Breed Standard

Spaniel (Clumber) Breed Standard

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure. However if a dog possesses a feature, characteristic or colour described as undesirable or highly undesirable it is strongly recommended that it should not be rewarded in the show ring.

General Appearance:
Balanced, well boned, active with a thoughtful expression, overall appearance denoting strength. The Clumber should be firm, fit and capable of a day’s work of beating in heavy cover.

Characteristics:
Stoical, great-hearted, highly intelligent with a determined attitude enhancing his natural ability. A silent worker with an excellent nose.

Temperament:
Steady, reliable, kind and dignified; more aloof than other Spaniels, showing no tendency towards aggression.

Head and Skull:
Large, square, medium length, broad on top with decided occiput; heavy brows; deep stop. Square muzzle with well developed flews. No exaggeration in head and skull.

Eyes:
Clean, dark, amber. Full light eyes highly undesirable. Acceptable to have some haw showing but without excess. Free from obvious eye problems.

Ears:
Large, vine leaf-shaped, well covered with straight hair. Hanging slightly forward, feather not to extend below leather.

Mouth:
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck:
Fairly long, thick, powerful.

Forequarters:
Shoulders strong, sloping, muscular; legs short, straight, well boned, strong.

Body:
Long, well muscled and strong. Chest deep. Well sprung ribs which are carried well back. Muscular loin. Well let down in flank.

Hindquarters:
Very powerful and well developed. Hocks low, stifles well bent and set straight.

Feet:
Large, round, well covered with hair.

Tail:
Previously customarily docked. Docked: Set low. Well feathered, carried level with back. Undocked: Set low. Well feathered, carried level with back.

Gait/Movement:
Moving straight fore and aft, with effortless drive.

Coat:
Abundant, close, silky and straight. Legs and chest well feathered.

Colour:
Plain white body preferred, with lemon markings; orange permissible. Slight head markings and freckled muzzle.

Size:
Ideal weight: dogs: 29.5 – 34 kgs (65 – 75 lbs); bitches: 25 – 29.5 kgs (55 – 65 lbs).

Faults:
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog, and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Copyright The Kennel Club
Reproduced with their permission.