Breed: Most researchers tend to believe that the Spaniels as a breed have their origin from Spain, and the breed name sounds like "Espanyol".

The first mentioning of the Spaniel in literature belong to the fourteenth century. In the book about hunting it is written that in 1390 the King of Spain sent a gift to the French Duke Gaston de Foix - a couple of Spaniels, which was truly a royal gift. Slightly earlier the Spaniels came to England. In 1386 in the English book of hunting the Spaniel is mentioned as an indispensable tool for hunting with the net - a firearm had not yet been invented. After it's invention, Spaniels displayed their talents as an excellent retrievers. Also the Spaniels were appreciated for their beauty and incredibly good nature.

Despite the fact that the historical homeland of Spaniels should be regarded Spain, the true creators of the breed types were certainly British. In England, long ago, there were already existing several breeds of Spaniels, among which the most famous were: Cocker Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Fild Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, and later - Springer Spaniels.

Clumber Spaniel is a breed of hunting dogs, which is more than 200 years old. However, until now professionals can not come to a consensus: British dog breeders believe that the Clumber Spaniel has a French origin, the French breeders, however, consider the breed as English. One of the earliest images of a Clumber Spaniel - a picture by Francis Wheatley "Returning from the hunt" (1788), which depicts the second Duke of Newcastle and his three Clumber Spaniels.

In the printed media, the breed is first mentioned in the British journal "Rural Sports" in 1801, which contains the most common version of the Clumber Spaniel's appearance in England. According to this version, the French Duc de Noailles, who was engaged in breeding the Clumber Spaniels, at the beginning of the French Revolution, sent his dogs for the safety to the Duke of Newcastle to his estate Clumber Park - that's how this Spaniels got their name. During the Revolution Duke Noailles died, leaving his Spaniels to Britain.

The best time of Clumber Spaniels was in the XIX century. Clumber Spaniels were first shown at the exhibition in England in 1859. In America the Clumber Spaniel appeared in 1844. Lieutenant Venebls of the 97 th Regiment of Her Majesty, which was stationed in the town of Halifax (Nova Scotia) brought the Clumber Spaniels to Canada. And the first Clumber Spaniel was registered in the American stud book in 1878 - six years before the foundation of the American Kennel Club. (This is explained by the fact that the stud books in the United States existed long before the appearance of AKC).

The Clumber Spaniels of this period had only the yellow-spotted coat color, were different by somewhat squatted, elongated format, rough body shapes and short ears. On a heavy slow canter or not a quick trot, they, using mostly the lower flair, methodically searched bushland, coastal reeds and rushes. Clumber Spaniels were silent (they were called Spaniels without voice) and never gave voice, while raising a game - only the melodic tinkling of the bell, they were wearing on the neck, gave out the direction of their search. At the beginning of the XIX century they were extensively used for pheasant hunting in the park environment. Thanks to the calm demeanor and the sly habits Clumber Spaniel was a popular hunting dog for rising a hidden game.

The English aristocracy was jealously guarding this breed, not allowing it's wide distribution. Among the admirers of the Clumber Spaniels were George V (1865-1936) and his son Edward VIII (1894-1972), who kept Clumber Spaniels at his residence in Sandringham. And until the Second World War the Clumber Spaniel  was exclusively the breed of aristocrats. After the war came a decline in breeding, but with the democratization of the breed in England began it's revival. Clumber Spaniel, apart from England, has gained  popularity in Denmark, Belgium, Holland, France and the USA.

According to the legend, in the creation of the Clumber Spaniel was originally used the blood of a Basset Hound and now extinct Alpine Spaniel - close relative of St. Bernard. From these breeds the Clumber Spaniel took his strong bones, massive heavy head and the special shape of a lower eyelid, that makes him to look always sleepy. Despite his heaviness, the Clumber Spaniel moves incredibly easy and gently, no wonder that in England he is so much loved by the hunters and sportsmen.

Clumber Spaniel differs with his endurance and unpretentiousness. He does not like heat, but tolerates well the cold weather. Clumber Spaniel does not require complicated training. He is active in hunting, but too heavy, so he does not have the same speed, like some other breeds, though he is searching for the game more carefully, and with him the best hunting is in the woodlands. The Clumber Spaniel has a great sense of dignity and, as the English say, a big heart. Practically does not bark.

Characteristic features of this breed - the massive physique and "wise" expression of the muzzle. Clumber Spaniel is a reliable and loyal companion who needs to move enough.

General Features: Clumber Spaniel is known as the largest Spaniel. He is heavy, low, with short legs. By exterior, he is somewhat reminiscent of the Sussex Spaniel. This breed has a broad and massive head with a gloomy and sleepy expression. The dog has a square face and nose and big ears, reminiscent of grape leaves. The color of the nose usually is in shades of brown. Muzzle and front legs are often covered with small brown spots. Teeth must meet the scissors bite. Clumber Spaniel have a low set broad chest and straight front legs. Eyes - deep set, colored like dark amber. Lips on the lower jaw - sagging. Clumber Spaniel also has a low hanging ears triangular in shape with rounded ends. The neck is thick, massive, with the fine feathering. Tail is feathered (docking is optional).

The coat of Clumber Spaniel is soft, smooth, thick and straight. This breed of Spaniels, basically, is white in color with lemon or orange spots.

Temperament: Clumber Spaniels are usually docile, cute, smart, loyal and gentle. Dog experts say that the Clumber Spaniel is more reserved and quiet than many other hunting dogs. He loves to eat and sleep comfortably curled up on the couch. Puppies of this breed, in contrast to the adult dogs, are very active. Clumber Spaniels are getting along pretty well with the other pets, including even cats, but only when they grew up together from the beginning. If the owner will behave too soft and passive, the Clumber Spaniel may become self-willed and stubborn.

The Clumber Spaniel does not bark much, he is usually playful with children and makes a reliable friend of the family. But for this Spaniel to adequately perceive outsiders, at an early age get him involved in the process of socialization. Puppies of this breed of Spaniels do not respond well to any rigid methods of training, so during the training you need to show a calm, resolute and confident owner who knows what he is doing. This dog has a good memory and likes to make things pleasant for the owner, because of this, it is easy to train him. Clumber Spaniel until now is often used as hunting dogs. With the dogs of this breed it is a great pleasure to hunt pheasants and partridges.

The Clumber Spaniel is a perfect dog for hunting in mountainous terrain covered by dense forest. Being rather slow for field conditions, if compared with other Spaniels, Clumber Spaniel is an effective hunting dog with an impeccable sense of smell and excellent endurance. Naturally, your Clumber Spaniel will deftly retrieve a wounded game, and of different sizes (due to his broad muzzle). And beside everything this dog is just perfect for hunting the waterfowl. Keep in mind that the Clumber Spaniel has a natural instinct of a retriever, because of that he always like to carry something in his mouth. He also loves to chew, so it is better to provide him with plenty of dog toys.

Health problems: Clumber Spaniels are prone to hip dysplasia and skin allergies.

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