Clumber Spaniel
Male: 32-39 kg, Female: 25-32 kg
43-51 cm at the shoulder
10-12 years
France and Great Britain
About the Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is the heavy-weight of the spaniel world, known for its massive bone structure, low-slung profile, and distinctive 'rolling' gait. Often described as the 'retired gentleman's spaniel,' they possess a stoic and dignified presence that belies their history as a determined hunter capable of pushing through the densest briars. Their large, square heads and thoughtful expressions give them a look of great wisdom and calm. In the home, the Clumber is a mellow companion that prefers a relaxed pace of life. While they are powerful dogs with significant stamina in the field, they are remarkably quiet indoors. Their loyalty is unwavering, though they tend to be more reserved than their more excitable spaniel cousins. They are best suited to families who appreciate a dog with a steady, independent, yet deeply affectionate personality.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Clumber Spaniel is a study in power and substance. The breed standard demands a massive, square head with a heavy brow and a deep, well-developed muzzle. Their movement is a defining characteristic—a heavy, rolling gait that is both effortless and purposeful, reflecting their ability to work all day in the field. What truly sets the Clumber apart is its combination of 'beauty and bulk'; it possesses a unique, pear-shaped body and a dense, weather-resistant white coat that radiates a sense of old-world nobility and functional strength unlike any other sporting breed.
In Australia
The Clumber Spaniel has been present in Australia since the late 19th century. Records show they were exhibited in agricultural and dog shows as early as the 1880s.
Bred For
A gundog used for upland bird hunting, specifically designed to hunt in heavy cover and thick undergrowth at a slow, steady pace.
Temperament
Dignified, thoughtful, and reliable. They are typically aloof with strangers but deeply devoted to their families, possessing a quiet and kind-hearted nature.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
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Exercise Needs
Moderate daily activity. They enjoy long, steady walks and scent-based games but do not require high-intensity running.
Grooming Needs
High. Requires regular brushing several times a week, ear cleaning to prevent infections, and trimming of the feet and ears.
Living Suitability
Suited to homes with a medium to large yard. While they are calm indoors, their size and shedding make them less ideal for small apartments.
Good with Kids
Generally very good and patient with children, though their size and weight mean they should be supervised with toddlers.
Good with Other Pets
Excellent. They typically get along well with other dogs and are known for their tolerance of other household pets.
Trainability
Fairly intelligent but independent. They respond best to positive reinforcement and can be somewhat stubborn if they find a task repetitive or unrewarding.
Coat & Colours
Abundant, close, silky, and straight with heavy feathering on the legs and chest.. Plain white body with lemon or orange markings, primarily on the head and ears.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Clumber Spaniels are more likely to experience 'spaniel ears'—heavy, hanging ears that trap moisture and are prone to yeast infections, so weekly cleaning is essential. They are also predisposed to ectropion, where the lower eyelid droops; while this gives them their characteristic 'sad' look, it can lead to eye irritation that needs monitoring. Prospective owners should be prepared for significant shedding and a fair amount of slobber, particularly after drinking or eating—a small trade-off for such a gentle soul. Like many deep-chested and heavy breeds, they can be susceptible to bloat (GDV) and obesity, so keeping them lean is the kindest thing an owner can do for their long-term joint health. They also have a unique dietary sensitivity where some may lack the enzyme to process certain fats or carbohydrates efficiently, making a fresh, species-appropriate diet from Majestik Pet Food an ideal choice for maintaining digestive health and a healthy weight.
Feeding Guide for Your Clumber Spaniel
Healthy Weight
25-39 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
600-1100 grams
For an adult Clumber Spaniel, a fresh or raw diet should be calculated at approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight. Given their tendency toward obesity, start at the lower end (2%) and adjust based on activity levels. For a typical 35kg male, this equates to roughly 700g to 1,050g of fresh food per day, divided into two meals.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, calorie-controlled diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health and manage their dense coat.
A balanced raw diet for a Clumber Spaniel should focus on lean proteins such as Kangaroo or Beef to manage weight, combined with calcium-rich raw meaty bones for dental health. Majestik's Kangaroo or Lamb blends provide excellent amino acid profiles. Include 10% organ meat (liver/kidney) for essential vitamins and 15-20% pureed leafy greens to provide antioxidants. Adding a source of glucosamine, such as green-lipped mussel, is highly recommended for their predisposed joint issues.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Clumber Spaniel Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Clumber Spaniel? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
2-8 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.
