Clumber Spaniel at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 45–50 cm
- Weight
- 25–34 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Barking, Garden, Time alone, Cats and small pets.
Is the Clumber Spaniel right for you?
Like every breed, the Clumber Spaniel is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You can give around an hour of exercise a day.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
Consider another breed if…
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
- You would find a lot of dog hair hard to live with.
How would the Clumber Spaniel fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a large, strong, heavy-set spaniel on short legs. It is the heaviest of the spaniel family and is steadier and less frenetic than other spaniels: typically good-natured, affable, dignified and amusing.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Moderate
Typically around an hour of exercise a day.
- Energy level
Moderate
Moderately energetic, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Time alone
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed was first seen in the UK at the end of the 18th century and takes its name from Clumber Park in Nottingham, home of the Dukes of Newcastle. The 2nd Duke is credited with introducing and developing it. It is claimed he was given dogs of this type by the Duke of Noailles around 1770, and Purina notes French dogs may have been among those used. A 1788 painting by Francis Wheatley shows the Duke with dogs that are clearly of Clumber type.
The Clumber was used to flush game from heavy cover and became popular with the nobility. King George V kept a large team at Sandringham. Today the Royal Kennel Club lists it as a vulnerable native breed.
Clumber Spaniel temperament
Clumbers are usually steady and dependable as adults, though puppies can be more enthusiastic. Being heavier, they mature more slowly than other spaniels. They are as happy on the sofa as following a scent, and make devoted family dogs.
They are willing to do whatever task you take the time to teach them, and are generally friendly with other dogs.
Size and appearance
This is a large breed despite its short legs. Adults typically stand 45–50 cm and weigh 25–34 kg.
The coat is abundant, silky and straight, with longer feathering on the legs and chest. Breed standard colours are white with lemon or orange markings, and there is often freckling on the muzzle.
How much exercise does a Clumber Spaniel need?
Around an hour of exercise a day suits most Clumbers, with plenty of chances to use their impressive nose. They move more slowly than other spaniels but have considerable stamina and perseverance, so a strong, reliable recall is vital for off-lead walks.
Their low build means a lot of mud and water collects on paws and undercarriage, so you need space for them to dry off after walks. With varied walks on offer they can be happy in the country or a leafy suburb.
Training a Clumber Spaniel
With an understanding of what motivates it and a "working together" approach, the Clumber is easy to train and fun to spend time with. It can take part in many activities, especially scent-based ones, just at a steadier pace.
- Teach a reliable recall early, as its nose can lead it into trouble.
- Teach a retrieve and swap game from a young age, as it likes to carry things.
- Give it scent-based activities to enjoy.
- Allow for a slower pace of maturing and learning.
Clumber Spaniel grooming
The coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing, but Clumbers shed a lot and drool, so expect white hair and slobber around the house. The feathering on the legs and chest can tangle if neglected. Check the feet daily for grass seeds and trim them to prevent knots, and check the ears regularly.
Living with a Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber is a steady, sensible breed that is ideal for families with older children. Adults are heavy, so take care around small children, people who are frail or unsteady, and smaller pets. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually happier in a house.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Clumber Spaniel health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Royal Kennel Club recommends several health tests for the Clumber Spaniel before breeding and asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity. Knowing about these conditions helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every dog will be affected.
Hip dysplasia
A condition affecting the hip joints. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip testing under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia
A condition affecting the elbow joints. Elbow testing under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme is recommended.
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
A condition that disrupts nerve communication during exercise and can lead to collapse. A DNA test is part of the breed's good-practice guidelines, and because EIC is common in the breed, the Royal Kennel Club advises breeding it out gradually to protect genetic diversity.
Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency (PDP1)
The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test for PDP1 as part of best-practice testing.
Entropion
A painful eye condition in which the eyelids roll inwards. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
Dry eye
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a painful condition in which the tear gland stops working properly.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Clumber Spaniel home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Clumber Spaniel cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Clumber Spaniel home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Clumber Spaniel
If you have decided the Clumber Spaniel suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Clumber Spaniels looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Clumber Spaniel adverts at the moment.
Find Clumber Spaniel adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Bernese Mountain Dog
Gentle, loyal, good-natured, affectionate, patient, sensitive, friendly and calm.
View breed guide
Clumber Spaniel FAQs
Is the Clumber Spaniel good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Clumber Spaniel live in a flat?
Usually happier in a house. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Clumber Spaniel need?
Moderate: typically around an hour a day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Clumber Spaniel shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Clumber Spaniel need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Clumber Spaniel easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
How long does the Clumber Spaniel live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Clumber Spaniel get?
Adults typically stand 45–50 cm at the shoulder and weigh 25–34 kg.