(Clumber Spaniel Dog Breed Story at Dog Grooming!)

The Clumber spaniel is a big sports dog with short legs, a robust build, floppy ears, and silky, straight to wavy white hair with yellow or orange spots from England. Look no farther than this well-mannered breed for a calm and dependable companion at your side. Clumber spaniels are known for being dignified and resolute, and they make wonderful family companions and hunting dogs.

The Clumber, the biggest of the game-flushing spaniels, is a well-built dog with a small appearance that belies its bulk. The Clumber spaniel is built to rip through the underbrush and navigate difficult terrain. It’s not fast, but it’s unstoppable when it smells a bird.

In the United States, the Clumber spaniel is a relatively rare breed that is adored by a community of dog lovers. The Clumber’s attractiveness stems from its adaptability and even temperament. These dogs are at ease in an apartment or confident enough to flourish in an active, outdoor environment with proper exercise and care.

Clumber Spaniel History:

Although the origins of the Clumber spaniel are unknown, it is possible that England may claim ownership of this regal breed. This spaniel has been around since the 1700s, when it was in high demand among royalty searching for bird-flushing companions. The breed we know today is said to have sprung from Alpine spaniels (now extinct), Basset hounds, and Saint Bernards. Because the Clumber possesses hound-like traits, a spaniel’s aptitude to flush and recover bird game, and a Saint Bernard’s steady and dedicated personality, it’s easy to understand how this ancestry is possible.

Clumber spaniels are named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, England, where they were bred. They were used as gun dogs by the Duke of Newcastle. William Mansel, his gamekeeper, was instrumental in the advancement of the breed. Clumbers were only maintained by the British nobility, and breeding was only allowed on their estates.

However, how the Clumber arrived in England remains a point of contention. The Clumber spaniel was a French breed that was transferred to England for safekeeping during the turmoil of the French Revolution, according to one famous (though unproven) legend. However, there is some evidence that contradicts this notion, such as a painting of the Duke of Newcastle hunting with dogs that look a lot like Clumber spaniels that dates from 1788, a year before the discovery of the Clumber spaniels.

Whatever the case may be, all breed historians agree that the Clumber spaniel was a much-loved and well-guarded gun dog among England’s elite. In truth, Clumber spaniels were only bred by affluent estate owners. In the mid-nineteenth century, this began to alter, and the Clumber spaniel was first introduced to Canada in 1844. Following that, the breed swiftly established itself as an important—though not very prolific—part of North American dog breeding. It was one of the nine original dog breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1878.

During World War I, breeding nearly ended, which was a significant setback in the breed’s growth. The Clumber spaniel recovered slowly but steadily from this setback, much like the dog’s speed on the field. These dogs are still quite uncommon in North America today. Many breeders believe that they’re a well guarded secret, which isn’t surprising given the breed’s early history as prized estate pets.

How to Care Clumber Spaniel:

Clumber spaniels are flexible and easygoing companions, but they require a lot of time and work from their owners in order to thrive. Owners must understand and meet the grooming, exercise, and social demands of these dogs in order to keep them happy and healthy.

Daily Exercise:

These dogs were bred to work in the field and love putting their wits and bodies to the test. Allow at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day for your Clumber spaniel. Your spaniel should be pleased to lay indoors after one long stroll or two shorter outings. While they are unlikely to be speedsters, they may enjoy agility, obedience, and rallying competitions. They’re also ardent retrievers, so a good game of fetch will bring out the best in this bird dog.

While Clumber spaniels are self-assured and assertive, they were intended to be hunting partners who operate in a group. As a result, they aren’t well-suited to being kept outside all day. Clumbers, in fact, can grow nervous or destructive if left alone for an extended amount of time.

Grooming Tips:

While this breed does not shed much, its medium-length hair is prone to shedding throughout the year (with heavier fallout during the winter and spring). To keep shedding to a minimum, brush your Clumber using a slicker brush many times a week. Brushing your dog’s teeth, trimming their nails, and checking their ears for dirt and debris are all necessary. To avoid infections, wipe the ears with a dog-safe ear cleaner as needed.

One thing you might not know about the Clumber is that it has a reputation for drooling. Because of the breed’s flappy flews, Clumber kisses come with a lot of drool (the canine equivalent of upper lips). When it comes to Clumber spaniel maintenance, though, the dog hair and the occasional dab of drool are the most important factors. You’ll have a well-balanced and healthy dog to share your house with if you give him frequent baths, get him some exercise, and give him plenty of affection.

How to Train Clumber Spaniel:

Clumber spaniels are known for being intelligent and easy to train. These dogs thrive at basic obedience without requiring any more effort from their owners. Simple lessons can begin as early as six weeks old for pups, but more sophisticated training can be done throughout your dog’s life. This breed is eager to learn and responds well to non-punitive techniques of positive reinforcement.

As with any dog breed, early socialisation is essential to ensure that your Clumber spaniel is friendly to people, children, and other animals. When it comes to stranger danger, the Clumber spaniel isn’t afraid of new people, but it’s also not fast to react. Clumbers, on the other hand, are a rather peaceful breed that isn’t known for barking excessively.

Health Issues:

The Clumber spaniel is a pedigreed breed that isn’t particularly prone to health issues, although it is sensitive to a few prevalent ailments. Testing for hip and elbow examinations, an eye check, and PDP1 testing for a rare hereditary enzyme deficiency can all help to alleviate some of these worries.

You should also be aware that, according to its bird retrieving tendencies, the Clumber spaniel enjoys carrying objects in its mouth. This can easily result in the dog eating a foreign item, causing health problems and perhaps requiring surgery. Teach your Clumber to avoid chewing on household items and only give him or her safe toys to play with or chew on.

The following are some of the most prevalent health issues that Clumber spaniels face:

• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia:

Dysplasia is a painful condition caused by a deformity in your dog’s joints as they mature. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

• Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough quantities of essential hormones.

• PDP1 Deficiency: This enzyme defect causes exercise-induced collapse in Clumber and Sussex spaniels.

• Ectropion or Entropion: This genetic condition causes an eyelid to be curled inside (entropion) or flipped outwards (ectropion) (entropion).

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Also known as a herniated disc or slipped disc, IVDD is a condition that affects your dog’s spine and can cause excruciating pain or even paralysis.

Diet Plan:

Any owner of a Clumber spaniel will tell you that these dogs are opportunistic eaters. These spaniels prey on food left unguarded on countertops or tables, and despite their little height, they’re remarkably adept at overcoming vertical obstacles to get a bite.

Moderately feed your Clumber spaniel high-quality dog food. Treats may be an excellent training incentive since they’re food motivated—but don’t overfeed these dogs. Weight growth might put undue tension on the back, leading to issues such as IVDD or joint discomfort, due to the breed’s long, low posture. Inquire with your veterinarian about a nutritious feeding plan depending on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.