Clumber Spaniel characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | High | 15% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Clumber Spaniel right for you?
The Clumber Spaniel is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it suits families with children particularly well and shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers. Day to day, the Clumber Spaniel does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Clumber Spaniel does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. With low energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Clumber Spaniel to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Clumber Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first. Be aware this is also a breed that drools noticeably.
Temperament and training
The Clumber Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions and keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Clumber Spaniel
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Clumber Spaniel genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Very high — the Clumber Spaniel drools more than almost any breed we score — expect cloth on hand and marks on your walls. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Clumber Spaniel is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Clumber Spaniel needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Shedding: High — the Clumber Spaniel sheds more than most breeds, year-round rather than just seasonally. Only 15% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Clumber Spaniel actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Clumber Spaniel fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | High shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Perfect for
- Patient families
- Show enthusiasts
- Calm households
- Seniors
Things to consider
- Heavy drooling
- Prone to weight gain
- Heat sensitivity
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Clumber Spaniel good with children?
- Yes — the Clumber Spaniel is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Clumber Spaniel shed a lot?
- The Clumber Spaniel has high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Clumber Spaniel need?
- With low energy, the Clumber Spaniel needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Clumber Spaniel live?
- The Clumber Spaniel typically lives around 11 years.
- Can the Clumber Spaniel live in an apartment?
- The Clumber Spaniel is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Clumber Spaniel easy to train?
- The Clumber Spaniel is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Clumber Spaniel be left alone during the day?
- The Clumber Spaniel would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.