Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is the largest and heaviest of all spaniel breeds — a massive, low-slung, predominantly white spaniel with a noble, thoughtful expression.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
10–12 years
Weight
25–39 kg (55–85 lbs)
Height
43–51 cm (17–20 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food. Monitor weight carefully — the heavy build and moderate activity makes obesity common.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Clumber Spaniel is the largest and heaviest of all spaniel breeds — a massive, low-slung, predominantly white spaniel with a noble, thoughtful expression. Named after Clumber Park, the Duke of Newcastle's estate in Nottinghamshire where the breed was developed in the 18th century from French dogs reputedly given to the Duke of Newcastle by the Duc de Noailles. The Clumber was a royal favourite — King Edward VII and King George V both kept packs of Clumber Spaniels. It moves slowly and methodically, working close to the hunter in dense cover. Nicknamed "the retired gentleman's dog" for its calm, dignified, unhurried pace.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A massive, low-slung, heavily-boned spaniel — predominantly white with lemon or orange markings. The large, square head with a heavy brow, deep-set amber eyes, and pendulous upper lip give it a grave, thoughtful expression. The dense, silky coat and abundant feathering shed profusely. The overall impression is of substantial, dignified power.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Very High
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Calm, loyal, and gentle — the Clumber is the most mellow of the working spaniels. Thoughtful and determined. Excellent with children. Dignified and unhurried. Can be stubborn.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
withdrawal, excessive shedding, drooling, stubbornness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1–1.5 hours moderate exercise daily. The abundant coat requires daily brushing and sheds very heavily year-round. Face cleaning daily — the heavy brow creates skin folds that trap moisture.
Nutrition Notes
Heaviest spaniel breed — obesity-prone. Strict portion control. IVDD risk due to long body. Ectropion/entropion. Joint supplements essential.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Hip dysplasia. IVDD. Ectropion. PDP1 (pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency) — DNA test. EIC. Drools moderately. Heavy shedding. Royal favourite of Edward VII. Rare breed (10-12 years).
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1000 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia — very common, elevated by the heavy build. Entropion and ectropion — elevated by the heavy-browed, deep-set eye conformation. Disc disease (IVDD) from the long, heavy body. Pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 deficiency (PDP1) — metabolic disease; DNA test available.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Very rare globally. White/lemon only. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,200 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Clumber Spaniel was a royal breed — King Edward VII bred Clumber Spaniels at Sandringham, and King George V continued the royal Clumber packs. The breed's association with the British monarchy gave it enormous prestige in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The origin myth of the Clumber Spaniel involves the French Revolution — the Duc de Noailles, fearing for his dogs during the Revolution, reportedly sent his pack of spaniels to his friend the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park, where they became the foundation of the breed.
