The original purpose of the Clumber Spaniel dog breed was to help hunters find and retrieve game birds. As a result of this work, numerous Clumber Spaniels are competing in field trials today.
They can also be found in the show ring and participating in dog sports including tracking, obedience, rally, and more. Last but not least, they're excellent family members. If you're seeking a bright, versatile, and devoted best companion, this breed may be right for you. Clumber spaniel characteristics and information can be found below.
Highlights
- Finding a breeder who has Clumber Spaniel pups may take some time. Expect to be on a waiting list for a long time.
- Clumber Spaniels can be destructive because they are bored or because they are having fun. Because of their powerful jaws, they may easily destroy a wide variety of home items and even so-called indestructible toys. Take this into account before you buy the Clumper or spend the effort to dog-proof the rest of the property you live in.
- Clumber Counter surfing is a favourite pastime for spaniels. Despite their diminutive stature, their extended limbs allow them to reach even the most confined of counters.
- Clumbers can figure out how to get into refrigerators, cabinets, and drawers.
- Clumber cleaning up after a dog is not something you should do if you have a spaniel. To maintain their coats fresh and free of dead hair, they require frequent grooming. Even so, you'll find hair all over the place.
- Clumber First-time dog owners should consider a spaniel. They're a rather easy-to-care-for breed, and they're only a little bit stubborn. Sweet and intelligent, they're excellent friends.
- An average day of activity for a Clumber Spaniel should include two or three short walks, or one long one.
- Maintaining your Clumber Spaniel's weight at a healthy level is critical to preventing stress on his joints. Hip dysplasia is common in the breed, and it is prone to obesity.
- In apartments, Clumber Spaniels thrive if their activity requirements are met.
- In general, Clumber Spaniels get along well with children and other animals, but socialisation is critical to preventing timidity in your new puppy.
- Never buy a puppy from a puppy mill, negligent breeder, or pet retailer if you want a healthy dog. If you're looking for a puppy that's free of hereditary illnesses and has a healthy disposition, you should look for a respected breeder.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
55 to 85 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 12 years
Height
1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 8 inches tall at the shoulder
History
The Clumber spaniel, the oldest of the spaniels, is the heaviest and stockist. It dates back to the late 1700s. This breed is thought to have been derived from the old heavy-headed Alpine Spaniel and the low-bodied Basset Hound, although the exact origins of the breed are unknown. When it is believed that the Duc de Noailles of France relocated his spaniel kennels to the English estate of the Duke of Newcastle, Clumber Park, during the French Revolution, the breed got its name.
The English nobility loved Clumber Spaniels because they were a slow-moving but exceptionally keen-nosed hunter and retriever. Because the nobility opposed its appeal outside of the upper classes, the breed was unavailable to the general public. Clumbers were among the first breeds to be shown, which was only right given their illustrious pedigree. In the late 1800s, they arrived in the United States.
Personality and Temperament
In terms of companionship, Clumber spaniels are loyal, affectionate, and eager to please. It is not uncommon for them to be more reserved around strangers than other spaniels. They don't appear to be aggressive, however.
When it comes to living with other animals, Clumber spaniels can do quite fine, although early socialisation is usually advised. Although they prefer to be with you, these dogs are happy both indoors and out. Clumbers don't bark much, so they're more suited to being a pet than a watchdog.
When he's at home, he's usually quiet and reserved, and it may take nudges to get him to work out. One of the few sporting breeds that can thrive in the city, he will still enjoy a walk or two. Clumbers make excellent pets since they are so loyal to a single owner.
Care
In order for the Clumber spaniel to thrive, it requires a lot of time and work from its family. Owners must be aware of and meet their dogs' grooming, exercise, and social demands in order to keep them happy and healthy.
Health
There are few health issues that the breed is susceptible to, but the following are among the most common:
Dystocia
Many Clumber spaniel litters must be delivered by C-section because of birthing complications.
Ectropion
It is possible to glimpse the lining of the eyelids through drooping eyelashes. This can irritate the mucous membranes by drying them out and exposing them to dust and other foreign particles. In some dogs, surgery may be necessary.
