Sporting group

Clumber Spaniel

A gentle, heavyset spaniel with a dignified manner and a love of naps.

Clumber Spaniels are the largest and most laid-back spaniels — long, low, heavy-boned bird dogs with a mellow temperament. They are loving, quiet companions who shed, drool and snore in generous measure.

Height
17–20 in43–51 cm
Weight
55–85 lb25–39 kg
Life expectancy
10–12 years
Size
Large
Group
Sporting
Origin
England

Coat: Dense, straight, weather-resistant coat with feathering. Colours: White with lemon markings, White with orange markings.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability3.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.5 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.5 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive3.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking1.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level4.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency4.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Clumbers are calm, easygoing and affectionate. They are loyal to their family, polite with visitors and generally good with children and other dogs. Many are quiet dogs that rarely bark.

They can be stubborn and are not built for speed; they work at a steady, deliberate pace. Clumbers love food and will steal it, and they have a strong instinct to carry things around the house.

Living with a Clumber Spaniel

Exercise

Moderate: 30–60 minutes of walking and sniffing daily. Avoid strenuous exercise in heat and keep puppies off stairs while growing.

Grooming

Brush several times a week — Clumbers shed heavily. Clean ears and facial folds regularly and keep drool cloths handy.

Training

Willing but sometimes stubborn. Food rewards work well; keep sessions short and positive.

Kids & other pets

Gentle and patient with children and friendly with other pets, though they may chase birds.

Time alone

Copes reasonably with moderate alone time, but Clumbers are companion dogs and may chew when bored.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Clumber Spaniel right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Clumber Spaniel matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Clumber Spaniel typically lives 10–12 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Very common in the breed; screened parents and a lean weight help.

  • Intervertebral disc disease

    The long back makes disc problems more likely; avoid jumping from heights.

  • Eyelid problems

    Entropion and ectropion are common and may need surgical correction.

  • PDP1 deficiency

    An inherited metabolic disease causing exercise intolerance; a DNA test is available.

  • Obesity

    Clumbers love food, and extra weight strains the back and joints.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA test for PDP1 deficiency

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Clumber Spaniel; Clumber Spaniel Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

The breed is named after Clumber Park, the Nottinghamshire estate of the Duke of Newcastle, where it was developed in the late 1700s. A popular story says the Duc de Noailles sent his spaniels to England for safekeeping during the French Revolution.

Clumbers were favourites of British royalty, including Prince Albert and King Edward VII, who used them for beating game from thick cover. The breed was among the first nine recognised by the AKC in 1884.

Did you know?

  • Clumbers were among the first nine breeds recognised by the AKC.
  • Many Clumbers carry objects around the house — shoes, socks, anything handy.
  • Their rolling gait is sometimes compared to a gentle ship at sea.

Library guides for Clumber Spaniel owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Clumber Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes — they are gentle, calm and good with children. Be ready for shedding, drool and snoring.
Do Clumber Spaniels need a lot of exercise?
Less than most sporting breeds. Daily walks and sniffing time are usually enough.
Are Clumbers rare?
Yes, they are uncommon, and puppies often involve a waiting list.