Discover Everything About Clumber Spaniel
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Clumber Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Clumber Spaniel receives a grade of C because the breed is highly prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) due to its heavy build. Additionally, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 deficiency (PDP 1) is a breed-specific metabolic disorder for which a genetic test is available. Buyers should insist on seeing certified health test results for both parents to help prevent chronic pain in their future dog.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Height
43–51 cm
Weight
25–39 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, smooth, medium length, with undercoat
- Origin: Great Britain
Typical coat colors
- White with lemon or orange spots
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Clumber Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Clumber Spaniel right for you?
The Clumber Spaniel is a massive, methodical Stöberhund (flushing dog)—bred to plow through dense underbrush with calm endurance to flush out game. Today, he is often a relaxed companion, though his keen nose and gentle stubbornness remain a true part of his Spaniel heritage.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a massive, rather laid-back dog who appreciates walks at a leisurely pace
- You want to challenge his excellent nose with scent work or dummy training—as a true Stöberhund, he needs a task for his brain, not just his legs
- You don't mind plenty of dog hair and the occasional trail of drool on the sofa
- You appreciate a loyal companion who is somewhat reserved with strangers and doesn't jump on everyone he meets
Less ideal if:
- You are looking for an agile partner for jogging or fast-paced dog sports—his heavy build is simply not made for that
- You expect absolute obedience—he was bred to work independently in thick brush, which manifests today as a charming but rock-solid stubbornness
- You live in a third-floor apartment without an elevator—daily stair climbing is off-limits for this massive, low-slung dog
The real vibes check
Outdoors, a Clumber Spaniel is like a methodical bulldozer, plowing through any thicket with his nose to the ground; indoors, he is a massive, snoring shadow by your side. You aren't getting a nimble entertainer, but rather a dignified, gentle stubbornness on four paws. If you can accept his unwavering pace, you will find him to be the most loyal companion.
Breed Profile
The Clumber Spaniel is a powerfully built, massive and stocky dog with a noble and calm expression. He has dark amber eyes that have a gentle and attentive look. Its ears are large and droopy, giving it a distinctive appearance. The tail is naturally short or is shortened and is carried cheerfully, but not over the back. The dogs of this breed belong to FCI Group 8, the group of retrieving dogs, searching dogs and water dogs. There is no distinction between performance and show lines. Their size and stature give them an impressive presence, but this is complemented by their gentle and even-tempered nature.
| Height | 43 - 51 cm (Female), 43 - 51 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 25 - 29 kg (Female), 32 - 39 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 10 - 12 years |
| Character | Patient, calm, friendly |
| Coat | Dense, smooth, medium length, with undercoat |
| Coat Color | White with lemon or orange spots |
| Price | 1500 - 2500 € |
History
The Clumber Spaniel is an ancient breed that originated in England in the 18th century. It is named after Clumber Park in Sherwood Forest, where it was originally used for hunting pheasants and hares. The Duke of Newcastle is responsible for breeding this breed at Clumber Park and his game keepers have been instrumental in developing the breed standard. The breed was first recognized by the Kennel Club in Great Britain in 1848 and has since gained popularity worldwide. However, despite their long history, Clumber Spaniels are relatively rare and are on the Kennel Club's Vulnerable Native Breeds list, which lists the most endangered native breeds.
The Clumber Spaniel was bred as a hunting retriever and is known for its calm nature and robust build.
Great Britain
1700
Character & Temperament
Clumber Spaniels are known for their calm and collected personalities. They are friendly, loving and patient, making them excellent family dogs. Their calm nature means they are not as active and energetic as other spaniel breeds, but they still enjoy regular walks and playtime. Clumber Spaniels are exceptionally people-oriented and form close bonds with their family. They are often reserved towards strangers, but not aggressive or fearful. Their calm and patient nature makes them good companions for children, and they generally get along well with other pets. Although they are not as independent as other breeds, Clumber Spaniels can learn to stay alone provided they receive enough physical and mental stimulation when their humans are home. They have a moderate tendency to bark and can be alert, which can make them good guard dogs. The Clumber Spaniel has strong prey-catching behavior, but this can be minimized through training and socialization. Their hunting instinct is less strong than other spaniel breeds, but they still have the ability to track and retrieve birds or other game. Despite their calm and relaxed nature, Clumber Spaniels need just as much love, care and attention as any other breed. It is important that they are adopted by a person or family who is willing to put the time and effort into raising and caring for them to ensure they can live a happy and fulfilling life. Clumber Spaniels are exceptionally people-oriented and form close bonds with their family. They are often reserved towards strangers, but not aggressive or fearful. Their calm and patient nature makes them good companions for children, and they generally get along well with other pets. Although they are not as independent as other breeds, they can
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Clumber Spaniels are named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, England, where the breed was originally developed. They were the preferred breed of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria!
