Anyone here with a Clumber??

SatansLittleHelper

SatansLittleHelper

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I'm about to make a decision on a Clumber pup (KC reg, fully health tested parents). I've owned Spaniels most of my life, and shown American Cockers but never had a Clumber. Hoping to maybe do some light showing and a little gundog type training.
Any info, anecdotes or just general life stories etc would be appreciated :)
 
I had a friend who used to breed them, he stopped though as they just weren’t brilliant workers and that was his focus. Also just niggly health issues becoming quite prevalent.

That said they are friendly, affectionate loyal dogs and if they appeal to you as a multi purpose pet then go for it!

For me, too big & hairy and not athletic enough!

I bet they make adorable squidgy puppies 🐶
 
The health issues have been my biggest concern with them so I've looked carefully at the litters available. I believe them to be a bit like marmite from a working perspective? I know there are lots of people who love them and many more who don't lol. Their lack of athletic ability is partly what appeals to me as I want a good walking pal who won't wear me out..!!! I'm trying my hardest to improve my health for my Fibromyalgia and mental health with more walking and I'm definitely fitter. Sadly my old American Cocker boy is now blind and finds the woods too hard to navigate, the Japanese Chins aren't much up for many mile bikes and the Great Dane is far too lazy 🙄🙄🙄
 
I think if you want a slow, unathletic spaniel they may well be ideal! If you get a pup that’s health tested to the eyeballs will that cover the main issues?
I’ve never seen one working.
 
SatansLittleHelper said:
There is a dedicated page on FB to Working Clumbers, they do make quite effective workers. I think they are more slow and steady with stamina as opposed to speed and agility. They will go through the densest and thickest of ground cover like little tanks by all accounts :)
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A friend back in Essex has one but he got her after I’d moved. He uses her for dogging in and beating as her steadiness is an advantage.
 
Know a breeder through horses. I think they're lovely! Wonderful temperaments and not nutty like most other spanners. I don't know her or the breed well enough to know about specific health issues but know she has some quite elderly girls.
 
Two distinct types - make sure you go for the working type as much healthier. Even so make sure hip scored at very least. Eyes and haw have been problematic in show ones, also the SLOBBER!! Have I mentioned the SLOBBER?? A friend was involved in breed rescue and most she was involved with had iffy temperaments, especially the males. Was this due to their previous life or genetics? They wouldn’t be my choice of spanner for a working dog.
 
Just to add, just seen you want to show so no idea how successful/acceptable the working type are in the show ring. There used to be two different breed societies- one for working type and other for the more traditional. Not sure if still the case?
 
I have had two, both working re homes, not bought as puppies. They are great, the funniest dogs I’ve ever met! The current dog is athletic, cheerful and the nicest person! He does sit up and beg and speaks on command, to my husband’s fury! He can be a little focused if he gets on a strong scent but that would be sortable if I worked him. He’s friendly, happy and doesn’t have the insanity of either a cocker or springer!
He has good hips, his eyes are fine, no ear pro and definitely is not slobbery!
 
They do tend to be slobbery and also hairy = lots and lots of white hair but great fun and more ‘Clumpy’ than other springers. Definitely make sure the genetics are good. Life expectancy isn’t always as long as the more athletic spanner’s But loyalty is good, it can be hard to find a good one.
 
Had a friend who had one 20 years ago. Supposedly well bred tested parents etc but 🤷‍♀️. Lovely affectionate silly dog. Sadly his elbows were not good and he had hip problems despite very careful management as a pup. He had short life ☹️
 
Get a springer! I walk at my pace, they go at theirs, nearby but love to be in cover to the side. They don't pile ahead, Bear keeps them in check a little, they like to be with the pack.
 
Mine is definitely sturdy but he’s certainly agile, jumps 3’ with no problem, swims well, has huge feet, goes into heavy cover and is far easier than either a cocker or a springer. We have them all! He does shed loads tbf!
 
SatansLittleHelper said:
I'm about to make a decision on a Clumber pup (KC reg, fully health tested parents). I've owned Spaniels most of my life, and shown American Cockers but never had a Clumber. Hoping to maybe do some light showing and a little gundog type training.
Any info, anecdotes or just general life stories etc would be appreciated :)
Click to expand...
No but I would really really love a working line Clumber!
 
I met a couple the other day. Absolutely gorgeous dogs, although the owner did say they where no good for working. Just not interested in picking up . Both very waggy/happy and when Stirling is allowed off the lead again will be having a play with them.
 
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