The Official AKC Standard of the Clumber Spaniel
GENERAL APPEARANCE:
The Clumber is a long, low, heavy dog. His heavy brow, deep chest, straight forelegs, powerful hindquarters, massive bone and good feet all give him the power and endurance to move through dense underbrush in pursuit of game. His white coat enables him to be seen by the hunter as he works within gun range. His stature is dignified, his expression pensive, but at the same time he shows great enthusiasm for work and play.
SIZE, PROPORTION AND SUBSTANCE:
Males are about 19 to 20 inches at the withers, bitches are about 17 inches at the withers. Males weigh between 70 and 85 pounds, bitches between 55 and 70 pounds. The Clumber possesses massive bone, and is rectangular in shape. Length to height is approximately 11 to 9 measured from the withers to the base of the tail and from the floor to the withers.
HEAD:
The head is massive. The eyes are dark amber in color, large, soft in expression, deep set in either a diamond shaped rim or a rim with a “V” on the bottom and a curve on the top. Some haw may show. Prominent or round shaped eyes are to be penalized. Excessive tearing, evidence of entropion or ectropion are to be penalized. Ears are broad on top, set low and attached to the skull about eye level. They are triangular in shape with a rounded lower edge. They are slightly feathered with straight hair, and the ear leather is thick. The top skull is flat with a pronounced occiput. A light furrow runs between the eyes and up through the center of the skull. Marked stop, heavy brow. The muzzle is broad and deep to facilitate retrieving many species of game. The nose is large, square and colored shades of brown, which include beige, rose and cherry. The flews of the upper jaw are strongly developed and overlap the lower jaw to give a square look when viewed from the side. A scissors bite is preferred.
NECK, TOPLINE AND BODY:
The Clumber should have a long neck, with some slackness of throat or presence of dewlap not to be faulted. The neck is strong and muscular and fits into well laid back shoulders. The back is straight, firm, long and level. The chest is both deep and wide. The brisket is deep. The ribs are well sprung. The loin is only slightly arched. The tail should be docked in keeping with the overall proportion of the adult dog. The tail is set on just below the line of the back and is normally carried parallel to the ground.
FOREQUARTERS:
The Clumber shoulder is well laid back. The humerus or upper arm is of sufficient length to place the elbow under the highest point of the shoulder. The forelegs are short, straight, heavy in bone with elbows held close to the body. Pasterns are strong and only slightly sloped. The feet are large, compact and have thick pads which act as shock absorbers. Dewclaws may be removed. The hair may be trimmed for neatness and utility in the field.
HINDQUARTERS:
The thighs are heavily muscled and when viewed from behind, the rear is round and broad. The stifle shows good functional angulation and hock to heel is short and perpendicular to the ground. Lack of angulation is objectionable. The feet on the rear legs are neither as large, or as round as on the forelegs, but are compact, have thick pads, and are of substantial size.
COAT:
The body coat is dense, straight, flat and is of good weather resistant texture; it is soft to the touch not harsh. Ears are slightly feathered with straight hair. Feathering on the legs and belly is moderate. The Clumber has a good neck frill and on no condition should his throat be shaved. The feet may be trimmed to show the natural outline, as well as the rear legs up to the point of hock. Tail feathering may be tidied. Trimming of whiskers is
optional. No other trimming or shaving is to be condoned.
COLOR AND MARKINGS:
The Clumber is primarily a white dog with lemon or orange markings. Markings around one eye, both eyes, or white face are of equal value. Freckles on the muzzle and forelegs are common. The fewer markings on the body the better, although a spot near the root of the tail is common.
GAIT:
The Clumber moves easily and freely with good reach in front and strong drive from behind, neither crossing over nor elbowing out. The hocks drive in a straight line without rocking or twisting. Because of his wide body and short legs he tends to roll slightly. The proper Clumber roll occurs when the dog with correct proportion reaches forward with the rear leg toward the center line of travel and rotates the hip downward while the back remains level and straight. The gait is comfortable and can be maintained at a steady trot for a day of work in the fields without exhaustion.
TEMPERAMENT:
The Clumber is a loyal and affectionate dog, sometimes reserved with strangers, but never hostile or timid.
Williana Clumber Spaniel Club 