How to Identify a Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel’s wide body and short legs give it a slight roll as it moves forward. Yet the dog moves easily and freely, has good reach and drive, and will maintain a steady trot for a day of work in the field. A Clumber Spaniel is gentle, loyal and affectionate, and has an intrinsic desire to please. This is an intelligent animal and an independent thinker. It has determination and a strong sense of purpose while working. It may seem aloof to strangers, but given time, it will get used to the person and become its playful self. The Clumber Spaniel is not a hostile or aggressive breed. Here's how to recognize one.

Instructions

1. Observe the dog's general appearance. The Clumber Spaniel is a low but substantial dog. It has a deep chest and powerful hindquarters, coupled with massive bones and good feet. This gives it the power and endurance to make its way through dense underbrush while pursuing game.

2. Notice the size and proportions of the Clumber Spaniel. This breed has a rectangular shape. The height of the male at the withers is 18" to 20". Females are 17" to 19" at the withers. The dog is longer than high when measured from the withers to the base of the tail and the withers to the ground. Males weigh between 70 and 85 lbs. and females weigh between 55 and 70 lbs..

3. Look at the conformation of the Clumber Spaniel’s head. The massive head has a marked stop and heavy brow. The broad muzzle is deep and allows for the retrieval of many species of game. The large nose is square and may be colored shades of brown, including beige, rose and cherry. The flews overlap the lower jaw, adding to the square look of this breed’s head. The soft eyes are amber in color and are deep set in a diamond-shaped rim or a rim with a "V" on the bottom and a curve on the top. The ears are thick and triangular in shape. They have a rounded lower edge and are attached to the skull at about eye level.

4. Make sure the dog has a strong, muscular neck that fits into a well-laid-back shoulder. The deep chest is wide. The well-feathered tail sits just below the line of the back and is usually carried level with the topline. It may be slightly elevated, but never down between the legs. The front legs are short and heavy in bone. The elbows should be held close to the body. The large front feet are compact and have thick pads—they work as shock absorbers. Dewclaws may or may not be removed. The heavily-muscled thighs give way to a rounded, broad rear. There should be good angulation, and the hock to the heel should be short and perpendicular to the ground. The rear feet are smaller than the front, but are compact and also have thick pads.

5. Feel for a dense, flat coat. It should be straight, weather-resistant and soft to the touch. The ears may be feathered with straight hair. The Clumber Spaniel has a neck frill, and his throat should not be shaved. The coat is primarily white (to help the hunter see him in the bush), and may have lemon or orange markings. The markings may be on one or both ears and the face. There may be some freckling on the muzzle. The body should have few, if any, markings.