CLUMBER PERSONALITY

It makes for good lore, we suppose, but Clumber Spaniels aren’t the couch potatoes cast in dog books. They’re as varied as snowflakes. Some masquerade as sofa accent pillows. Others excel in agility rings or in the field.

CLUMBER HEALTH

Reputable Clumber breeders are committed to eradicating health risks from their individual lines and from the breed. And most Clumber Spaniels will enjoy good health and life spans ranging from 10 to 12 years. Still, Clumbers are predisposed to certain maladies. Most can be remedied by simple precaution or good care.

These disorders emanate from the Clumber’s long, low and massive structure, but they don’t have to fall to your dog. First, search for a breeder who has done appropriate hip evaluations through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (www.offa.org.) And who grows puppies slowly through an early transition to adult dog foods, which are lower in protein than puppy chows. Give daily prophylactic doses of a good Glucosamine complex or buffered Vitamin C and exercise your puppy to build a support of strong muscles. Finally, take care to limit your Clumber’s exposure to slippery flooring.

These disorders find their origin in the shape of the Clumber’s eye, which should resemble a diamond and show a hint of inner lid. The exterior eyelids can roll in (Entropion) or out (Ectropion.) Tear ducts can fail to produce enough moisturizing fluids and may need to be flushed or require lubricating drops. Good breeders will take puppies and adult dogs annually for a CERF evaluation administered by a board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist. You should continue annual exams on your Clumber. Visit this site for a directory of qualified veterinarians: www.vmdb.org/cerf.html

This disorder causes the immune system to attack the oxygen-rich red blood cells. Symptoms include elevated heart and respiration rates, vomiting, pale eye membranes and gums, lethargy. There are treatment interventions, but no cures. The best prevention is to avoid pedigrees in which AIHA has surfaced.

Rashes aren’t the only clue. Watch for licking or biting of paws, and head shaking. Excessive tearing and staining usually are signs of food allergies. Consult your breeder and vet and evaluate your premium dog food for allergens such as corn, wheat and soy.

CLUMBER BREED TYPE

The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, substantial dog. His heavy brow, deep chest, straight forelegs, powerful hindquarters, massive bone and good feet all give him the power and endurance to move through dense underbrush in pursuit of game. His white coat enables him to be seen by the hunter as he works within gun range. His stature is dignified, his expression pensive, but at the same time he shows great enthusiasm for work and play.

The Clumber is rectangular in shape possessing massive bone structure and has the appearance of great power. The ideal height for dogs is 18 to 20 inches at the withers and for bitches is 17 to 19 inches at the withers. The ideal length to height is 11 to 9 measured from the withers to the base of the tail and from the floor to the withers. Dogs weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and bitches weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.

The head is massive with a marked stop and heavy brow. The top skull is flat with a pronounced occiput. A slight furrow runs between the eyes and up through the center of the skull. The muzzle is broad and deep to facilitate retrieving many species of game. The nose is large, square and colored shades of brown, which include beige, rose and cherry. The flews of the upper jaw are strongly developed and overlap the lower jaw to give a square look when viewed from the side. A scissors bite is preferred. The eyes are dark amber in color, large, soft in expression, and deep set in either a diamond shaped rim or a rim with a "V" on the bottom and a curve on the top. Some haw may show but excessive haw is undesirable. Prominent or round shaped eyes are to be penalized. Excessive tearing or evidence of entropion or ectropion is to be penalized. Ears are broad on top with thick ear leather. The ears are triangular in shape with a rounded lower edge, set low and attached to the skull at approximately eye level.

The Clumber should have a long neck with some slackness of throat or presence of dewlap not to be faulted. The neck is strong and muscular, fitting into a well laid back shoulder. The back is straight, firm, long and level. The brisket is deep and the ribs well sprung. The chest is deep and wide. The loin arches slightly. The tail is well feathered and set on just below the line of back; its trimming minimal, serving to tidy the feathering to allow for a natural appearance and outline. The tail is normally carried level with the topline or slightly elevated, never down between the rear legs. The tail may be docked or left natural, both being of equal value. If docked, the tail’s length should be in keeping with the overall proportion of the adult dog. If natural, the tailbone should extend to the point of hock, but should not extend to the ground.

The Clumber shoulder is well laid back. The upper arm is of sufficient length to place the elbow under the highest point of the shoulder. The forelegs are short, straight and heavy in bone, with elbows held close to the body. Pasterns are strong and only slightly sloped. The front feet are large, compact and have thick pads that act as shock absorbers. Removal of dewclaws is optional.

The thighs are heavily muscled and, when viewed from behind, the rear is round and broad. The stifle shows good functional angulation, and hock to heel is short and perpendicular to the ground. Lack of angulation is objectionable. The rear feet are not as large or as round as on the front feet but compact, with thick pads and are of substantial size.

The body coat is dense, straight and flat. It is of good weather resistant texture, which is soft to the touch, not harsh. Ears are slightly feathered with straight hair. Feathering on the legs and belly is moderate. The Clumber has a good neck frill and on no condition should his throat be shaved. Evidence of shaving is to be penalized. The hair on the feet should be trimmed neatly to show their natural outline and for utility in the field. The rear legs may be trimmed up to the point of the hock. Tail feathering may be tidied. Trimming of whiskers is optional.

The Clumber is primarily a white dog with lemon color or orange color markings. Markings are frequently seen on one or both ears and the face. Facial markings include color around one or both eyes, freckling on the muzzle and a spot on top of the head. A head with lemon/orange markings and an all-white head are of equal value. Freckles on the legs and/or a spot near the root of the tail are also frequently seen and acceptable. The body should have as few markings as possible.

The Clumber moves easily and freely with good reach in front and strong drive from behind, neither crossing over nor elbowing out. The hocks drive in a straight line without rocking or twisting. Because of his wide body and short legs he tends to roll slightly. The proper Clumber roll occurs when the dog, with the correct proportion, reaches forward with the rear leg toward the centerline of travel and rotates the hip downward while the back remains level and straight. The gait is comfortable and can be maintained at a steady trot for a day of work in the field without exhaustion.

The Clumber Spaniel is a gentle, loyal and affectionate dog. He possesses an intrinsic desire to please. An intelligent and independent thinker, he displays determination and a strong sense of purpose while at work. A dog of dignity, the Clumber Spaniel may sometimes seem aloof with people unknown to him, but in time he will display his playful and loving nature. The Clumber Spaniel should never be hostile or aggressive; neither is acceptable and should not be condoned.

OFFICIAL AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB STANDARD
ADOPTED: MARCH 2001