Clumber Spaniel

The breed's history before the mid-nineteenth century is poorly known. Some think it originated in France, indicating that the Duke of Noailles, at the time of the French Revolution, gave his pack of spaniels to Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Another theory states that it was created in England from other spaniel breeds, possibly crossed with bassets or Saint Bernards. Finally, a third hypothesis exists, according to which it would descend from the Blenheim Spaniel, later incorporated into the King Charles Spaniel. The latter were once imposing and used for hunting, but they are now small dogs appreciated as pets. What is certain is that this breed takes its name from Clumber Park and that the gamekeeper of the Duke of Newcastle, William Mansell, is at the origin of its development and improvement. Prince Albert, Prince Consort of Queen Victoria, did much to promote this breed which he loved, as did his son Edward VII of the United Kingdom, who raised it on his Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The breed was presented from 1859 in English exhibitions. These dogs remained long the privilege of the nobility, and their numbers decreased in the early twentieth century until King George V took interest in it from 1925 onwards. It is today recognized as a vulnerable breed, with fewer than 300 new registrations per year.

It is a docile, gentle, loyal and affectionate dog, but aloof with strangers. Adult, it is a calm dog that loves to lie on the sofa, play, eat and sleep. But it is also a dog that needs exercise, both for its physical and mental development. The clumber is also recognized for being sometimes 'stubborn' and independent. It is a very intelligent dog. The clumber spaniel loses its hair at an average rate. It tends to drool abundantly because of its drooping lips. The young are particularly playful. It can also be noted that this dog loves to carry objects all day long, which can cause him health problems when he swallows them. The clumber is used to hunt pheasant and partridge, alone or in small groups. It is very well adapted to hunting in areas with dense vegetation and although it is slower compared to other spaniels, it is very hardy and has an excellent sense of smell, making it a good hunting dog. Its large muzzle allows it to detect a wide variety of game.

The clumber spaniel is the most imposing of all spaniels and is long and heavy, measuring 43 to 51 cm at the withers for a weight of 25 to 34 kg. It has a shape similar to the Sussex Spaniel which is smaller. The clumber has strong bone, a massive head with a melancholic expression. One commonly observes freckles on the muzzle and front paws. Its coat is thick and water-resistant. It is flat, with some locks on the ears, belly and paws. The clumber is most often white, with lemon, brown or orange markings around the eyes and at the base of the tail.