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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

To view photos of this breed please visit the Kennel Club Picture Library

INTERIM (pending review)

General Appearance
Balanced, well boned, active with a thoughtful expression, overall appearance denoting strength.  Substance is important but without exaggeration as the Clumber should be firm, fit and capable of a day's work in the field.

Characteristics
Stoical, great-hearted, highly intelligent with a determined attitude enhancing his natural ability. A silent worker with an excellent nose.

Temperament
Steady, reliable, kind and dignified; more aloof than other Spaniels, showing no tendency towards aggression.

Head and Skull
Large, square, medium length, broad on top with decided occiput; heavy brows; deep stop. Square muzzle with well developed flews. No exaggeration in head and skull.

Eyes
Clean, dark, amber.  Full light eyes highly undesirable. Free from obvious eye problems.

Ears
Large, vine leaf-shaped, well covered with straight hair. Hanging slightly forward, feather not to extend below leather.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Fairly long, thick, powerful.

Forequarters
Shoulders strong, sloping, muscular; legs short, straight, not too heavy in bone, strong.

Body
Moderately long, well muscled. Chest deep. Well sprung ribs. Back straight, broad, long. Muscular loin, well let down in flank.

Hindquarters
Very powerful and well developed. Hocks low, stifles well bent and set straight.

Feet
Large, round, well covered with hair.

Tail
Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Set low. Well feathered, carried level with back.
Undocked: Set low. Well feathered, carried level with back.

Gait/Movement
Rolling gait attributable to long body and short legs. Moving straight fore and aft, with effortless drive.

Coat
Abundant, close, silky and straight. Legs and chest well feathered.

Colour
Plain white body preferred, with lemon markings; orange permissible. Slight head markings and freckled muzzle.

Size
Ideal weight: dogs: 29.5 - 34 kgs (65 - 75 lbs); bitches: 25 - 29.5 kgs (55 - 65 lbs).

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - January 2009

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• CLUMBER SPANIEL CLUB. Sec: Mrs Page. Tel No: 01489 589734
• WORKING CLUMBER SPANIEL SOCIETY. Sec: Debbie Zurick. Tel No: 01643 831427

This breed of dog is a 'Vulnerable Native Breed'.

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Gundog Group 

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