Clumber Spaniels
Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, sunstantial dog. His heavy brow, deep chest, straight
forelegs, powerful hindquarters, massive bone and good feew 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.
Size, Proportion, Substance
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 17-19
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 to 85 pounds and bitches
weigh between 55 and 70 pounds.
Head
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 flew 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 approximantely eye level.
Neck, Topline, Body
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 that 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.
Forequarters
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 ahve thick pads that act as shock absorbers. Removal of dewclaws is optional.
Hindquarters
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 thich pads and are of substantial size.
Coat
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 striahgt 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 leags may be timmed up to the point
of the hock. Tail feathering may be tidied. Trimming of whickers is optional.
Color and Markings
The Clumber is primarily a white dog with lemon color or orange color markings. Markings are
frequentlly seen on one or both ears and the face. Facial markings include color around one or
both eyes, feckling on the muzzle and a spot on top of the head. A head with lemon/orange
marking 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.
Gait
The Clumber moves easily and feely 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 witht he 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.
Temperament
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 playfud and loving nature. The Clumber
Spaniel should never be hostile or aggressive; neither is acceptable and should not be condoned.