CLUMBER SPANIEL Breed Standards
The origins of the Clumber Spaniel cannot be traced precisely, though evidence suggests that Bassett Hounds, early Alpine Spaniels and other breeds may be counted as their ancestors. Clumber Spaniels were one of the first specialized breeds, originating in France as early as the 18th century and used to flush and retrieve birds. One story holds that at the time of the French revolution (1789), the Duc de Noailles moved his spaniels to England to ensure their safety, housing them at the Second Duke of Newcastle's kennels at Clumber Park (hence the name) in Nottinghamshire. While there are no records of this story anywhere in England or France, it is known that the breed was perfected and successfully presented in its first shows at Clumber Park.
A British officer brought the first Clumbers to Nova Scotia in 1844. The AKC registry records a Clumber Spaniel named Bustler in 1878, six years prior to the founding of the American Kennel Club itself. Well suited for work in thick brush, the Clumber Spaniel is an adept hunter and is especially skilled at hunting partridge and pheasant. The Clumber Spaniel is not as quick as some of his spaniel cousins, but is instead a studious and capable worker with energy and scenting power to spare. Despite its long history, the breed is fairly unknown today outside of hunting circles and the ring, and on average only 200 Clumber Spaniels are registered in the United States each year.
SKILLS: The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, substantial dog. His heavy brow, deep chest, straight forelegs, powerful hindquarters, massive bone and good feet all give him the power and endurance to move through dense underbrush in pursuit of game. His white coat enables him to be seen by the hunter as he works within gun range. His stature is dignified, his expression pensive, but at the same time he shows great enthusiasm for work and play.
SIZE: The Clumber is rectangular in shape possessing massive bone structure and has the appearance of great power. The ideal height for dogs is 18 to 20 inches at the withers and for bitches is 17 to 19 inches at the withers. The ideal length to height is 11 to 9 measured from the withers to the base of the tail and from the floor to the withers. Dogs weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and bitches weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
COAT: The body coat is dense, straight and flat. It is of good weather resistant texture, which is soft to the touch, not harsh. Ears are slightly feathered with straight hair. Feathering on the legs and belly is moderate. The Clumber has a good neck frill and on no condition should his throat be shaved. Evidence of shaving is to be penalized. The hair on the feet should be trimmed neatly to show their natural outline and for utility in the field. The rear legs may be trimmed up to the point of the hock. Tail feathering may be tidied. Trimming of whiskers is optional.
Color and Markings - The Clumber is primarily a white dog with lemon color or orange color markings. Markings are frequently seen on one or both ears and the face. Facial markings include color around one or both eyes, freckling on the muzzle and a spot on top of the head. A head with lemon/orange markings and an all-white head are of equal value. Freckles on the legs and/or a spot near the root of the tail are also frequently seen and acceptable. The body should have as few markings as possible.
CARE REQUIRED: The coat on most Clumbers has longer guard-hairs on top with a soft, dense undercoat, depending on seasonal conditions. All dogs lose coat at some point during the year, and the hair they do lose is long enough that it's pretty easy to sweep or vacuum. Extreme stress or health problems can lead to excessive shedding. Daily brushing will help keep things under control.
CHARACTER: The Clumber Spaniel is a gentle, loyal and affectionate dog. He possesses an intrinsic desire to please. An intelligent and independent thinker, he displays determination and a strong sense of purpose while at work. A dog of dignity, the Clumber Spaniel may sometimes seem aloof with people unknown to him, but in time he will display his playful and loving nature. The Clumber Spaniel should never be hostile or aggressive; neither is acceptable and should not be condoned.
TRAINING: Clumber Spaniels are equally at home in an apartment or a residential home. They, like most spaniels, require some daily exercise. While they might prefer ten acres in the country and their own pond to play in, many Clumbers thrive in city settings. As the Clumber matures, brisk walks, bicycling, or ball-chasing can keep the Clumber in excellent shape.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Clumber Spaniels, originally bred as a Gentlemen's Gun Dog, do equally well in the show ring and the field. They are wonderful companion animals and have an inbred talent for field work.
EXERCISE: The Clumber Spaniel is easily trained, easily controlled and unusually intelligent. They take naturally to retrieving, are good water dogs, and as all round workmen have no superiors. Clumbers make excellent house-pets and can thrive with moderate exercise, though some Clumbers can be high energy dogs. They are actively represented in obedience and tracking, as well as being fine hunters and companions.