Entropion
The eyelids turn inwards, towards the eye. When hairs scrape on the corneal surface, they can cause irritation, which can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring. To avoid lasting damage to the eye, surgery is necessary.
Hip Dysplasia
Clumber Spaniels have the second-worst average hip score of any breed, so unless shown differently, it is safe to presume that every dog in the breed is impacted. Both parents' hip scores must be evaluated, and only the best hips should be used for future breeding.
For the sake of their health, Clumbers should be kept at the lower end of their ideal weight range and should not be overexerted while they are still young and active.
Recommended Health Tests
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- PDP1 Test
Nutrition
Anyone who has a Clumber spaniel will attest to the fact that these dogs are extremely resourceful. Although they may be short-statured, these spaniels are adept at negotiating vertical obstacles in order to steal food that has been left unattended on counters or tables.
Moderation is the key to a healthy Clumber spaniel diet. Treats can be a good training incentive for these dogs, but don't overfeed them. Weight increase might lead to back problems like IVDD or joint pain because of the breed's long, low stance. Consider the age, weight, and activity level of your dog when formulating a nutritious diet plan with the assistance of your veterinarian.
Grooming
This breed's medium-length hair is prone to shedding throughout the year, even if it isn't a big shredder (with heavier fallout during the winter and spring). Brush your Clumber several times a week using a slicker brush to reduce shedding. Owners should also brush their dogs' teeth, trim their nails, and inspect their ears for dirt and debris. In order to avoid infections, use a dog-safe ear cleaning.
The Clumber is known for drooling, something you may not have realised. Flappy flies on the breed make for plenty of slobber in Clumber Kisses (the canine equivalent of upper lips). However, when it comes to Clumber spaniel care, dog hair and drool are the most important factors. If you give your dog regular baths, an adequate amount of exercise, and enough affection, you'll have a well-balanced and healthy companion.
Exercise
These dogs were bred to labour in the field, and they thrive on the challenge. Spend 30 minutes to an hour each day exercising your Clumber spaniel. One lengthy stroll or two short ones should keep your spaniel happy to stay indoors. Agility, obedience, and rallies are great places for them to compete, even if they're not likely to be speedsters. They're also big retrievers, so this bird dog will have a blast playing fetch.
Despite their confidence and self-assurance, Clumber spaniels were intended to be hunting companions that work in a group. As a result, they can't be left outside all day. Clumbers can grow nervous or destructive if left alone for an extended period of time.
Training
These dogs have a reputation for being intelligent and easy to train. It doesn't take much work from their owners to train these dogs in basic obedience. Even puppies as young as six weeks old can begin basic training. However, advanced training is possible throughout your dog's lifetime. They are eager to learn and do well with tactics that use praise and encouragement rather than punishment.
Children and other Pets
To guarantee that your Clumber spaniel is friendly to humans, children, and other animals, thorough socialisation is essential early on in the dog's life. With stranger danger, the Clumber spaniel isn't afraid of meeting new people, but it also takes its time warning others of potential danger. According to the breed's reputation, Clumbers are a somewhat quiet and low-volume breed.
Puppies
When rearing Clumber spaniel puppies, it is important to keep a watch on their eyes. Entropion can begin to develop in puppies as early as six months of age. There's less time for an owner to learn what can be done if a veterinarian examines the puppy's eyes sooner.
Dogs Similar to Clumber spaniel
Cocker spaniels such as American Cocker, English Cocker and American Water are all akin to the Clumber.
American Cocker spaniel
In addition to the Clumber spaniel, there is the American Cocker spaniel. The Clumber's lovely, exuberant nature is shared by this dog. Although the American Cocker spaniel is smaller, it has the same temperament.
English Cocker spaniel
As a gun dog with a well-deserved reputation for being easy to train, the English Cocker spaniel resembles the Clumber spaniel in many respects. English Cocker spaniels, on the other hand, don't get as big as Clumbers do.
The American Water Spaniel
This breed is good for families with children because of its intelligence and adaptability. Because of their stubbornness, they can be more difficult to teach than a Clumber spaniel.