A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance including the correct colour 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 Breed Watch information related to this breed for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However, if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as highly undesirable, it must not be rewarded in the show ring.
General appearance
Balanced, well boned, active with a thoughtful expression, overall appearance denoting strength. The Clumber should be firm, fit and capable of a day's work of beating in heavy cover.
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. Acceptable to have some haw showing but without excess. 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, well boned, strong.
Body
Long, well muscled and strong. Chest deep. Well-sprung ribs which are carried well back. 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
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.
*Note for prospective puppy buyers
Size – The Kennel Club breed standard is a guide and description of the ideal for the breed; the Size as described does not imply that a dog will match the measurements given (height or weight). A dog might be larger or smaller than the size measurements stated in the breed standard.