What Awaits You
Clumber Spaniels are hunting dogs and are therefore motivated to hunt. This breed has also been very negatively influenced by breeding. They often suffer from eye problems and have problems with natural childbirth, so cesarean sections are quite common.
Housing & Care
Clumber Spaniels are a versatile breed that do well in both the city and the country. They are calm and good-natured, making them ideal city dogs as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. Their relaxed nature also makes them good companions for families with children. They are typically gentle and patient with children and can also get along well with other pets, including cats.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly City-appropriate with enough exercise and stimulation. | Manageable in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Clumber Spaniels are intelligent dogs who love to please, which usually makes training them quite easy. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. As with any breed, it is important to start training early and stay consistent. Clumber Spaniels have a natural instinct to fetch, so training with ball or fetch games can be very effective. They also have good stamina and can do well in activities such as long walks, hiking or swimming. Despite their calm temperament, they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. It is important to note that although Clumber Spaniels enjoy being active, they also need their rest periods and are not prone to being "ball junkies." to become. As with all dogs, it is important that they learn to develop frustration tolerance and impulse control. Although Clumber Spaniels were originally bred as working dogs, in modern times they are primarily companion dogs and enjoy spending time with their people. It is important to understand their needs and give them enough time, attention and love to ensure that they can live a happy and fulfilling life.
Nutrition & Care
Clumber Spaniels tend to gain weight easily, so it is important to monitor their diet carefully and ensure they are receiving a balanced, healthy diet. The exact amount of food they need depends on their age, weight, activity level and health status, but in general they need fewer calories per kilogram of body weight than smaller dogs. In terms of grooming, Clumber Spaniels have a dense, smooth coat with a thick undercoat that protects them from cold temperatures. However, this also means that they tend to shed heavily, especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn. Regular brushing can help minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Despite their thick undercoat, Clumber Spaniels cope well with the climate in Germany. They are hardy and adaptable and can thrive in both cold and warmer temperatures.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Bred to work closely alongside humans. | Highly trainable |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Clumber Spaniel receives a grade of C because the breed is highly prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) due to its heavy build. Additionally, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 deficiency (PDP 1) is a breed-specific metabolic disorder for which a genetic test is available. Buyers should insist on seeing certified health test results for both parents to help prevent chronic pain in their future dog.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should focus on joint-friendly development, strict weight management, and regular eye check-ups to keep your dog fit and pain-free for as long as possible.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' hips, elbows, and eyes tested, check for genetic health, and pay attention to moderate skin folds to specifically reduce health risks.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Clumber Spaniel
Nicole G., Halterin aus Norddeutschland (Hündin Molly, seit 2012)
Als ich nach einem unkomplizierten, ruhigen Begleiter suchte, stieß ich auf den Clumber Spaniel. Die Suche gestaltete sich jedoch schwierig, da die Rasse in Deutschland extrem selten ist – wir mussten schließlich im europäischen Ausland suchen, um unsere Hündin Molly zu finden. Sie ist im Haus unglaublich ausgeglichen und erinnert mich oft an einen kleinen, gemütlichen Molosser mit Knautschgesicht. Beim Spaziergang werden wir oft gefragt, ob unser „weißer Cocker vielleicht ein wenig zu dick geraten“ sei, was uns immer wieder schmunzeln lässt.
