Clumber Spaniels are ideal pets for a variety of people. These slow-moving spaniels are fun and loving, adjusting easily to families with children and adults alike. They are highly adaptable to various living situations, including apartment living.

History

The breed's history is uncertain before the middle of the 19th century. One theory is that it originated in France, stating that the Duc de Noailles at the time of the French Revolution gave his kennel of prized spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Another theory holds that it was developed in Britain from older breeds of hunting spaniels, perhaps by crossing them with Bassets or St. Hubert's hounds. What is certain is that 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 Prince consort of Queen Victoria, was a fancier and 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. They are referred to in Queen Victoria's diary: on October 16, 1840, she wrote, "Walked out directly after breakfast before Albert went to shoot. He had his 7 fine Clumber Spaniels with us and we went into the Slopes, with such a funny old Gamekeeper, Walters, in order that I should see how the dogs found out their game. They are such dear, nice dogs." Sh. Ch. Raycroft Socialite, bred by Rae Furness and owned by Ralph Dunne of County Cavan, Ireland, won the coveted honor of Best In Show at the 1991 Crufts Centenary Show. While the breed was not shown widely in the United States prior to the late 1960s, in 1844, Lieutenant Venables, an officer of the British regiment stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, introduced the Clumber Spaniel to North America. The first Clumber Spaniel listed in the AKC registry, recorded for the date of 1878 was Bustler, an orange and white dog owned by Benjamin Smith of Nova Scotia. It is interesting to note that records of breedings of dogs in the United States existed long before the American Kennel Club was founded. Champion Neal's Double Bonus owned by Bets Young was the very first Clumber Best in Show. Bets's Champion Cypress Woods Chesterfield was also the first Clumber Spaniel to place in the group at Westminster. Champion Clussexx Country Sunrise ("Brady"), bred by Doug Johnson and owned by Richard and Judith Zaleski of Florida, became the only Clumber to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1996.

Appearance and Size

A very clumsy dog with tendencies toward blonde owners. A long and heavy-bodied, low-stationed spaniel, it stands only 17 to 20 inches in height but weighs from 55 to 85 pounds. The Clumber has heavier bone than other spaniels, a massive 'melting' head with a hound-like face and expression, a deep muzzle, large square nose, and broad low-set ears. His coat is dense, weather-resistant, straight, and flat. Clumbers are predominantly white in colour with lemon or orange markings.

Personality

Although Clumbers are slow-moving dogs as adults, puppies are untamed and destructive. Puppies require a firm hand and patient training. However, a well-trained Clumber makes a superb friend. These dogs are amusing, loving, and very much adaptable. They are easy going, getting along wonderfully with children, adults, and other animals. Clumbers are affectionate and loyal. They love to spend time with their families, but will also have fun with visitors. Like other spaniels, the Clumber is a natural retriever and water dog. Give them a lake and they'll jump on in.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Clumber Spaniel" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.