The Clumber Spaniel, a dog breed with a royal history and a cuddly teddy bear-like appearance, is a hidden gem in the canine world. Originating from the United Kingdom, these furry companions once graced the royal halls of the Duke of Newcastle in Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire. These friendly, affectionate dogs have been warming homes and hearts ever since.
Are you contemplating welcoming one into your abode? Then, let’s delve deep into understanding what having a Clumber Spaniel as a family dog really means.
Starting with their personalities, Clumber Spaniels, affectionately known as ‘Clumbers,’ are known for their easygoing, laid-back nature. They’re known to be gentle and incredibly good with children. This breed thrives on love and affection, making them the perfect addition to any family home. Some dog owners often jokingly refer to them as “love sponges” because of their innate desire for human interaction and companionship.
Clumbers are also intelligent and relatively easy to train, but they have a mind of their own. They’re often described as ‘stubborn,’ but it may be more appropriate to describe this trait as ‘selective hearing.’ A Clumber might choose not to obey your command until they see a real benefit for them. When it comes to training a Clumber, positive reinforcement techniques proved to be the most effective. So, be ready to have a bag of their favorite treats close by!
Besides their amicable nature, Clumber Spaniels are also average-sized dogs, weighing up to 85 pounds (38.6 kilograms) and are around 20 inches (50.8 cm) tall. Despite their sizable structure, these dogs are great in small living spaces like apartments since they neither bark excessively nor require extensive exercises. A simple daily walk or a short play session is typically sufficient for them.
However, there is one word that really sums up the Clumber Spaniel in the eyes of their devoted fans. That’s “clown.” These dogs have a great sense of humor and will often use it to get what they want. For example, if a Clumber desires your attention during your favourite TV show, they might try to block your view by standing in front of the screen, wagging their tail, and giving you an innocent look.
Clumber Spaniels are so affectionate that they can’t bear to be away from you. If you’re not sitting where they can see you, they’ll follow you. Imagine having a furry shadow that worships the ground you walk on! This might sound a tad overwhelming, but for many Clumber families, their devotion and love are the highlights of the breed.
Despite their royal lineage, Clumber Spaniels make tremendous family pets. They are not just physically appealing; they have a delightful character that is both comical and loveable in equal measure. It’s important to note that this breed is a long-term commitment, with the average lifespan of a Clumber ranging between 10-12 years. Hence, when you welcome a Clumber Spaniel into your family, you should be prepared for a decade of fun, love, and immense loyalty.
On a practical note, this breed does drool, and their light colored fur means they don’t hide dirt well, so be prepared for frequent grooming sessions. Additionally, their love for food can lead to weight gain, which should be managed effectively by maintaining a balanced diet and encouraging regular exercising to prevent any potential health issues.
So, is a Clumber Spaniel good family dog? The answer, emphatically, is yes. With their calm demeanor, easy trainability, humor, and, above all, their immense love for their humans, Clumber Spaniels are fantastic family dogs.
Do remember, every dog is an individual, and no breed is right for every family. Spend time with a Clumber, talk to breeders and owners, and make an informed decision. If your family is looking for a mid-sized dog with a big heart and a bundle of quirks, then the Clumber Spaniel very well could be a great fit.
