This year, a Clumber spaniel won Best in Show at Crufts, only the second time the breed has claimed the top prize. Known for their heavy-set build, calm temperament, and aristocratic hunting history, Clumber Spaniels make loyal pets and are easily recognizable for their distinctive large head and feathered coat.
Not many people are all that familiar with this particular dog breed, so here’s an introduction to the Clumber spaniel – and everything you need to know about its history, appearance and characteristics.
What is a Clumber spaniel?
A Clumber spaniel is a gundog, the heaviest of the spaniel family. Like springer spaniels, cocker spaniels and Labrador retrievers, Clumber spaniels are flushing dogs – specialised gun dogs that locate hidden game in dense cover and force them into flight so they can be shot down. Clumbers are a slower, more methodical flushing spaniel. Their powerful, heavy-set stature, built long and low with a large head help them push through thick cover. They range between 17 and 20 inches in height, and tend to weigh between 25 and 39 kg.
Why are they called Clumber spaniels?
Clumber spaniels take their name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, where the breed was developed in the late 18th century.
What were they originally bred for?
Clumber spaniels were originally bred as specialised hunting dogs for the aristocracy. The 2nd Duke of Newcastle developed the breed at his country seat, Clumber Park. The Duke is believed to have been presented with dogs of this type by his friend, the Duke of Noailles, around 1770. While the first year of their introduction isn’t known, the Duke had his portrait painted in 1788 by Francis Wheatley, and the painting – titled “Return from Shooting” – depicts the Duke with six of his dogs, three of which are Clumber spaniels.
The breed then became popular among the aristocracy and the Royal Family, with King George V keeping a large team of Clumber spaniels on the Sandringham Estate.
Has a Clumber spaniel won Crufts before?
In 1991, Raycrofts Socialite became the first Clumber spaniel to win Best in Show at Crufts. But until 2026, he remained the only Clumber to ever win the top prize at Crufts. That’s when Bruin (Vanitonia Soloist) came along, becoming the second ever Clumber spaniel to win Best in Show.
While English cocker spaniels perform particularly well at Crufts (winning seven times – all but one owned by breeder Herbert Summers Lloyd), only two Clumber spaniels have ever won Best in Show.
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Do Clumber spaniels make good pets?
Though they are more aloof than other spaniels, Clumbers are affectionate, loyal, good with children and other animals and make great pets. They have lower energy levels compared to other spaniels, so don’t require quite as much running around as cocker spaniels and springer spaniels, both of which are both dog breeds that require a lot of exercise.
Are Clumber spaniels rare?
While their popularity will pick up after the Crufts attention this year, Clumber spaniels are currently one of the UK's rarest dog breeds, with only 155 puppies registered with the UK Kennel Club in 2024. In fact, the Royal Kennel Club has put them on its list of Vulnerable Native Breeds. Despite being one of the oldest spaniel breeds, the Clumber spaniel is less well-known than its cocker and springer counterparts. The cocker spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, with over 23,000 total annual registrations.
How long do they live?
Their average life expectancy is 10-12 years.
Do they moult or shed hair?
Yes, like most spaniels, Clumber spaniels moult. In fact, they shed more than other spaniel breeds, requiring frequent brushing several times a week. The heavy feathering on their coat around the ears, chest and legs requires regular grooming to prevent tangles developing.
Do they drool?
If drooling’s not your thing, a Clumber spaniel might not be for you. They are known for dribbling due to their loose, heavy lips, particularly after eating and drinking.
Top image: Gundog Group winner, Clumber Spaniel , Vanitonia Soloist "Bruin" is shown during the best in show competition on the final day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, 2026. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
