Clumber
Spaniel
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Description:
Clumber Spaniels are very loyal and intelligent
dogs and have the appearance of a great power.
They're long and heavy-bodied (more so than other
Spaniels), but not very tall. Clumber Spaniels
have a deep and broad chest and a massive 'melting'
head. They have powerful feet and hindquarters
which helps them move through dense underbrush
in pursuit of game. Clumber Spaniels have a thick,
soft weather resistant coat.
The Clumber Spaniel's origins are not exactly
known, but it is believed these dogs originated
in France as early as the 18th century. Evidence
does prove the breed took its name from the Duke
of Newcastle's 3,800 acre estate Clumber Park
in Nottinghamshire, England. It is believed the
Duke of Newcastle's long time gamekeeper, William
Mansell was responsible for the development and
improvement of this unique breed. Clumber Spaniel
are thought to be related to Alpine Spaniels,
Basset Hounds, and other various breeds. They're
excellent hunters of partridges and pheasants
and work well in dense undergrowth. Clumber Spaniels
hunt alone or in small packs and while they're
not quick, they possess great stamina and do not
tire from a long day of work.
Clumber Spaniels have been favored by Several
British monarchs. Prince Albert, the Prince consort
of Queen Victoria, was a fancier and promoter
of the breed, as was his son King Edward VII,
who bred them at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Clumber Spaniels are thought to have arrived into
the United States in 1883 and they were among
nine other breeds first recognized by the American
Kennel Club. The first Clumber Spaniel registered
with the AKC was recorded in 1878. Note: The AKC
accepted a few records of pedigrees that were
older than the actual club upon its founding in
1884.
Height: The
height of a Clumber Spaniel is 17 to 20 inches
(43-51 cm)
Weight: The ideal weight of a Clumber Spaniel
dog is 36 kgs (80 lbs) and for bitches 29.5 kgs
(65 lbs)
Coat Type: The Clumber Spaniel's coat is
dense, weather-resistant, straight, flat and soft
to the touch. These dogs are are heavy shedders,
so brushing and combing should be done on a regular
basis. Clumber Spaniel's eyes and ears should
be regularly checked.
Color: The Clumber Spaniel is primarily
a white dog with lemon color or orange color markings.
Temperament: Clumber Spaniels are sweet,
loyal and intelligent. Very playful and active
when puppies, but once they have matured, they
are very calm. These dogs have an intrinsic desire
to please, they're very kind and affectionate.
Clumber Spaniels are aloof with strangers (more
so than any other Spaniels), until they get to
know them. Clumbers are independent thinkers.
These dogs should never be timid or hostile. Clumber
Spaniels have a great memory making them easy
to train, but one must keep in mind they are gentle
dogs and will not respond to tough discipline.
Clumber Spaniels like to chew, so be sure to have
many chewing toys to satisfy this urge.
Health Problems: Canine hip dysplasia
is a serious issue in this breed. Other health
concerns for the Clumber Spaniel include entropion
and ectropion (turning inward or outward of the
lower eyelid), hypothyroidism, dry eyes and cataracts.
Some Clumber Spaniels are also prone to panosteitis
which is a bone disease in young dogs. Without
enough exercise, the Clumber Spaniel tends to
gain weight very easily. They also can suffer
from flatulence, slobber and drool especially
after eating and drinking and they can also snore.
The average life expectancy of a Clumber Spaniel
is between 11 - 12 years.
Special Interest:
• Clumber Spaniels were first shown in England
in 1859.
• Clumber Spaniels are the heaviest of the
Spaniels.
• Clumber Spaniels are called 'Clumbers'
for short.
• Clumber Spaniels entered Canada in 1844
with a member of the British army.
• Clumber Spaniels in hunting situations
are depicted in many vintage paintings.
• An entry in Queen Victoria's diary on
October 16, 1840, reads: "Walked out directly
after breakfast before Albert went to shoot. He
had his 7 fine Clumber Spaniels with us and we
went into the Slopes, with such a funny old Gamekeeper,
Walters, in order that I should see how the dogs
found out their game. They are such dear, nice
dogs."
Classifications:
AKC: Sporting Group
ANKC: Group 3 - Gun Dogs
CKC: Gun Dog
FCI: Group 8 Section 2 - Flushing Dogs
KC: Gun Dog Group
UKC: Gun Dog Group
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