Clumber Spaniel
Overview
The heaviest of the spaniels, developed in England as a steady, methodical gundog for the gentry, the Clumber is mellow, gentle and more laid-back than its cousins. Affectionate and good-natured. It suits calmer homes that will manage shedding, drooling and a tendency to gain weight, and give it moderate, steady exercise and regular grooming.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Clumber Spaniel is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Clumber Spaniel typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is high. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Clumber Spaniel should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Gentle, mellow and affectionate
- +Calmer than most spaniels
Things to consider
- –Sheds and drools, and prone to weight gain
- –Needs grooming and steady, moderate exercise
Is a Clumber Spaniel right for you?
On space, a Clumber Spaniel is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are manageable for committed beginners. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Clumber Spaniel
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Clumber Spaniels good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Clumber Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Clumber Spaniel need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Clumber Spaniel needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Clumber Spaniels shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Clumber Spaniels easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Clumber Spaniels are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Clumber Spaniels bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Clumber Spaniels good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Clumber Spaniels suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Clumber Spaniel is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.