GROUP 3 - GUNDOGS

Brief History
The Clumber Spaniel takes its name from Clumber Park, the Nottinghamshire country estate of the Duke of Newcastle. He is a gundog bred to flush out wild game from thick undergrowth and over the years has adapted to become an “all-rounder”, capable of both flushing and retrieving. He may not be as speedy as the Springer Spaniel or the Cocker Spaniel, but he has an excellent nose and great stamina.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 10 to 12 years.

Temperament
The Clumber Spaniel has been called the ‘aristocrat of the spaniels’. His stately dignity and thoughtful expression give him an air of self-assurance which is peculiar to the Clumber breed. He is a breed that is full of character, quite a comedian and is a wonderful companion.

General Breed Description
The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low and substantial dog, with a thoughtful expression due to his heavy brow and squared, large head. His stature is dignified, his loyalty is strong as he shows great enthusiasm for work and play. He has enjoyed success competing in various dog sports such as Obedience, Tracking and Conformation dog shows, although he is not suited to Agility.

Known as the white spaniel, the Clumber Spaniel is white with orange or lemon markings.

Coat and Care Requirements
Clumber Spaniels have a luxurious coat that is silky and abundant on their chest, legs and underbelly. With this coat comes the need for routine weekly brushing and regular baths. Clumbers will shed throughout the year, with two major coat changes per year. Care should be taken to ensure nails are kept short and ears are cleaned to avoid ear infections.

Size
Weight: Males 29.5  to 34kgs (65 to 75lbs), Females 25 to 29.5 kgs (55 to 65kgs).

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. The Clumber Spaniel is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (PDP1), Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) and Hip Dysplasia (HD).

Suitability
The Clumber is very loyal and affectionate with his family and friends, although he can sometimes have a ‘reserved’ attitude with strangers. He is eager to please and can be easily trained with rewards. Elderly people may find the breed boisterous due to their great substance. The breed does need regular exercise, but a daily walk combined with some playtime should be sufficient.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard:  https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/104