Clumber Spaniel

Although there are not many Clumber Spaniels in the United States, as compared to Cocker Spaniels or Laborador Retrievers, the Clumber was one of the original ten breeds included when the American Kennel Club was formed in 1884. There are several theories about the origin of the Clumber, one being that the Clumber is a result of a Basset X Alpine Spaniels breeding and another, that they are decendants of the original Blenheim Spaniel. The first mention of Clumbers at all, in 1387 indicates that the Clumber was already an established breed, having been bred for primarilty for retrieving.

Clumbers were bred with devotion by several members of British aristocracy, including the Duke of Newcastle ( in the late 1700's) who lived in Clumber Park, thus providing the name Clumber Spaniel. The Royal Family of England had a hand in breeding and hunting Clumbers, starting with Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria. Prince Albert passed his love of the Clumber Spaniel on to his son, Edward VII, who built Sandringham Kennels. Edward's son, who became King George V, was also a Clumber devotee, spending many years in the breeding of and hunting with sound and sturdy Clumber Spaniels.

Unfortunately, for the Clumber Spaniel as a breed, George's son, Edward the VIII did not share his father's love of these dogs. Bitter and angry at his father's refusal to allow him to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and hating the Clumber Spaniel for personal reasons (they drooled on his shoes), Edward, upon hearing of his father's death, ordered the Clumbers at Sandringham all shot. Except for a few puppies that were smuggled out that night, the Clumbers at Sandringham, almost 100 animals in total, were killed, including pregnant bitches and puppies. ( Eve Marar, DOG WORLD, Nov., 1994) Undoubtedly, this accounts for the limited gene pool of Clumbers that is problematic for breeders even now.

Although the exact figures are not known, some breeders estimate there are around 1,500 registered Clumber Spaniels in this country at any given time. Most breeders are wary and cautious, breeding only the best specimens to produce the best puppies. Unfortunately, although fanciers of the breed were thrilled with the win at the 1996 Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show of Clumber Spaniel Brady (Ch. Clussexx Country Sunrise), we are fearful the resulting publicity will open the door for unscrupulous breeders to cash in on the current popular interest in Clumbers. This has recently been the subject of much debate on a Clumber mailing list. Puppy millers have discovered the Clumber, with the expected disastrous results.The puppies born could have a multitude of problems if careful and sound breeding practices are not followed.

In the case of puppy millers, dollars, not sound puppies are the primary goal.

My personal advice to potential buyers of a Clumber puppy is this: Be aware that the Clumber is a large dog that requires a significant amount of grooming. Poorly bred dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, among other things, which can lead to large vet bills, heartache for you and shortened life for the dog. See the parents of the puppy you are interested in. Ask to see OFA certification records, pedigrees and health records of the puppies and the parents. If buyers refuse to purchase sub-standard puppies, the lacking market will eventually stop, or at least slow down the production of such pups.

Try to buy with your head, not your heart. (Hard advice to follow when you are looking into those soulful amber eyes!) Clumbers are well worth the effort of ownership, becoming devoted companions. To obtain information on the Clumber Spaniel, contact:

Susan King
CSCA Breeder Referral
44 Echo Lane
South Glastonbury, CT 06073-2500
findabreeder@clumbers.org
She also has a list of active breeders, so if you are actively searching for a puppy, please contact her directly!

Interested in a Clumber Rescue Dog? If so, that's great! For information concerning the Clumber Spaniel Club of America's Rescue efforts, please contact:
Sue Carr
41 Compton Court
Basking Ridge,NJ 07920