Science & Nature • Dog Breed

Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is a large, heavy-boned sporting dog in the spaniel group, developed in the United Kingdom and named for Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Clumber Spaniel is a large, heavy-boned sporting dog in the spaniel group, developed in the United Kingdom and named for Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. It is known for its predominantly white coat with lemon or orange markings and for working slowly but thoroughly in heavy cover.

Origin and history

The Clumber Spaniel is commonly associated with Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was developed in Britain. Some accounts say the breed may have French origins before being established in England, but the early lineage is not fully certain.

Appearance

The breed is a large, low-slung spaniel with a heavy build, large feet, a broad head, and hanging ears. Its coat is usually white with lemon or orange markings and feathering on the legs and chest.

Temperament and working style

Clumber Spaniels are known for a gentle, affectionate, and steady temperament. In the field, they work slowly but thoroughly, specializing in flushing and retrieving game from dense cover.

Breed status and use

The Clumber Spaniel is recognized as a sporting breed and remains valued as both a hunting dog and a companion animal. It is considered uncommon compared with many other popular breeds.

Key facts

It is the largest of the spaniel breeds.
The breed was developed in the United Kingdom and is named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.
Clumber Spaniels were bred to hunt and retrieve in heavy cover.
They are described as calm, affectionate, and sometimes aloof with strangers.
The breed has a dense, silky coat that is mostly white with lemon or orange markings.

🍁

Canadian context

The Clumber Spaniel is of interest to Canadian dog owners and breeders as a rare gundog breed with a small North American presence, including established breed communities in Canada and the United States.[6]

Frequently asked questions

What is a Clumber Spaniel?

A Clumber Spaniel is a large sporting dog breed in the spaniel family, developed in the United Kingdom and used for hunting and retrieving game in heavy cover.

Why is it called a Clumber Spaniel?

The breed is named after Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, England, where it was developed.

What does a Clumber Spaniel look like?

It is a heavy-boned, low-slung spaniel with a mostly white coat and lemon or orange markings.

What is the Clumber Spaniel’s temperament?

Sources describe it as gentle, loyal, calm, affectionate, and sometimes reserved with strangers.

What was the breed used for originally?

It was bred as a gundog to flush and retrieve birds from thick, heavy cover.

Is the Clumber Spaniel common?

No. It is generally regarded as a rare breed compared with many other dogs.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clumber_Spaniel
Supports: General breed description, origin at Clumber Park, coat colour, temperament, and hunting role.
Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Clumber-spaniel
Supports: Breed history, physical characteristics, temperament, and measurements.
Clumber Spaniel Club of America — https://clumbers.org/clumber-101/about-the-breed/
Supports: Breed size, appearance, AKC registration history, and origin notes.
American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/clumber-spaniel/
Supports: Breed type, size, and general character.
The Kennel Club — https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/gundog/spaniel-clumber/
Supports: Breed group classification and general breed information.
The Spruce Pets — https://www.thesprucepets.com/clumber-spaniel-dog-breed-profile-4769821
Supports: Rarity, typical size, temperament, and North American breed community.