| The Clumber Spaniel is unique in history. It is a breed of ancient and documented lineage from 1788 when it was first portrayed with the founders of the breed, His Grace Henry, second Duke of Newcastle under Lyne and his head gamekeeper William Mansell. The breed was developed almost entirely by the Mansell family at the Duke’s properties in the north of Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England - the principle estate being called Clumber Park.
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| The Clumber Spaniel was developed specifically to meet the difficult terrain and hunting requirements of the area: extremely woody and heavy undergrowth coupled with a sparsity of game.
This development has seen the evolution of a
heavy, long, low dog capable of “ploughing” through the thickest scrub and fallen tree branches
white in colour so he is easily distinguished in the undergrowth
with a remarkably easily cleaned and maintained coat to cast off debris
a heavily feathered chest, legs, and tail to provide protection from the scrub
vine leaf shaped ears that fall naturally forward when the head is down to protect the eye
slightly “loose” eyes (haw eyed) to allow foreign matter to flush clear with tears
an excellent “tracking” nose, and a
mute hunter the game only being flushed as the dog became really close - important to increase the chance of a successful shot
In the modern world, the Clumber Spaniel has taken kindly to most areas of canine sport and hobby. He is a magnificent show dog, an excellent obedience trial dog, superb tracker, reliable field worker, a kind and lovingly patient patient-therapy dog, and a loyal and devoted companion.
Top Clumbers in these fields worldwide include:
Eng.Ir.ShCh Raycroft Socialite (Best in Show Crufts 1991)
AmCh Clussexx Country Sunrise (Best in Show Westminster 1996)
AustCh Erinveine Regal (multi BIS and Winner of Winners 1993 WAKC)
AmCh Cypress Woods Touch of Class UD TD WDX JH
Venaticus Duncan (first Clumber since WW1 to win a Field Trial)
Leybel Ixtapa (UK CC and Certificate of Merit winner)
The Clumber Spaniel was first introduced to Australia in 1883. The original brace came direct from Clumber Park and provided progeny to establish the breed in New Zealand as well. Further imports came near the turn of the century and again in the 1920s, 1950s and 1980s in particular. The early arrivals were mainly kept for field work, later ones essentially for exhibition. In the late 1950s David Irving imported the famous KCC(Aust)Ch Thornville Swim who established the breed here as a great show dog - capable of working too. Swim was awarded Best Exhibit in Show at her debut here and was dam of another Best in Show winner KCC.Ch Erinveine Gleam.= |