Clumber Spaniel

Clumber Spaniel
Other Names:
Group: Gundog
General:
The Clumber spaniel is the heaviest of the Spaniels, this slow moving and stocky breed have a massive head with a hound-like face and expression, a deep muzzle, large square nose and broad low-set ears.The Clumber Spaniel is a fairly short dog, although it does have a rather long body. Clumber spaniels are dignified, affectionate, and make an admirable companion.
Coat: Clumbers have a dense, straight and flat coat with feathering around the legs. Colours include white with lemon or orange head markings.
Weight: Males 29 – 34 kgs, Females 25 – 30 kgs
Average Life Span: 9 -15 years
Temperament
Clumber Spaniels are among the most unfussy and tolerant of the hunting breeds. They are kind, gentle, loyal and affectionate, but dignified and aloof with strangers. They are very loving and good-humoured making them

great family pets. Clumber Spaniels are patient and gentle with children and can easily be trained to accept other pets. They are good with other dogs and love having a playmate around.
Training
A highly intelligent breed, and their great desire to please, makes Clumbers easy to train. However these dogs will not respond to unkind or rough training methods. They learn best with a patient owner who provides them with positive and consistent support. As with all breeds it is important to socialise these dogs from early puppy-hood.

Exercise
Clumber Spaniel puppies grow rapidly and are very active, care should be taken not to over exercise them when puppies as this could lead to joint problems in the future. As adults these dogs need at least one long walk a day. The Clumber needs to exercise in fields and woods so it can search around and follow trails. This gives the dog mental stimulation but they do have a tendency to run off so must be trained to the recall or at least kept on a long leash. The Clumber is a great swimmer and loves to retrieve from water.
Grooming
Requirements are high as the clumber spaniel is a heavy shedder. The coat should be groomed around three or four times a week with a brush and comb. The ear passages must be kept free of hair and should be checked out very regularly to stop an infection setting in. Occasional trimming will also be required.

Health Problems in the Clumber Spaniel.
Obesity: These dogs love their food care should be taken not to overfeed them as obesity can be the cause of many other health issues.
Overheating: Hot weather can be fatal to a clumber spaniel, they don’t even need to be moving about in it to succumb to the heat. Please make sure that any exercise is given early in the morning or late in the evening, don’t be tempted to go for a nice Sunday afternoon stroll when it is very sunny or hot. Also please don’t allow your dog to lay out in the sun for long periods, they do not know when they have had enough and it doesn’t take long for their panting to become out of control.
Hip dysplasia malformation of the hip joint resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, at some cost to dog and owner. Because dysplastic dogs often produce dysplastic puppies, buyers should ask if both the sire and the dam of the puppy in which they are interested have been rated clear of hip dysplasia. Do not take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate, and ask for a copy to take to your veterinarian.
Ectropion is a medical condition in which the lower eyelid turns outwards. The condition can be repaired surgically.
Entropion is a medical condition in which the eyelids fold inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes rub against the eyeball constantly. Entropion is usually caused by genetic factors and may be congenital. Trachoma infection may cause scarring of the inner eyelid, which may cause entropion.Treatment is a simple surgery in which excess skin of the outer lids is removed.
Clumber Spaniel History
Although not as popular as the springer and cocker spaniels, the Clumber Spaniel has in fact, been part of the British sporting scene for over 200 years. This breed was originally developed by the Duc de Noailles, in France. Examples of the breed were then presented to Henry Clinton, the English Duke of Newcastle in 1760 at the time of the French Revolution. The name Clumber was the name of the estate belonging to the Duke of Newcastle. It is believed that there are elements of the Basset Hound and the unfortunately, now extinct, Alpine spaniel in this breed.