Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is a gundog developed in Britain in the 19th century. They are long and heavy-bodied, low-stationed spaniel, standing only 17 to 20 inches (43-51 cm) in height but weighing from 55 to a hefty 85 pounds (35-38.5 kg). The Clumber has a heavier bone structure than other spaniels, a large head with a hound-like face and expression, a deep muzzle, large squarish nose, and broad low-set ears. Coat is dense, weather-resistant, straight, and flat. Clumbers are predominantly white in colour with lemon or orange markings.

Temperament
They are gentle and affectionate but somewhat aloof with strangers. Do expect puppies to find and retrieve slippers, toys, and other items, though the result is likely to be a chewed catch, not an expertly retrieved one. They are shedders, so expect to clean up a lot of fur, this breed is not for the owner with allergies.

As a Hunting Dog
The Clumber is a serious gundog, though not as fast as some breeds, it is excellent when upland hunting in heavy cover and is a good retriever when trained. They are also excellent trackers. The Clumber's flush is said to be softer than that of the English Springer Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel. This 'English flush', as it is often called, is claimed to be more appropriate to flushing birds in heavy cover. Apparently birds in heavy cover have little chance of running. The more aggressive flush of the Springer and English Cockers could be necessary in open spaces, especially when pheasant hunting, as birds are more likely to run than flush in such circumstances.

Health
Canine hip dysplasia has been a serious issue in this breed in the past. Diligent breeding programmes have reduced the incidence considerably in recent years. Other health issues are entropion and ectropion (turning inward or outward of the lower eyelid, requires surgery to fix.) and hypothyroidism. As always with breed with known congenital problems, seek out a reputable breeder, and research the history of their breed stock, and you will likely end up with a healthy animal.

History
Uncertain before the middle of the 19th century, they may have originated in France, with the Duc de Noailles at the time of the French Revolution giving his kennel of prized spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottingham to avoid their death. Another theory states they were developed in Britain from older breeds of hunting spaniels, perhaps by crossing them with Bassets or St. Hubert's hounds. Whatever the case, the breed took its name from Clumber Park and that the Duke of Newcastle's gamekeeper, William Mansell, is credited with their development and improvement. Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, was a promoter of the breed, as was his son King Edward VII, who bred them at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The breed was shown in England from 1859 onward.