Royal kennels → rare family dog
Rare but devoted
Clumbers were kept by British royalty in the 19th century. Today the breed is rare, and puppies can take time to find.
Meet the parents and see their calm nature, drool and how they move.
Clumber Spaniel · Sporting
Clumber Spaniel: temperament, training & weight care
The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, heavy English spaniel with a mostly white coat and a gentle face. Most are calm, affectionate and easy-going. Life goes well with steady daily walks, kitchen management, weight control and regular brushing.
- Job: Slow, steady flushing spaniel from Clumber Park.
- Energy: Moderate; steady walks and scent games.
- Home: Fits calm homes that can handle shedding and drool.
First, the point
A Clumber is a calm, heavy spaniel that needs sniffing walks, kitchen manners and careful weight control
Public breed histories describe a slow, steady shooting spaniel from English ducal estates.
Most Clumbers are laid-back and loving. Typical struggles are food stealing, slow recall, drool, shedding and weight.
In the first months I teach leave it, a calm place, recall games and gentle handling.
- Height
- 17–20 in (43–51 cm)
- Weight
- 55–85 lb (25–39 kg)
- Energy
- Moderate (sniff then rest)
- Coat / shed
- Dense white coat with feathering — sheds; brush weekly
- Job
- Slow, steady flushing spaniel from Clumber Park, England
Breed history
A heavy, quiet spaniel from Clumber Park
The Clumber Spaniel takes its name from Clumber Park, the Duke of Newcastle’s estate in Nottinghamshire. It was bred to work slowly and steadily through thick cover, which gave a calm, gentle, heavy-boned spaniel with a big nose.
Nottinghamshire estates, 1700s–1800s → beating spaniel
A gentleman’s shooting dog
Public breed histories link the Clumber to English ducal estates, where it worked in teams through dense undergrowth.
It was valued for a steady pace and a good nose rather than speed.
What the breed was bred for
Calm, gentle and easy-going
In plain trainer language: Clumbers are laid-back, affectionate and happy to potter.
The challenges are stealing food, slow recall, drool and shedding, and keeping weight in check. Food management and steady walks help most.
- Steady daily walks
- Kitchen and counter management
- Weight control
- Regular brushing
Public references: FCI 109, AKC Clumber Spaniel, RKC.
Life together
A Clumber’s day is a steady potter and a long nap
Clumbers enjoy walks with lots of sniffing and plenty of rest. They are not frantic dogs.
Show · sit
A friendly face
Most Clumbers love people. Teach a polite sit for greetings.
See sit for greeting.
Ring · stand
Solid and steady
Steady walks protect the joints and keep weight down.
Care and health themes
Monthly checks: weight, eyes, ears and coat
A trainer’s checklist, not veterinary advice. See a vet for red eyes, ear smell, limping or low energy. For urgent signs, see when to call the vet.
Weight
A heavy dog gains easily; measure food and count treats.
Eyes
Check for redness or discharge.
Ears
Check for smell and dirt.
Coat
Dense white coat sheds; brush a few times a week.
Health screening (not a diagnosis)
Ask the breeder which screenings the national breed club recommends, including hip scores, and see results for both parents.
Toxins
I do not publish toxin amounts. Call a vet or poison-control line if the dog eats something dangerous.
Lines and types
Lemon or orange markings
Clumbers are white with lemon or orange markings, mostly on the head and ears.
Lemon markings
- Pale yellow patches.
- Freckled muzzle common.
- Same coat care.
- Same needs.
The most common look.
Orange markings
- Deeper orange patches.
- Same white coat.
- Same coat care.
- Same needs.
A warmer colour.
Socialization windows
What to introduce — and what not to overload — by age
AVSAB-aligned in spirit: short, clean exposures at a distance the puppy can still eat, with hygiene while vaccines finish. See the puppy socialization schedule.
Leave it and handling
Introduce: leave it, handling, toilet routine, crate naps.
Do not overload: food left on low tables.
Recall games
Introduce: long-line recall, polite greetings, short absences.
Do not overload: long, hard walks.
Gentle teenager
Introduce: scent games, place, loose-lead walking.
Do not overload: table scraps.
Adult routine
Introduce: steady walks, scent work, gentle field work.
Do not overload: weight creeping up.
Easy-going adult
Introduce: refreshed leave it.
Do not overload: too little exercise.
Before you buy
Who a Clumber Spaniel usually fits
A Clumber suits calm households that want a gentle, affectionate dog and can live with drool and white hair.
Good match
More likely a good fit if you…
- Want a calm, gentle dog
- Enjoy relaxed walks
- Can manage food at home
- Do not mind drool and shedding
- Will wait for a rare puppy
Mismatch risk
A Clumber Spaniel may be a poor choice if…
- You want a running partner
- White hair on furniture is a problem
- Food is often left out
- You want a small dog
- Stairs and heavy lifting are hard for you
If you are torn between breeds
Clumber Spaniel vs English Springer Spaniel and Basset Hound
Clumbers are compared with English Springers and Basset Hounds.
Pace
Clumber Spaniel Slow and steady.
English Springer Spaniel Fast and busy.
Build
Clumber Spaniel Long, low, heavy.
English Springer Spaniel Lighter, taller.
Nose use
Clumber Spaniel Bird spaniel.
Basset Hound Scent hound.
Recall
Clumber Spaniel Slow but willing.
Basset Hound Often poor.
Drool and shedding
Clumber Spaniel Plenty.
Both compares Both shed; Bassets drool too.
