Clumber Spaniel
Temperament:
The medium-sized Clumber Spaniel is so flexible and adaptive that he can be used for almost all fields of work. In addition, due to his friendly nature, he is also ideally suited as a family dog.
Characteristics
Clumber Spaniel can weigh up to 34 kg. However, their height at the withers is about 40 to 45 cm is not officially clearly defined. Thus, it belongs to the medium-sized dogs. This dog breed is rather short-legged and stands out for its large head, which resembles a St. Bernard.
The dense coat is silky and smooth. Mostly the Clumber Spaniel is almost pure white. Only around the ears, eyes and muzzle can be found lemon to orange speckles. The dog benefits from its massive build and strong bone structure. Both make him an extremely robust working dog.
Besides its imperturbability, endurance, intelligence and agility, the breed is also characterized by its calm disposition. Depending on its upbringing, the dog develops into an exemplary hunting, working or family dog. Nevertheless, he always retains a charming portion of stubbornness.
Mostly the dog fixates on a single person and shows itself towards strangers rather distant to disinterested. Clumber Spaniels need a lot of exercise and must be sufficiently challenged. In his attitude as a family dog, you can meet this trait, for example, through apport training.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
Since the Clumber Spaniel tends to be overweight, the recommended amounts of food should not be exceeded. Treats should also be used sparingly. As with any dog, the food should have a high meat content and be prepared without cereals.
It is especially important to buy high-quality food. This should also be matched to the energy expenditure of the dog.
You should also remember to give your four-legged friend low-calorie special food. While puppies can eat 3-4 servings a day, two servings are sufficient for an adult Clumber Spaniel. It is also beneficial to weigh the dog at least once a month so that you can adjust the amount of food in time if necessary.
Health & Care
As a rule, the care of this breed of dogs is not particularly complex. Clumber Spaniels require regular brushing, which can be done at intervals of a few days. During the shedding period, however, you should brush your dog daily to prevent excessive shedding.
The ears should also be checked at regular intervals. With hanging ears it can come namely easily to parasite infestation or inflammations. The claws should be kept in normal length. If your dog does not wear them down quickly enough, injuries can occur.
Unfortunately, many Clumber Spaniels are prone to joint problems, eye diseases and herniated discs. This is also partly due to breeding and occurs especially when the goal of the breeder is a particularly massive dog. This has a negative effect on the dog's joints in the course of life.
Suitable accessories
Treats are essential for motivating your dog. However, sugar-free alternatives should be preferred. For the care of the coat, a simple dog bust is recommended. Always make sure that your dog has a shady place in the garden. This can be for example also a doghouse. Otherwise, your four-legged friend is of course also happy about chewing toys and especially about the time you spend with him.
Origin & History
The origin of this old British breed is not finally clarified. However, the trace leads to the Nottingham of the 18th century. Presumably, the Clumber Spaniel was a breed of the Duke of Newcastle or his gamekeeper William Mansell.
His ancestors were probably spaniels from France, as well as bassets from England and the Chien de Montagne des Pyrénées. The first painting showing these dogs is an illustration of the hunting party of the second Duke of Newcastle in Clumber Park. As a gobbler, the dog was probably used for hunting ducks and pheasants. In the following years, this dog breed enjoyed extreme popularity among noblemen.
It was not until 1930 that Clumber Spaniels became rare again. The UK Kennel Club put them on the list of Vulnerable Native Breeds. This means that less than 300 puppies are registered per year.
