The Clumber Spaniel is a breed of
dog of the spaniel type, developed in the United Kingdom. It is the largest of
the spaniels, and comes in predominantly white with either lemon or orange
markings. The name of the breed is taken from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire
where the breed was first developed. It is a gundog that specialises in hunting
in heavy cover. They are gentle and loyal, and can act aloof with strangers.
They have several habits which could be considered disadvantages, including a
constant shedding of its coat and snoring.
The
history of the breed is uncertain prior to the mid-19th century with two
theories being prevalent. Clumber Spaniels have been kept and bred by various
British Monarchs, including Prince Albert, King Edward VII and King George V.
They were introduced into Canada in 1844, and in 1884 became one of the first
ten breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club. The breed can suffer from a
variety of breed-specific ailments varying in severity from temporary lameness
due to bone growth whilst young to hip dysplasia or spinal disc herniation.
Description
Appearance
The
Clumber Spaniel is the largest of the spaniels, and is long and heavy-bodied,
standing only 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) in height but weighing from 55 to
85 pounds (25 to 39 kg). It is similar in shape to the smaller Sussex Spaniel.
The Clumber has a heavy bone structure,has a massive 'melting' head with a
mournful and dopey expression, a square nose and muzzle, and large vine-leaf
shaped ears. Freckles on the muzzle and front legs are common. Its coat is
dense, weather-resistant, straight, and flat with feathering around the ears,
belly and legs. Clumbers are predominantly white in colour with lemon, brown,
or orange markings around the eyes, and at the base of the tail.
Temperament
Their
temperament is described as gentle, loyal and affectionate, but dignified and
aloof with strangers. They can appear to be a sedate breed and enjoy curling up
on the couch, eating and sleeping.
Clumber
Spaniels shed at a medium pace. Clumbers tend to drool because of their very
droopy flews. Clumbers have minds of their own. Puppies are especially curious
and playful. The breed has a trophy mentality and the dog has an incessant need
to carry something most of the time; unfortunately this can lead to health
issues as they may ingest the items.
The
breed has been used to hunt pheasant and partridge, in both small packs and
alone. It is well-suited for work in upland hunting in dense cover, and
although the Clumber is rather slow in the field compared to other spaniels, it
is a quiet worker with a fine nose and good stamina. The broad muzzle of the
breed allows it to retrieve a variety of game.
Health
Because
Clumber Spaniels are large boned and fast growing, they can suffer from
temporary lameness from between six and twelve months of age, with this
lameness subsiding when bone growth is complete. Another common condition that
the breed suffers from are impacted anal sacs and the dog may require them to
be emptied by a veterinarian. The final common condition that the breed has is
heat sensitivity: if Clumber Spaniels are left without shade, they can become
uncomfortably hot and dehydrated.
In
addition, Clumbers often have difficulties conceiving and giving birth, and may
require caesarian sections. Some dogs may suffer from sensitivity to
anaesthesia. The most common severe health conditions in the Clumber Spaniel
are entropion/ectropion eye conditions, spinal disc herniation and hip
dysplasia. They have a median lifespan of around 10 years.
Entropion/Ectropion
Entropion
is the inward rolling of the eyelid, commonly the lower lid. This in turn
irritates the cornea of the eye and can cause visual impairment. It is a
hereditary disorder seen in both English and American Cocker Spaniels, King
Charles Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels plus a variety of non spaniel
breeds.
Ectropion
is the outward rolling of the eyelid, which abnormally exposes the eye,
resulting in irritation. Because of the increased exposure, the dog can develop
allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis sicca also known
as dry-eye syndrome. It is most commonly found in breeds with exaggerated
facial features such as the Boxer, Bloodhound, Gordon Setter as well as the
English and American Cocker Spaniels, and the English Springer Spaniel.
The
treatment for ectropion varies depending on the severity of the condition. The
only treatment for entropion is surgical, and may be delayed until the dog
reaches adulthood as whilst a puppy the facial structures of the animal are
still growing and changing. Dogs who have surgical correction for defects such
as entropion or ectropion may not be exhibited in the show ring.
Spinal disc herniation
Spinal
disc herniation occurs when the Intervertebral disc bulges or ruptures into the
vertebral canal where the spinal cord resides. Once the cord is compressed, the
dog experiences symptoms ranging from mild back/neck pain to leg paralysis,
loss of sensation, and urinary and fecal incontinence. The most commonly location
seen is the mid-back area, but it may occur anywhere along the spine. Cases
that do not result in paralysis can be treated medically by confining the
animal to restrict movement to a minimum for several weeks, and this can be
accompanied by medication for the pain. Surgery can restore sensation to a
dog's legs following paralysis but the success rate depends on how severe the
herniation was.
Hip dysplasia
Hip
dysplasia is a hereditary condition which occurs in most dog breeds to some
extent, according to scores from a 2001 UK Kennel Club scheme, the Clumber
Spaniel has the second worst breed mean scores. Furthermore, a survey conducted
by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals found that 45.7% of Clumber Spaniels
tested were affected by the condition. Initial signs are usually first noted
when the dog is between five and twelve months old, and may include a swaying
hindleg gait, hindleg lameness, muscle wastage around the hindquarters,
reluctance to and fatigue during exercise, inability to climb stairs or jump
up. The dog can appear hunched up with an arched back, and in the very worst
cases may wince with pain when moving its hindlegs. Medical treatment can vary
from the administration of painkillers to surgical correction depending on the
severity of the condition.
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