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Sporting breeds: Clumber Spaniel
Origin
The breed is believed to have originated in France. The earliest visual record of a Clumber is from 1788. Francis Wheatley pictures him in the painting "The Return From Shooting." It is not known for sure how the Clumber was developed, but it is suspected that Basset Hounds and Alpine Spaniels were part of the makeup. The most popular theory says that the Duc de Noailles of France moved his kennel of spaniels to England for sanctuary during the French revolution. He housed his dogs at the kennels of the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park. The aristocracy guarded the popularity of the breed. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's consort, and King Edward VII both had Clumbers.
Clumbers were first shown in England in 1859, and the first Clumber was registered in the American Kennel Club studbook in 1878, six years before the AKC was established. (Studbook registries were in existence before the AKC was actually established.)
General description
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 55-85 pounds
Color: The Clumber is a primarily white dog with some lemon or orange markings. The fewer markings, the better.
Grooming requirements
The Clumber Spaniel needs to be brushed with a slicker brush and a metal comb weekly in order to maintain a mat-free coat. He also needs to have his ears cleaned and nails trimmed on a regular basis.
Health considerations
The Clumber is a very healthy breed. He can suffer from several tooth development problems and is known to have entropian or ectropian eyes. He should come from OFA parents who have been checked for hip dysplasia.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Clumber is a very quiet dog and well mannered. The greatest difficulty is in finding one. They are not very widespread.
The Clumber is a quiet, pleasant dog with great intelligence. He is playful and very good with children. This is a very loyal and affectionate breed, but reserved with strangers. The breed is never timid or hostile.
Uses
The Clumber is an upland bird dog, preferring pheasant and partridge. A proper gaited Clumber can comfortably maintain a steady trot for a full day's work in the field. He works within gun range and does well in dense underbrush. His white coat makes him easily visible to his hunting partner.
Web links
AKC Clumber Spaniel page
Clumber Spaniel Club of America
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