The Clumber Spaniel is a member of the spaniel family and are popular hunting dogs in the United Kingdom, where the breed originated. It is distinctive for having a large head and is used for tracking in the hunt, especially in dense areas such as bushes or wooded areas. There are advantages and disadvantages to hunting with the Clumber Spaniel who are used as tracking and flushing dogs.
History Of The Clumber Spaniel
Like many breeds of dogs, the Clumber Spaniel has an uncertain origin. Some believe that the breed formed during the French Revolution and has origins in France. There are various theories of how this dog came to become a distinct breed of spaniel. What is know for certain is that the Clumber Spaniel was used in the mid 1800s in the United Kingdom and was even mentioned in the diaries of Queen Victoria as this breed was used by her husband, Prince Albert, in hunting small game.
The Clumber Spaniel was not known in the United States until the later part of the 20th Century, despite being recognized by the AKC in the late 1800s. In 1996, a Clumber Spaniel won the Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Appearance Of The Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is somewhat short and has a very heavy body, weighing on the average 68 pounds but being only 18 inches in height. It is known to have somewhat of a hound expression on its face and a very deep muzzle. The ears are very low set and the Clumber Spaniel has a very dense coat that makes it easy to use the dog when hunting in inclement weather. The Clumber Spaniel coats are usually white with markings of yellow or orange in some cases. The hunting variety of this dog matches the appearance of the show variety, although markings are not important when choosing a Clumber Spaniel as a hunting companion.
What is important is that the nose is large and square. Because the Clumber Spaniel is a dog that relies on scent to track and flush, it is important that the breed have a large nose. You will notice that the legs are somewhat short and the tail is long.
Use Of Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a very good gundog when it comes to upland hunting. This breed can also be trained to retrieve game. One of the best aspects about hunting with this breed is that they are virtually unstoppable, once they get going. They have been bred to press on with the hunt and not let anything get in their way. They can do this due to their massive head and thick, soft coat.
The size and short legs of the Clumber Spaniel, however, tend to slow the animal down during the hunt. It is not a very fast dog and is not useful when it comes to hunting birds such as pheasants. It is best to hunt birds that will flush or small game rather than birds that are apt to run. The Clumber Spaniel also sheds quite a bit and drools. This breed of dog can easily be lazy, but will work hard once you get them in the field. They will often want to sit on your lap and have you stroke them, but cannot jump as they are prone to hip disorders. They are good dogs for those who hunt upland in dense areas and want a solid hunting companion with a very easy going temperament that is not very fast, but is reliable.
