Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is described by the AKC as mellow, amusing, gentlemanly, a member of the Sporting Group, originally from England.
Last updated: October 2026 · 5 sources · see sources
| Height | 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 70-85 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Mellow / Amusing / Gentlemanly [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 133 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Despite their lumbering appearance, the Clumber can be a very active dog. They will benefit from long walks, taking occasional breaks to sniff around. Clumbers love to retrieve, so they can get ample exercise right in their own backyard, chasing after a tennis ball and enjoying time spent with their owner. [1]
Grooming
As with all breeds with heavy, lowset ears, routine cleaning of the ears is a must to avoid ear infections. The heavy folds on the head require regular once-overs with a damp cloth. Wrinkles that are not kept dry can easily set up a yeast infection that has a bad odor and is unpleasant for the dog. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Clumbers are generally a healthy breed, although certain conditions are sometimes seen, including hypothyroidism (with side effects of skin and ear issues) and entropion or ectropion (eyelids that turn either in or out). Like many other large breeds, growing too rapidly can cause eosinophilic panosteitis in Clumber puppies'¿something they usually outgrow. Hip dysplasia also occurs in the breed. Because the Clumber body is quite long, they are also somewhat predisposed to intervertebral disc disease (cervical and thoracic). [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphatase 1 Deficiency (PDP1) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a large dog (median $640) | $308 – $1,224 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, large dog | $698 – $1,580 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, large dog | $541 – $3,903 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Clumber Spaniel in 1878. [1]
- It ranked No. 133 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 134 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Clumber.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 4/5
Common questions
How long do Clumber Spaniels live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a Clumber Spaniel get?
AKC breed information lists height 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) and weight 70-85 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Clumber Spaniel?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For large dogs like the Clumber Spaniel, a typical vet bill runs $308 – $1,224 (median $640). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.