That the Clumber Spaniel is known as the “gentleman’s shooting dog,” and “retired gentleman’s spaniel,” might be interpreted as an indication that the breed is lumbering and ungainly, and while it’s true that the breed has a deliberate, slow and steady hunting style (but certainly not ungainly!), Clumbers are playful and mischievous, and have a wicked sense of humor. We’ve read that they can be notorious thieves who can be apt to eat anything around which they can wrap their lips (true, Clumber owners?).
The monikers, in fact, are more likely due to the breed’s popularity among retired military men and city-living civil servants in England from 1850 to 1910. As Jeff Griffen wrote in a Field and Stream article in 1969, “A comfortable house dog, the Clumber could be taken to small vegetable gardens surrounding cities for a bit of shooting. The retired gentleman sat on his walking stick while the heavy spaniel poked about among the turnip and potato patches for game, and the dog would retrieve anything that was shot.”
That said, the Clumber’s steady, methodical hunting style means that he often finds more birds than a fast, flashy dog, and passed birds are rarely a problem. They are thorough and tenacious, and will go through anything to get a bird, including very heavy and thorny cover inaccessible to lighter spaniels. This job doesn’t require lightening speed, but does ask for strength and determination.
Image: “Millie” by Pat Saunders-White
http://www.patsaunderswhite.com
Bravo, purebredogday! We have hunted over our Clumbers for six generation s of dogs now, and you got it right!
Hurrah is right, Roe! We love getting it right, and especially when we’re told as much by people who best know the breed, the owners! Thank you for this!
Yes!!! Although my clumber would pick the tomatoes off the vine instead of retrieving game from the vegetable garden! 🙂
Now THAT is something we’d love to see in a photograph, Sharon!
I so agree with Roe and congratulate purebreddogday for capturing some of the enchanting characteristics of our beloved Clumbers-
Joanne
I so agree with Roe and thanks purebreddogday for capturing some of the enchanting characteristics of our beloved Clumbers
Joanne
Many thanks, Joanne! We’re delighted to read this!
Bang on! Incredible breed and a sense of humour to match.
Glad we got it right, Stephanie! Thanks for letting us know.
Merlin is our first clumber and he is the most loyal companion – he loves my grandchildren and likes nothing more than playing with them. He loves a good walk and also loves to swim in a two acre lake near our home. Whilst walking he flushes lots of game birds from roosting under the hedges and as you say he can make his way through the thickest bracken. He is only 2 years old but he knows every word I say and loves nothing more than to have a cuddle. An adorable character that has made an impact on all our family members in a good way.
Thanks for writing, Susan! How did you get interested in such an uncommon breed?