The Clumber Spaniel is a beloved breed known for its gentle and affectionate nature.
Clumber Spaniels were originally bred to hunt game, but today they make wonderful family pets.
To ensure the best possible care for a rescued Clumber Spaniel, it's essential to understand their specific needs.
Clumber Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and eye problems, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial.
About This Breed
The Clumber spaniel is a breed with a rich history, dating back to the 18th century in the UK.
They take their name from Clumber Park in Nottingham, where the breed was first developed by the Dukes of Newcastle.
The 2nd Duke of Newcastle is credited with introducing and developing the breed, after being presented with dogs of this type by his friend the Duke of Noailles around 1770.
The Clumber became a popular breed, especially among the nobility, with King George V keeping a large team of them on the Sandringham Estate.
They're the heaviest of the spaniel family, making them well-suited for flushing game from heavy cover.
Physical Characteristics
Clumber Spaniels are a medium to large breed, with males standing 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight range is significant, with males weighing 70 to 85 pounds.
Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, standing 17 to 19 inches at the shoulder.
Size
The Clumber Spaniel is a medium to large breed of dog. They stand between 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
Males are typically on the larger side, weighing between 70 to 85 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, weighing between 55 to 70 pounds.
Coat Color and Grooming
The coat color of a Siberian Husky can range from black to gray to white, with or without markings.
A well-groomed Siberian Husky is essential for its overall health and well-being.
Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during spring and fall, and requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
Brushing a Husky's coat daily can help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs.
Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also crucial for maintaining a Husky's overall health.
Their eyes should be cleaned regularly to prevent tear stains and keep them looking their best.
Their thick coat also requires regular bathing, ideally every 2-3 months, to prevent skin irritation.
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Care and Feeding
Clumber Spaniels can thrive in apartments or condos with regular walks, but consider the logistics of caring for a large dog in a multi-story building.
A 20- to 30-minute daily walk or playtime is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
Clumbers are generally quiet and don't bark much, but a fenced yard is crucial to prevent loss or theft.
Their joints are prone to injury, so restrict running on hard surfaces, jumping, and sliding when they're puppies.
Crate training is a great tool for in-house training and provides a safe haven for your Clumber when you're away.
Some Clumbers are susceptible to colitis, a condition that can be managed with a 24-hour fast, bland meals, and a diet formulated for sensitive digestive systems.
The recommended daily amount of food for adult Clumbers is 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.
Puppies may eat as much as 4 to 6 cups a day, but the amount depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.
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Health
Health is a top priority for your furry friend. They can live up to 10-12 years, which is a significant amount of time to spend with your companion.
Major health concerns include heart disease (CHD) and intervertebral disk disease, which can be serious issues if left untreated.
Minor concerns include ectropion, entropion, and otitis externa, which are all eye and ear problems. Your vet may also flag elbow dysplasia and PDP1 as potential issues.
Seizures are occasionally seen in this breed, so it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms.
To monitor your pet's health, suggested tests include hip, eye, elbow, and PDP1 exams.
Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:
- CHD (heart disease)
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Ectropion
- Entropion
- Otitis externa
- Elbow dysplasia
- PDP1
- Seizures
Care
Clumber Spaniels can do well in apartments or condos if their exercise requirements are met with a 20- to 30-minute daily walk or playtime.
It's essential to consider the size of your Clumber, as they can grow quite large and may need help navigating stairs as they age.
A fenced yard is a must for keeping your Clumber safe from loss or theft.
Clumbers are generally quiet and don't bark much, but they love playing fetch and will chase a ball for as long as you'll let them.
You'll need to limit their activity as puppies to prevent injuries to their still-developing joints, so give them a break after the fifth fetch or so.
Crate training is a great tool for in-house training and provides a safe haven for your Clumber when you're away.
Some Clumbers are prone to colitis, a condition that can cause soft stools with blood or mucus, so keep an eye out for these symptoms and consult your veterinarian for advice.
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Feeding
Feeding your Clumber Spaniel is a crucial aspect of their care. The recommended daily amount is 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Puppies may eat as much as 4 to 6 cups a day. This is because they have higher energy needs and are growing rapidly.
The quality of dog food you buy makes a big difference - the better the food, the less you'll need to feed your dog. This is because good dog food is more nutritious and will go further in nourishing your dog.
To determine if your adult dog is overweight, give them the hands-on test. Place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, and fingers spread downward, and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs.
Temperament and Family
The Clumber Spaniel is a low-key breed that tends to be quiet and laid-back at home. They may even need to be coaxed into exercise, but they'll appreciate the walks and outings.
Their temperament makes them suitable for city life, which is a bonus for those living in urban areas. They're also devoted to one person, making them a great companion for those who want a loyal friend.
One thing to keep in mind is that Clumber Spaniels have a high affection level, scoring a 4 out of 5. This means they love people and crave attention from their family.
Here's a quick rundown of their temperament traits:
- Low-key and quiet at home
- May need to be coaxed into exercise
- Suitable for city life
- Devoted to one person
- High affection level (4/5)
Overall, Clumber Spaniels make great pets for those who want a loyal companion that's happy to spend time at home.
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- AKC Humane Fund (akchumanefund.org)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- Clumber Spaniel Rescue League (clumberspanielrescueleague.com)
- Clumber Spaniel Club of America Rescue (clumbers.org)
- Spaniel (Clumber) | Breeds A to Z (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- Clumber Spaniel Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- Rescue & Rehome (clumberspanielclub.co.uk)
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