Is the Clumber Spaniel a good family dog?
Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are gentle and sturdy medium-to-large dogs with a heavy build, soft expression and dense, feathered coat. Originally bred in England as gundogs, they are known for their steady temperament, strong scenting ability and affectionate nature. Generally calm and devoted with their family, Clumber Spaniels can be independent, food-motivated and prone to weight gain, so they benefit from patient training, moderate exercise and careful diet management.
| Recommended for | Calm families or owners wanting a gentle, steady companion and able to manage weight, grooming and moderate exercise. |
| Breed Classification | Gundog/Sporting Group |
| Other names | Clumber |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Size | Medium to Large |
| Temperament | Gentle, steady, loyal and dignified |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Low to moderate; generally quiet |
| Maintenance Level | Brush several times weekly; manage ears, eyes and drool |
| Health Risk | Clumber Spaniels can be prone to several inherited or structure-related health concerns, so health testing, weight management and early veterinary advice are particularly important. |
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Insuring a Clumber Spaniel?
Get our award-winning Nose-to-Tail Cover with up to $30k annual benefit limit, up to 90% of eligible vet bills back, and no sub-limits.
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Breed history of Clumber Spaniels
The Clumber Spaniel is traditionally associated with Clumber Park, the Nottinghamshire estate of the Duke of Newcastle, though some accounts suggest French sporting spaniels may have contributed to its early development.The breed was shaped as a heavy, low-set gundog able to work methodically through dense cover.
Unlike faster spaniels, the Clumber was prized for a slow, deliberate hunting style, a powerful nose and the ability to push through bramble and undergrowth. Its connection with British aristocratic sporting estates helped preserve the breed’s distinctive white coat with lemon or orange markings and substantial build.
Physical description of Clumber Spaniels
The Clumber Spaniel is a heavy, low-set spaniel with a long body, deep chest and substantial bone. It has a large head, broad muzzle, soft amber eyes and a thoughtful, gentle expression that suits its steady nature.
Its coat is dense, straight and silky, with moderate feathering on the ears, chest, legs and belly. The breed is usually white with lemon or orange markings, most often on the head and ears.
| Weight range | 25 to 39 kg |
| Height range | 43 to 51 cm |
| Colours | White with lemon or orange markings |
| Coat length | Dense, straight, medium coat |
Clumber Spaniel personality and temperament
The Clumber Spaniel is gentle, steady and affectionate, with a calm temperament compared with many other sporting breeds. Originally bred as a gundog, it has a strong nose and a determined but measured working style.
At home, Clumber Spaniels are usually devoted and good-natured, enjoying close companionship with their family. They can be stubborn and food-motivated, so patient training, moderate exercise and careful diet management are important.
Clumber Spaniels with kids and other pets
Clumber Spaniels are generally gentle, patient and calm with children, making them suitable for family homes that prefer a steadier dog. They are affectionate and tolerant, but children should still be taught not to climb on them or disturb them while resting.
With other pets, Clumber Spaniels are often sociable and can do well with other dogs. They may also live peacefully with cats when properly introduced, although their scenting instincts can make them interested in smaller animals.
Clumber Spaniel training and exercise
Clumber Spaniels need moderate exercise, including daily walks, gentle play and opportunities to sniff and explore. They are generally steadier than many sporting breeds, but they still require regular movement to manage weight and maintain fitness.
Training should be patient, positive and consistent. Clumbers can be independent and food-motivated, so reward-based training often works well. Early socialisation and lead manners are important, and training should be kept calm and encouraging.
| Energy level | Low to Moderate |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate - steady walks, scent games and swimming if safe |
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Clumber Spaniel feeding and nutrition
The Clumber Spaniel needs a balanced diet with careful calorie control, as the breed can be prone to weight gain. Quality protein helps maintain muscle, while moderate fat levels can support energy without adding unnecessary calories.
Weight management is especially important for Clumbers because excess weight can affect joints, mobility and overall comfort. Meals should be measured, treats limited and food intake adjusted to exercise level. Slow, steady feeding habits are preferable to overindulgence.
Clumber Spaniel care and grooming
The Clumber Spaniel has a dense, straight coat with feathering that needs regular grooming to stay clean and free from tangles. Brushing several times a week helps remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially around the ears, chest, legs and belly.
Because Clumbers are low-set dogs, their coat can easily collect dirt, mud and debris during walks. Their ears should be checked regularly, as hanging ears can trap moisture. Routine bathing, nail trimming, dental care and cleaning around the eyes and mouth help keep the breed comfortable.
Health issues for Clumber Spaniels
- Hip dysplasia: A developmental condition where the hip joint forms abnormally, causing looseness, pain and reduced mobility. Genetics are a major factor, while rapid growth, excess weight and inappropriate exercise can worsen symptoms. Early diagnosis, weight control and veterinary care can help manage the condition.
- Elbow dysplasia: A developmental condition where the elbow joint forms abnormally, causing front-leg pain, stiffness and lameness. It can lead to progressive arthritis over time. Genetics are a major factor, while growth rate, diet, exercise and weight can influence severity.
- Entropion: An eyelid condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes or facial hair to rub against the surface of the eye. Signs may include squinting, redness, tearing, discharge, eye rubbing, pain or corneal ulcers.
- Intervertebral disc disease: A spinal condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Signs may include back or neck pain, a hunched posture, wobbliness, weakness, dragging limbs or paralysis.
- Hypothyroidism: A hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing the dog’s metabolism. Common signs include weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, skin infections and cold intolerance.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
FAQs about the Clumber Spaniel
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
Moderate – steady walks, scent games and swimming if safe.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a dense, straight, medium coat.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
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MORE INFORMATION
Clumber Spaniel Club: http://www.clumberspanielclub.org.uk/
The Clumber Spaniel Club of America: https://www.clumbers.org/
