move freely at their own pace and keep formal exercise gentle until they are more mature.
Clumber Spaniel Health, Lifespan, and Responsible Ownership
Like many purebred dogs, Clumbers have some health risks that new owners should understand. Good Clumber Spaniel health care starts with smart breeding, regular vet visits, and everyday decisions about diet, weight, and exercise.
A helpful overview of common health issues in this breed can be found in this Clumber Spaniel health guide from Sayrebrook Veterinary Hospital.
Common health issues in Clumber Spaniels
Health concerns that can affect Clumbers include:
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, joint conditions that can cause pain and arthritis
- Eye problems, such as entropion (eyelids rolling inward) or ectropion (eyelids drooping outward)
- Ear infections, due to their long, floppy ears and narrow ear canals
- Skin issues, like hot spots or hidden infections under the dense coat
- Obesity, which can make joint and heart problems worse
Joint-friendly exercise and weight management are very important. Keep your Clumber lean, not chubby. You should be able to feel ribs under a light layer of fat.
Work only with breeders who health test their dogs. Responsible breeders screen for hip, elbow, and eye issues. The AKC Clumber Spaniel page and breed clubs often outline recommended tests.
Regular vet checkups, at least once a year for adults, help catch problems early. Report any limping, eye changes, ear smell, skin redness, or behavior changes right away.
Typical lifespan and how to help your Clumber live longer
The average Clumber Spaniel lifespan is around 10 to 12 years. Some live longer, especially when they stay at a healthy weight and get good preventive care.
To support a long, comfortable life:
- Feed a balanced, high quality diet appropriate for age and activity
- Keep your dog lean and monitor treats and table scraps
- Provide regular, moderate exercise
- Brush teeth or use dental chews as recommended by your vet
- Schedule routine vet exams and stay current on vaccines and parasite control
Act early if you see signs of pain, stiffness, eye trouble, or ongoing stomach issues. Quick treatment often means less suffering and better long term outcomes for your dog.
With thoughtful care, many Clumbers enjoy active middle years and a gentle, slower senior stage full of naps and cuddles.
Choosing a Clumber Spaniel: Breeders, rescue, and red flags
Finding a Clumber Spaniel takes some work, since this is a rare breed. You may find options through responsible breeders or through rescue groups and spaniel rescues.
A good breeder will:
- Health test their breeding dogs and show proof
- Keep puppies in clean, indoor spaces with human interaction
- Ask you questions to check that the breed suits your home
- Be open about common health issues and how they manage them
Red flags include:
- Sellers who refuse to talk about health testing
- Breeders who always have many litters available
- Pressure to pay quickly or ship a puppy immediately
- No contract, no questions, and no interest in your situation
If you are open to rescue, check Clumber Spaniel clubs and general adoption platforms. Adult Clumbers can make wonderful companions, often with some training already in place.
If you already know this is the right breed for you, you can browse Clumber Spaniel puppies for sale and compare details like price, age, and location. Always pair any listing with your own research into ethics and health.
Conclusion: Is the Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed Right for You?
The Clumber Spaniel dog breed is a special mix of calm, strength, and quiet humor. They are loving, gentle, and often very attached to their people. In the right home, their slow pace and steady nature feel like a gift.
On the flip side, they are big, heavy shedders that may drool and snore. They need regular grooming, steady but not extreme exercise, and thoughtful health care, especially for joints, eyes, ears, and weight.
Before you decide, take an honest look at your time, budget, and tolerance for hair and dirt. If you want a calm, sturdy dog that enjoys slow walks, cozy naps, and close family life, a Clumber may be a perfect match.
With the right fit, a Clumber Spaniel can be a loyal, gentle friend for many years, quietly following you through life, one slow, rolling step at a time.
