Pet Wiki

Clumber Spaniel

Also called Clumber

A mellow, kind and dignified dog that is loyal to its family and often a little reserved with strangers.

SizeLarge
Weight25 to 34 kg (55 to 75 lb)males 29.5 to 34 kg, females 25 to 29.5 kg12
Height43 to 51 cm (17 to 20 in)2
Lifespan12.3 years2
CoatMedium, silky, straight with feathering
OriginEngland (Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire); ancestors possibly from France.12
GroupRetrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs (FCI group 8)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle, loyal and affectionate
calm and dignified housemate
excellent, steady nose in the field
123

Personality what they are like

A mellow, kind and dignified dog that is loyal to its family and often a little reserved with strangers. It works quietly and steadily, and at home it is an easygoing and amusing companion.123

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Clumber Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

medium, silky, straight with feathering

A long, low, heavy-boned spaniel with a massive head and a dense, silky, straight coat, with feathering on the legs and chest.12

Colourswhite with lemon markingswhite with orange markingsfreckled muzzle allowed12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: daily walks and some off-lead sniffing or retrieving keep it content. It is a steady, methodical worker rather than a racer.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The coat sheds, so brushing a few times a week helps. Feet, ears and feathering benefit from regular tidying, and a cloth for the mouth area is handy as the breed can drool.23

Home where they are happiest

Comfortable indoors and out; a home with a garden and room for a sturdy dog suits it well.2

Company who they like around

Enjoys being with its people and usually prefers companionship over guard duty; may take time to warm up to unfamiliar dogs.2

The story where it all began

The breed is named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where the Duke of Newcastle kept and developed these spaniels, possibly from dogs of French origin, in the late 18th century. The Duke's gamekeeper William Mansell is often credited with shaping the breed, and it later found favour with British royalty.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It was one of the first ten breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1884.2

  2. 2

    Prince Albert, King Edward VII and King George V all kept Clumbers.2

  3. 3

    A Clumber won Best in Show at Westminster in 1996, the only one of its breed to do so.2

  4. 4

    Clumbers have won Best in Show at Crufts twice, at the 1991 centenary show and again in 2026.2

  5. 5

    It is the largest of the flushing spaniels.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed takes its name from Clumber Park in Nottingham, the home of the Dukes of Newcastle.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

ClumberNottinghamBiscuitMellowDroopyPuddlesWinstonButtercupSherlockMuffinSquireDaisy

A day in the life told by a Clumber Spaniel

I wake slowly, stretch, and pad to the kitchen for a quiet greeting. My human takes me for a gentle walk through the woods, where I sniff every leaf and carry a stick partway home. Back inside, I settle on my bed, watching the family with kind eyes. When someone drops a crumb, I sigh contentedly. In the afternoon, I retrieve a ball a few times, then nap. Supper time means a drooly but patient wait. I am easygoing, loyal, and perfectly happy with a simple, steady day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 109, Group 8 Section 2 Flushing dogs; standard dated 13.10.2010.1
AKC
One of the first ten breeds recognised by the AKC, in 1884; sporting (spaniel) breed.2
The Royal Kennel Club
Gundog breed listed as a Vulnerable Native Breed (fewer than 300 new registrations per year).2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Clumber Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed adult Clumber Spaniels at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. A consistent morning and evening schedule works well. Check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.5

What should a Clumber Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A Clumber Spaniel should eat a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, among others listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid these and consult your vet if you suspect ingestion.6

How often should I bathe a Clumber Spaniel?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, while general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Clumber Spaniel need brushing?

The Clumber Spaniel's silky coat sheds and needs brushing a few times a week. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every two days to keep it tidy and reduce shedding. Regular brushing also helps prevent mats, especially on the feathering.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Clumber Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim your Clumber Spaniel's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, typically every four weeks as per Pet Wiki's plan. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Clumber Spaniel need?

The Clumber Spaniel needs moderate daily exercise, such as a walk and some off-lead sniffing or retrieving. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. This breed is steady and methodical, so it doesn't need intense activity but enjoys being active with its family.13 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Clumber Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush your Clumber Spaniel's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or debris. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks. Never push anything into the ear canal; just wipe the outer ear.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Clumber Spaniel live?

The Clumber Spaniel has an average lifespan of about 12.3 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, many live long, happy lives.2

Is a Clumber Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, the Clumber Spaniel is generally good with children and other pets. It is mellow, kind, and loyal to its family, though it may be reserved with strangers. It usually gets along with other dogs once it warms up to them.123

Can a Clumber Spaniel be left alone?

The Clumber Spaniel prefers companionship and may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. It is a social breed that thrives when with its people. If you must leave it, provide toys and a comfortable space, but consider a dog sitter for longer absences.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard N° 109 Clumber Spaniel fci.beused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. Wikipedia: Clumber Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for height, lifespan, AKC and KC status, history, fun facts
  3. AKC: Clumber Spaniel akc.orgused for temperament, grooming notes, size within spaniels
  4. royalkennelclub.com royalkennelclub.com
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.