Ownership without surprises
What a Clumber costs to keep
Prices vary by country. These are the spending themes, not figures.
Health checks
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends.
Food
A heavy dog; measure carefully.
Grooming
Brushes and occasional tidy.
Car ramp or crate
For a heavy dog.
Training
Puppy class.
Insurance
Consider it early.
With a Clumber, health checks and careful feeding matter most.
Before day one at home
What to prepare for a Clumber Spaniel puppy
A Clumber puppy is sweet and nosy. Start leave it and kitchen rules early.
Leave it
See leave it.
Handling
See puppy handling.
Gentle mouths
See biting and nipping.
Short walks
See walk length by age.
Toilet routine
Follow potty training.
Crate as a safe place
See crate training.
If the dog is already yours
Training a Clumber is calm, food-based and patient
Clumbers learn steadily and love food. Use it, but count it.
My core list: leave it, recall, a calm place and polite greetings.
Scent work and gentle field training suit them.
Load balance
Steady walks and sniffing
Steady walks with lots of sniffing suit most Clumbers.
Walk Sniff Train Chew Nap
Walks, scent games, gentle retrieves and long naps suit most Clumbers.
A Clumber with kitchen rules is a gentle, easy companion.
Food stealing
How to stop a Clumber Spaniel stealing food
Clear counters, teach leave it and reward the dog for lying on its bed.
- 01
Clear the counters
Nothing to find.
- 02
Teach leave it
Reward looking away.
- 03
Bed while cooking
Reward lying down.
- 04
Use a gate
When you cannot watch.
- 05
Count treats
Keep weight in check.
One scene close-up
Why your Clumber steals food
Clumbers have a big nose and a big appetite.
Keep counters clear, teach leave it and reward the dog on its bed while you cook.
Use a gate when you cannot watch.
Typical household scenes
Where Clumber Spaniel owners most often need help
A breed page is only a starting point; the fix depends on health, environment, and the dog in front of you. Each row opens a step-by-step guide.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Counter surfing
Steals food from counters.
Scavenging
Eats things on walks.
Slow recall
Takes its time coming back.
Weight gain
Gains weight easily.
Stealing items
Carries off socks and shoes.
Leaning on guests
Heavy, friendly greetings.
Guarding
Guards food or stolen items.
Sudden change
Red eyes, limping or low energy — vet first.
Practical view
“With a Clumber, I manage the kitchen before I train manners. We build leave it, a calm bed while cooking and steady recall — because a big nose finds everything.”
Sessions cover real scenes: counter surfing, scavenging on walks, slow recall, and weight gain. I am a trainer, not a veterinarian. No invented reviews.
Andrew Darov Professional dog trainer and instructor
WhatsApp consult Talk through your Clumber Spaniel
Describe age, living setup, and where the dog breaks first — counter surfing, scavenging on walks, slow recall, or weight gain. Opens WhatsApp to Andrew.
Short answers
FAQ
Is a Clumber a good first dog?
Often yes, for calm homes.
Are Clumbers good with children?
Usually gentle; supervise because of size.
Do Clumbers shed?
Yes, quite a lot.
How much exercise does an adult need?
Steady daily walks.
Do Clumbers drool?
Many do, especially after drinking.
Are Clumbers rare?
Yes; expect to wait for a puppy.
Can a Clumber live in a flat?
Possible with walks, but stairs are hard for a heavy dog.
Are Clumbers lazy?
They are calm, but still need daily walks.
What about health?
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends and see the parents' results.
What is the typical lifespan of a Clumber Spaniel?
Public breed references often give about 10 to 12 years. Individual dogs vary.
Can Clumbers hunt?
Yes, they are steady, slow working spaniels.
If a Clumber’s size and shedding are too much
If you want a gentle, affectionate spaniel in a smaller package, consider this one.
English Springer Spaniel
A friendly, eager British flushing spaniel that needs daily exercise, scent work, long-line recall and a taught settle.
English Cocker Spaniel
A merry, busy British spaniel that needs scent games, retrieve and trade practice, ear care and a taught settle.
Basset Hound
A gentle, sociable scent hound with long ears and a deep voice that needs sniffing walks, patient training and careful portions.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, affectionate small spaniel that loves company.
More Sporting group breeds
Other guides from the same group in the breed library. Same group does not mean same dog: read the fit and the failure modes, not only the outline.
Curly-Coated Retriever
A clever, independent English retriever with tight curls that needs varied training, daily exercise and calm visitor routines.
English Setter
A gentle, elegant British bird dog with a speckled belton coat that needs long-line freedom, patient recall work and regular brushing.
Flat-Coated Retriever
A cheerful, glossy British retriever that stays playful for years and needs daily exercise, retrieve games and calm greeting practice.
German Shorthaired Pointer
An energetic, affectionate German hunting dog that needs hard daily exercise, long-line recall and a taught settle at home.
German Wirehaired Pointer
A tough, loyal German hunting dog with a wiry coat that needs hard daily exercise, early socialising and a taught settle.
Golden Retriever
A fetching, people-facing sporting dog whose gold coat does not lower the daily mileage.
Need a read on your exact situation?
Describe your Clumber Spaniel’s age and the scene that repeats most: counter surfing, scavenging on walks, slow recall, or weight gain. We check safety first, then pick the first skill.
Written by Andrew Darov, professional dog trainer. Not veterinary advice and not a diagnosis.
Not a kennel club. No invented reviews. No vaccine schedules or toxin doses. Photo credits in
/images/breeds/clumber-spaniel-guide/credits.md.