Trotz ihrer Gemütlichkeit darf man ihren Jagdtrieb nicht unterschätzen. Molly hat eine hervorragende Spürnase und wir beschäftigen sie intensiv mit Mantrailing und Clickertraining, damit sie nicht auf dumme Gedanken kommt. Sie ist so vorsichtig, dass sie minutenlang mit einem rohen Ei im Maul herumlaufen kann, ohne dass es zerbricht! Das zeigt, wie feinfühlig diese Hunde sein können.
Man muss sich allerdings auch der Schattenseiten bewusst sein: Der Genpool ist sehr klein, was gesundheitliche Risiken birgt. Molly hat rassetypische Hängelider, die zu chronischen Bindehautentzündungen neigen, und wir hatten leider einige Tierarztbesuche hinter uns. Zudem sollte man sich auf reichlich Sabber, lautes Schnarchen und weiße Haare in der gesamten Wohnung einstellen. Wer damit leben kann, bekommt aber einen absolut treuen Seelenhund.
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2018)
Mein zweijähriger Clumber-Rüde ist ein absoluter Traumhund, aber er hat eine ganz besondere Eigenart: Ihm ist fast immer viel zu warm! Schon als Welpe hat er das gemütliche Hundebett oder das Sofa komplett gemieden und lag stattdessen immer auf den kältesten Fliesen im Flur. Kuscheln und Kraulen findet er zwar toll, aber „Kontaktliegen“ hält er höchstens drei Minuten aus, bevor es ihm zu heiß wird.
Vor allem im Winter, wenn die Wohnung geheizt ist, hechelt er oft stark. Er hat dann richtig heiße Pfoten und würde am liebsten draußen im Garten wohnen. Bei sommerlichen Temperaturen über 30 Grad ist er natürlich auch nicht gerade begeistert, aber die warme Heizungsluft im Winter macht ihm fast noch mehr zu schaffen.
Wir haben ihn tierärztlich komplett durchchecken lassen – das Herz ist gesund, die Blutwerte sind perfekt. Es liegt also nicht an einer Krankheit, sondern schlichtweg an seiner Natur und dem dichten Fell. Wer sich für diese Rasse entscheidet, sollte also wissen, dass diese Hunde kühle Orte lieben und man ihnen im Haus immer einen kalten Rückzugsort bieten muss.
Christian K., Halter aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2020)
Unser Clumber-Rüde ist mittlerweile vier Jahre alt und bereichert unser Leben jeden Tag. Er ist extrem intelligent, lernt unglaublich schnell und will uns eigentlich immer gefallen. Die Erziehung im Alltag lief bis auf ein paar Ausnahmen wirklich spielend leicht. Aber man darf sich von ihrer gemütlichen Art nicht täuschen lassen: Wenn er sich erst einmal etwas in den Kopf gesetzt hat, ist er absolut stur und lässt sich durch nichts auf der Welt umstimmen.
Er liebt Kinder über alles. Wenn wir an der Grundschule vorbeigehen und die Kinder draußen spielen, rammt er seine Pfoten regelrecht in den Boden. Da hilft kein Locken, kein Leckerli und kein Kommando – er rührt sich keinen Millimeter mehr, obwohl er sonst perfekt an der Leine läuft. In solchen Momenten muss ich ihn fast schon wegziehen, was bei seinem stattlichen Gewicht gar nicht so einfach ist!
Ein weiteres Thema, das man nicht unterschätzen sollte, ist das sogenannte „Counter Surfing“. Durch seine Größe und seine Verfressenheit klaut er liebend gerne Essen direkt von der Küchenzeile, wenn man mal kurz nicht aufpasst. Man muss also sehr ordentlich sein und darf nichts Essbares herumliegen lassen. Trotz dieser kleinen Macken ist er aber der liebevollste und treueste Begleiter, den man sich vorstellen kann.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
Sell Clumber Spaniel Puppies
Breeding Clumber Spaniel? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Frequently asked questions about the Clumber Spaniel
Is a Clumber Spaniel the right dog for me?
The Clumber Spaniel is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Clumber Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a Clumber Spaniel is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Clumber Spaniel need?
Clumber Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Clumber Spaniel good for families with children?
The Clumber Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Clumber Spaniel Breeders Near You
Find verified Clumber Spaniel breeders in your region
Popular puppy searches
Other breeds with available puppies from verified breeders
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission
We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.