How does the Clumber Spaniel work in the field?
The Clumber is the heaviest spaniel, a slow, thorough hunter that misses very little. It suits walked-up shooting and small rough shoots.
The Clumber is the heaviest of the spaniels, named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, and it works in its own unhurried way. Rather than racing through cover, it hunts slowly and thoroughly, missing very little, and flushes game for the guns before retrieving to hand. That pace suits walked-up shooting and small rough shoots, where a methodical dog that stays close is an asset. Clumbers are uncommon in the field, and most today are bred for show or as companions, so a working-bred puppy takes patience to find. Ask the breeder how the parents are used, and look for working test experience in the pedigree.
What is the Clumber Spaniel like to live and work with?
Gentle, good-natured and calm indoors, though it can be stubborn. Expect drool, shedding and the occasional snore.
Clumbers are gentle, good-natured and dignified, with a calm manner indoors that surprises people who know only the busier spaniels, such as the working cocker. They are affectionate with their family and usually friendly with visitors and other dogs. They can be stubborn, and their size means a badly behaved Clumber is a lot of dog to manage, so early training matters. Most are content with moderate exercise, though they enjoy a day's work. Owners should be ready for drool, shedding and the occasional snore. Look for parents that are steady, friendly and sound in their movement.
Which health tests matter for the Clumber Spaniel?
Both parents should have hip scores under the BVA/KC scheme, as hip dysplasia is a problem in the breed, and an eye certificate. The key DNA test is PDP1 deficiency.
Ask for both parents' hip scores under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia Scheme, as hip dysplasia is a recognised problem in the breed, and elbow grades where they have been done. A current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is worth asking for too, and the breed's loose eyelids can cause entropion or ectropion, so look closely at the parents' eyes. A DNA test is available for pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 (PDP1) deficiency, which causes exercise intolerance. It is inherited recessively, so a puppy is not expected to be affected by the tested variant when at least one parent has a reliable clear result. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our buying checklist covers what else to check before you pay.
How much training and exercise does the Clumber Spaniel need?
Calm, patient training without pressure, and no heavy exercise while young. An adult needs about an hour of exercise a day.
Clumbers respond well to calm, patient training and poorly to pressure. Start with recall and the stop whistle, then quartering, steadiness to flush and shot, and retrieving to hand. Their slower pace makes them easier to keep within range than a fast spaniel, but they can be single-minded once they have found a scent. Keep sessions short and rewarding. An adult Clumber needs about an hour of exercise a day, and youngsters should not be over-exercised while their heavy frame develops. Keep them lean, check eyes and ears regularly, and brush the dense coat weekly.
How long does it take to train the Clumber Spaniel?
For the Clumber Spaniel, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
Clumbers are trained at their own pace and should not be pushed physically while young. Early learning includes socialisation, recall and basic manners, with short walks rather than long ones while the heavy frame grows. After comfortable everyday foundations, the dog learns to hunt close, to stop on the whistle and to retrieve to hand. With reliable foundations, it is introduced to game and steadied to flush and shot on quiet walked-up days. Working-bred litters are rare, so look out for Clumber spaniel puppies for sale. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.