Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel, a large and heavy-built spaniel breed, originated in England and is believed to have been developed in the 18th century by crossing Basset Hounds and Alpine Spaniels. Named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was refined, Clumber Spaniels were traditionally used for retrieving game birds such as pheasants and partridges. Known for their calm and dignified demeanour, they are highly valued as family companions due to their affectionate and loyal nature.
Fun Fact!
Clumber Spaniels are known for their exceptional sense of smell, which makes them excellent trackers and retrievers, even in dense undergrowth!
Overall
Clumber Spaniels are calm, affectionate, and loyal dogs that make excellent companions for families or individuals. They require regular grooming, moderate exercise, and attention, but with proper care, they are loving and devoted pets that bring joy and companionship to their homes.
Essential information
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Qualities
Gentle and Affectionate
Clumber Spaniels are loving and gentle dogs, making them excellent companions for families.
Calm and Dignified
They are relatively low-energy indoors and have a calm demeanor, suitable for more relaxed households.
Good with Children and Pets
Clumber Spaniels are friendly and patient, often getting along well with children and other pets.
Loyal and Devoted
They form strong bonds with their families and are very loyal.
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Considerations
High Grooming Needs
Their thick, medium-length coat requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and manage shedding.
Prone to Health Issues
Clumber Spaniels can be prone to certain health problems, such as hip dysplasia and eye issues.
Can Be Stubborn
While intelligent, they can be a bit stubborn and require consistent training.
Moderate Exercise Needs
While not overly energetic, they need regular walks and playtime to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom.
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Exercise & Training
Exercise Needs
Clumber Spaniels require moderate exercise to stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight. They enjoy walks, playtime, and exploring the outdoors. While not as high-energy as some other breeds, regular activity is essential to prevent obesity and boredom.
Walks
Clumber Spaniels need at least one or two moderate walks per day, along with some playtime or mental stimulation. They enjoy games like fetch and tracking activities that engage their natural retrieving instincts.
Training
Clumber Spaniels are intelligent and capable learners but can be stubborn at times. Early obedience training is crucial to establish good behavior, and positive reinforcement methods work best. Patience and consistency are key to successfully training this breed.
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Cost
Purchase Price
$3,000 - $5,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.
Initial Setup
Around $400 - $700 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)
Food
Approximately $1,000 - $1,500 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs.
Grooming
Regular grooming costs can range from $400 - $800 AUD per year. Their coat requires frequent brushing and occasional professional grooming to keep it healthy and mat-free.
Vet Bills
Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $500 - $800 AUD per year, with additional expenses for managing potential joint or eye issues.
Total Lifetime Cost
Over a 10-12 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $25,000 - $40,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.
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Characteristics
Size and Weight
Clumber Spaniels typically stand 43-51 cm (17-20 inches) tall and weigh between 25-39 kg (55-85 lbs), with males generally being larger than females.
Coat
They have a thick, medium-length coat that is soft and dense, designed to protect them while working in dense undergrowth. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting and maintain the coat's health.
Colour Options
Clumber Spaniels are predominantly white with lemon or orange markings, often on the ears and face.
Temperament
Clumber Spaniels are known for their calm, gentle, and affectionate temperament. They are loyal to their families and enjoy being close to their owners. While generally friendly, they can be a bit reserved with strangers. They are also intelligent but may exhibit stubbornness, requiring patient training. Clumber Spaniels are relatively low-energy indoors but enjoy outdoor activities and walks.
Good with Children
Clumber Spaniels are excellent with children due to their patient and gentle nature. They are tolerant and enjoy interacting with kids, making them great family pets.
Socialization
Early socialization is important to ensure Clumber Spaniels are well-adjusted and comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. Proper socialization helps reduce potential shyness or over-protectiveness.
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Living Environment Suitability
Indoors vs. Outdoors
Clumber Spaniels prefer to live indoors with their families but need regular outdoor time for exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy having access to a secure yard for playtime but are happiest when spending time with their owners.
Apartment Living
Clumber Spaniels can adapt to apartment living if they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for smaller living spaces, provided their physical needs are met.
Time Alone
Clumber Spaniels do not do well when left alone for long periods. They thrive on companionship and may become bored or anxious if isolated for extended periods. They are best suited to homes where someone is present for most of the day.
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Healthcare
Common Health Issues
Clumber Spaniels are prone to certain health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and entropion (an eye condition). They can also be prone to weight gain, so a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential. Regular vet check-ups are important to monitor and manage potential health issues.
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Additional info
Guarding Ability
Clumber Spaniels are not natural guard dogs but may bark to alert their owners of strangers. They are generally friendly and not aggressive.
Affectionate Nature
Clumber Spaniels are affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. They are known for their loyal and loving demeanour, making them excellent companions.
Suitability for Dog Parks
Clumber Spaniels are generally social with other dogs but may need supervision in dog parks due to their calm and gentle nature. Early socialization ensures positive interactions with other pets.
Climate Adaptability
Clumber Spaniels can adapt to various climates but may struggle in extreme heat due to their dense coat. In warmer regions, it’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day.
Ethical Breeding Considerations
Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and entropion, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.



