10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Clumber Spaniel
One look at this breed of dogs and you could immediately tell that they’re similar to the Spaniel types, but there’s something a bit more rugged about the Clumber Spaniel breed. Their droopy faces almost always make the dogs seem as if they’re tired, but these dogs are some of the most playful breeds, especially when they’re puppies. If they seem mysterious to you, that’s because they are quite the mysetery breed. There are probably so many things about these dogs that most people are not familiar with. If you happen to be belong to this group, here are 10 things to get you started on loving these animals.
1. Unknown history
Prior to the mid-19th century, not much is known about this breed. There’s a rumor that the Clumber Spaniel started its history in France and was smuggled to England during the French revolution. However there’s no evidence that this is fact. What we do know is that the breed was developed in the UK in the 1800s.
2. English name
They take their name from Nottinghamshire’s Clumber Park, which is a large estate in England. At the time, Clumber Park belonged to the Duke of Newcastle. The aristocracy that lived in the area during the 19th and 20th centuries bred Clumber Spaniels and used them for various hunting activities.
3. First breeds
These dogs were brought over and introduced to Canada in 1844. By 1884, Clumber Spaniels were recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club. As a matter of fact, Clumber Spaniels were one of the first ten breeds that were ever recognized by the AKC. It just shows you how old this breed of dogs truly are.
4. Largest spaniel
Although they may seem smaller compared to other animals, Clumber Spaniels are actually the largest of the dog types. They may only grow to heights of up to 20 inches tall. However, they can surprisingly weigh up to 85 lbs. Clumber Spaniels were bred over the years to be short and heavy all for the purpose of hunting.
5. Coat colors
Clumber Spaniels are predominantly white. They may have lemon, brown, or orange markings around their eyes and the base of their tails. They also typically have freckles around their snouts and front paws. Clumber Spaniel coats are dense, straight and flat, and completely water-resistant. Their noses may have shades of beige, rose, or even cherry.
6. Clumber in art
One clue as to the history of the Clumber Spaniel breed can be seen through a 1788 painting by Francis Wheatley called “The Return From Shooting.” The painting is of the Duke of Newcastle and his hunting party. The painting also depicts several Clumber Spaniels accompanying the men during their hunt. There are plenty of other 19th century artworks that depict these dogs.
7. Royalty favorites
It’s known to many that the British loyalty loved their dogs. We already knew that neighboring aristocrats bred and hunted with Clumber Spaniels; however, these dogs were popular among the British royalty and the upper class during the 19th century. The biggest Clumber Spaniel fan was probably Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.
8. Rare breeds
There’s a possibility that Clumber Spaniels were more prevalent back in the days than they are now. Clumber Spaniel is quite a rare breed today—so rare that even their native breeding grounds, the UK, is importing them. Only 300 Clumber Spaniels are being registered for the UK Kennel Club, and only 200 are registered in the US each year.
9. Sickly dogs
Unfortunately, Clumber Spaniels are prone to getting sick with breed-specific ailments that range from hip dysplasia and ear infections to cataracts and cardiomyopathy. Some of these ailments are completely unavoidable. You’ll just have to be prepared with the knowledge that your Clumber Spaniel is likely to get sick with age.
10. Best in Show
Throughout the history of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, only one Clumber Spaniel has ever won the award for Best in Show in 1996. The dog was Brady, Bred Johnson and owned by Richard and Judith Zaleski from Florida. The very first Clumber Spaniel entered in the show competed in 1878. So in a span of 118 years, the Clumber Spaniel has only won one title.
