Information on AKC Clumber Spaniel Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Clumber Spaniel
One of the original nine breeds registered by the AKC, the Clumber Spaniel’s long and low build is particularly unique among spaniels. Although not as speedy as other sporting dogs, the Clumber will work all day, trotting along in his signature slow, rolling gait. He may appear dignified and pensive, but he possesses great enthusiasm for both work and play. The breed possesses a beautiful white coat and may have lemon or orange-colored markings.
A Look Back
Some doubt exists about the origin of the Clumber Spaniel, but most believe the breed originated in 18th-century France with ancestors such as the Basset Hound and early Alpine Spaniel. The Clumber was prized for his ability to hunt in heavy cover and his quiet style, which allowed him to come up very close to the game. The breed received its modern name when a large French kennel moved Duke of Newcastle’s Clumber Park at the start of the French Revolution in an effort to save its dogs.
Right Breed for You?
Playful and loving, the Clumber Spaniel fits in well with families and other animals. They enjoy daily walks, but they are not for those who want a jogging partner. Clumbers shed moderately year-round and tend to slobber and drool more than other breeds. An intelligent and independent thinker, the Clumber responds best to positive training.
If you are considering purchasing a Clumber Spaniel puppy, learn more here.
- Sporting Group; AKC recognized in 1884.
- Ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder and 55 to 85 pounds.
- Gundog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Clumber Spaniel Breed Standard
General Appearance
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, Proportion, Substance
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.
Head
The head is massive with a marked stop and heavy brow. The top skull is
flat with a pronounced occiput. A slight furrow runs between the eyes
and up through the center of the skull. The muzzle is broad and deep to
facilitate retrieving many species of game. The nose is large, square
and colored shades of brown, which include beige, rose and cherry. The
flews of the upper jaw are strongly developed and overlap the lower jaw
to give a square look when viewed from the side. A scissors bite is preferred.
The eyes are dark amber in color, large, soft in expression, and deep
set in either a diamond shaped rim or a rim with a "V" on the bottom and
a curve on the top. Some haw may show but excessive haw is undesirable.
Prominent or round shaped eyes are to be penalized. Excessive tearing
or evidence of entropion or ectropion is to be penalized. Ears are broad
on top with thick ear leather. The ears are triangular in shape with a
rounded lower edge, set low and attached to the skull at approximately
eye level.
Neck, Topline, Body
The Clumber should have a long neck with some slackness of throat or presence
of dewlap not to be faulted. The neck is strong and muscular, fitting
into a well laid back shoulder. The back is straight, firm, long and level.
The brisket is deep and the ribs well sprung. The chest is deep and wide.
The loin arches slightly. The tail is well feathered and set on just below
the line of back; its trimming minimal, serving to tidy the feathering
to allow for a natural appearance and outline. The tail is normally carried
level with the topline or slightly elevated, never down between the rear
legs. The tail may be docked or left natural, both being of equal value.
If docked, the tail's length should be in keeping with the overall proportion
of the adult dog. If natural, the tailbone should extend to the point
of hock, but should not extend to the ground.
Forequarters
The Clumber shoulder is well laid back. The upper arm is of sufficient
length to place the elbow under the highest point of the shoulder. The
forelegs are short, straight and heavy in bone, with elbows held close
to the body. Pasterns are strong and only slightly sloped. The front feet
are large, compact and have thick pads that act as shock absorbers. Removal
of dewclaws is optional.
Hindquarters
The thighs are heavily muscled and, when viewed from behind, the rear
is round and broad. The stifle shows good functional angulation, and hock
to heel is short and perpendicular to the ground. Lack of angulation is
objectionable. The rear feet are not as large or as round as on the front
feet but compact, with thick pads and are of substantial size.
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.
Gait
The Clumber moves easily and freely with good reach in front and strong
drive from behind, neither crossing over nor elbowing out. The hocks drive
in a straight line without rocking or twisting. Because of his wide body
and short legs he tends to roll slightly. The proper Clumber roll occurs
when the dog, with the correct proportion, reaches forward with the rear
leg toward the centerline of travel and rotates the hip downward while
the back remains level and straight. The gait is comfortable and can be
maintained at a steady trot for a day of work in the field without exhaustion.
Temperament
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.
Approved: January 8, 2001
Effective: March 28, 2001
