Clumber Spaniel vs Scottish Deerhound: full comparison
| Trait | Clumber Spaniel | Scottish Deerhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Giant |
| Energy level | Low | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Medium | Medium |
| Shedding | High | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Very Low |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | Medium | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | 9 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The Scottish Deerhound is a larger dog than the Clumber Spaniel, which affects space, food and exercise needs.
Size and living space
The Clumber Spaniel is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Scottish Deerhound is one of the true giant breeds that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.
Exercise and energy needs
The Clumber Spaniel does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Scottish Deerhound wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.
Grooming and shedding
The Clumber Spaniel needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Scottish Deerhound needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Clumber Spaniel picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Scottish Deerhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, stays notably quiet indoors and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Clumber Spaniel is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Scottish Deerhound is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Clumber Spaniel and Scottish Deerhound are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Clumber Spaniel has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Scottish Deerhound has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, Scottish Deerhound has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Clumber Spaniel if you want a longer-lived breed, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.
Choose the Scottish Deerhound if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Clumber Spaniel or the Scottish Deerhound better for families with children?
- Both the Clumber Spaniel and the Scottish Deerhound are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Clumber Spaniel or the Scottish Deerhound?
- The Clumber Spaniel sheds more than the Scottish Deerhound. If shedding is a concern, the Scottish Deerhound is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Clumber Spaniel or the Scottish Deerhound?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Clumber Spaniel or Scottish Deerhound bigger?
- Scottish Deerhound is the larger breed; Clumber Spaniel is smaller and more compact.
- Which barks more, Clumber Spaniel or Scottish Deerhound?
- Clumber Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Scottish Deerhound is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, Clumber Spaniel or Scottish Deerhound?
- For apartment or apartment living, Clumber Spaniel has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.