Breed History:

The Clumber Spaniel is one of the oldest and heaviest spaniel breeds, believed to have originated in France before being brought to England during the 18th century. The breed was developed and refined at Clumber Park, the estate of the Duke of Newcastle in Nottinghamshire, England, from which it gets its name.

Traditionally bred as a hunting companion for aristocrats, the Clumber Spaniel specialised in flushing game birds from dense undergrowth. Unlike faster sporting spaniels, the Clumber worked slowly and methodically, relying on stamina, scenting ability, and determination. The breed became especially popular among British nobility, including Prince Albert and King Edward VII.

It was officially recognised by the AKC in 1884 and remains known for its calm temperament, loyalty, and excellent nose.

If you want to learn about other spaniel breeds, check out our page "Different Spaniel Dog Breeds". 

Size: Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 10–12 years

Breed Appearance:

The Clumber Spaniel is a sturdy, muscular, and well-balanced dog with a long, low-set body.

The breed commonly features:

• Large, broad head
• Deep, square muzzle
• Dark amber eyes
• Large, vine-shaped ears
• Broad, deep chest
• Thick, muscular neck
• Strong, well-developed limbs
• Moderately short tail carried level with the back

Its dense, straight, weather-resistant coat is soft to the touch with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail.

Common coat colours include:

• White with lemon markings
• White with orange markings

The breed's substantial frame and predominantly white coat reflect its heritage as a hardworking flushing spaniel.

Breed Type – Sporting Dog:

The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent, calm, and dependable sporting breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Gentle
• Intelligent
• Calm
• Affectionate
• Patient

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and generally gets along well with children, strangers, and other pets when properly socialised.

Training:

The Clumber Spaniel is intelligent and eager to please, but can sometimes display stubbornness or a laid-back attitude. Training should be patient, positive, and consistent.

Food motivation works especially well with this breed. Early socialisation and obedience training are important to prevent stubborn habits and encourage confidence around new people and environments.

Clumbers perform well in:

• Obedience training

• Tracking and scent work

• Rally and field trials

• Retrieving games

Harsh training methods should be avoided, as the breed responds best to encouragement and routine.

Health & Care:

Clumber Spaniels are generally sturdy dogs, but may be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Obesity

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

• Entropion and ectropion (eye issues)

• Ear infections

Because of their heavy build and love for food, maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important. Regular vet checkups, controlled portions, and moderate exercise help keep the breed healthy and mobile.

Some Clumbers also drool heavily, especially after eating or drinking.

Living Conditions:

The Clumber Spaniel adapts well to homes where it receives regular exercise, training, and close family companionship.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with secure yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Experienced or committed first-time dog owners

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and is not suited to prolonged isolation.

Exercise:

Although less hyperactive than many spaniels, the Clumber still requires regular exercise to prevent obesity and boredom.

Ideal activities include:

• Daily walks

• Scent games and tracking

• Fetch and retrieving exercises

• Swimming

• Moderate hiking

The breed enjoys mental stimulation but generally prefers steady activity over intense endurance exercise.

Grooming:

The Clumber Spaniel requires moderate grooming due to its dense coat and feathering.

• Brushing 2–3 times weekly to prevent matting

• More frequent brushing during shedding seasons

• Regular ear cleaning to prevent infections

• Routine dental care and nail trimming

• Occasional bathing as needed

The breed sheds consistently throughout the year and may track dirt indoors because of its low build.

Advantages:

• Calm, affectionate, and loyal temperament

• Excellent family companion

• Intelligent and eager to please

• Good scenting and tracking abilities

• Generally gentle with children

• Adaptable to indoor living

Disadvantages:

• Prone to obesity if overfed

• Can be stubborn during training

• Heavy shedding and drooling

• Susceptible to joint and back problems

• Requires regular ear and coat maintenance

• Lower energy may not suit very active owners