Characteristics and Temperament 
The Clumber Spaniel, a handsome and useful member of the spaniel family is of ancient lineage and his solemn and majestic aspect mark him as a true aristocrat of long descent.

The Clumbers are deserving of their popularity with shooting men, for no dog is a more capable assistant to the gun. They are by inclination the keenest and most preserving of hunters, have the best noses and considering their massive build, have remarkable powers of endurance.

The Clumber Spaniel is easily trained, easily controlled and unusually intelligent. They take naturally to retrieving, are good water dogs and as all round workmen have no superiors.

Appearance

A long and heavy-bodied, low-stationed spaniel, it stands only 17 to 20 inches (43-51 cm) in height but weighs from 55 to 85 pounds (35 - 38.5 kg). The Clumber has heavier bone than other spaniels, a massive head with a hound-like face and expression, a deep muzzle, large square nose, and broad low-set ears. His coat is dense, weather-resistant, straight, and flat. Clumbers are predominantly white in colour with lemon or orange markings.

The breed standard states that the Clumber should have short, massive heads; square muzzles; well marked stop; low-set, massive body of moderate length; big bone; flat, dense coat; down-carried tail and pale orange or lemon markings. Weight of dogs average between 70 and 85 pounds; bitches 55 to 70 pounds.

The stocky, slow moving Clumber Spaniel is a great companion. Clumbers are a sedate and affectionate breed and will be great partners to those who appreciate the qualities of a fine sporting dog but do not have the time or energy to trail after the speedy flight of the setters or pointers.

Clumbers make excellent house-pets and can thrive with moderate exercise, though some Clumbers can be high energy dogs. They are actively represented in obedience and tracking, as well as being fine hunters and companions.

The body coat is dense, straight, flat and is of good weather resistant texture; it is soft to the touch, not harsh. Ears are slightly feathered with straight hair. Feathering on the legs and belly is moderate. The Clumber has a good neck frill and on no condition should his throat be shaved. The feet may be trimmed to show the natural outline, as well as the rear legs up to the point of hock. Tail feathering may be tidied. Trimming of whiskers is optional. No other trimming or shaving is to be condoned.

Long-haired breeds do take some care. Clipping for pet/field dogs can be confined to the inside of the ears and around the tail. This makes it easier to keep both areas clean. Hair must also be trimmed from between the pads on the feet; without this care, the feet can splay, and the dog loses traction on slick surfaces. Nails should be trimmed often. Show people trim them weekly; some pet owners can go up to four weeks without much problem.

The coat on most Clumbers has longer guard-hairs on top with a soft, dense undercoat, depending on seasonal conditions. All dogs lose coat at some point during the year, and the hair they do lose is long enough that it's pretty easy to sweep or vacuum. Extreme stress or health problems can lead to excessive shedding. Daily brushing will help keep things under control.

Temperament

The Clumber is a serious gundog still, not as fast as some, but is an excellent when upland hunting in heavy cover and a good retriever  when trained. He is also an excellent tracker. His temperament is described as gentle, loyal and affectionate, but dignified and aloof with strangers. Disadvantages of owning a Clumber are said to be constant shedding, snoring, drooling, especially after a drink of water, and an incredible inventiveness for raiding kitchen counters, cabinets, and even the refrigerator. Puppies are especially curious and inventive. The combination of a very people-focused disposition and a strong urge to carry something has led to many missing shoes and other articles of clothing.

When hunting, the Clumber's flush is softer than that of the English Springer Spaniel or English Cocker Spaniel. This "English flush", as it is often called, is claimed by advocates to be more appropriate to flushing birds in heavy cover. Birds in heavy cover, the argument goes, have little chance of running. The more aggressive flush of the Springer and English Cockers could be necessary in open spaces, especially when pheasant hunting, as birds are more likely to run than flush in such circumstances.

Exercise
Clumber Spaniels are equally at home in an apartment or a residential home. They like most spaniels, require some daily exercise. While they might prefer ten acres in the country and their own pond to play in, many Clumbers thrive in city settings. As the Clumber matures, brisk walks, bicycling, or ball-chasing can keep the Clumber in excellent shape.

Clumbers, bred originally as working dogs, may require more exercise than a normal spaniel. Failure to provide sufficient excercise will result in an overweight condition, atrophy of the muscles and a reduced lifespan.

Health

Canine hip dysplasia has been a serious issue in this breed in the past. Diligent breeding programmes have reduced the incidence considerably in recent years. Other health issues are entropion and ectropion (turning inward or outward of the lower eyelid) and hypothyroidism. 

Ears
All floppy-eared dogs need consistent ear-care. Most veterinarians recommend cleaning the ears weekly as a preventative. If you see dark brown wax, or smell a rancid odor, it is a sure sign of trouble. Don't let ear problems wait; bacterial, fungus or mite problems will require a veterinarian's care.

Eyes
Some Clumbers have been diagnosed with eye problems. Retinal Dysplasia (RD) is a genetic defect present at birth in which the retina may be curved or irregularly shaped and may also be detached.

RD is caused by a simple recessive gene. It takes a defective gene from each parent to produce an affected dog; however, an unaffected dog could be a carrier of the gene. Dogs which are known carriers should not be bred.

Additionally, Clumbers are abnormally susecptible to eye problems known as entropion. Entropion is the rolling inwards of the eyelid, sometimes allowing the stiff rim of the lid to rub and irritate the eye. In Clumbers it seems to be the lower lids that cause the most problems. The lid may roll so far as to allow the hair on the lid to rub the eyeball itself. Depending on the dog this may cause considerable discomfort, corneal ulcers, infections and even blindness. For lucky owners the dog may be somewhat resistant to this abrasion.

Clumber owners should, on a daily basis, place a soaked warm washcloth over the eyes, soften any crust or tear residue and wipe away. This process takes only about a minute and should feel good to the dog.