Clumber Spanie SIZE, PROPORTION AND SUBSTANCE

The Clumber is rectangular in shape possessing massive bone structure and has the appearance of great power. The ideal height for dogs is 18 to 20 inches at the withers and for bitches is 17 to 19 inches at the withers. The ideal length to height is 11 to 9 measured from the withers to the base of the tail and from the floor to the withers. Dogs weigh between 70 and 85 pounds and bitches weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. As an example, a dog that stands 19 inches at the withers is approximately 23.2 inches in length from the withers to the base of the tail.The Clumber is not measured in the ring.

The head is massive with a marked stop and heavy brow. The top skull is flat with a pronounced occiput. A slight furrow runs between the eyes and up through the center of the skull. The muzzle is broad and deep to facilitate retrievingmany species of game. The nose is large, square and colored in shades of brown, which include beige, rose and cherry. The flews of the upper jaware strongly developed and overlap the lower jawto
give a square look when viewed from the side.

There are several acceptable Clumber Spaniel head types that fit the standard description. Some examples are depicted in the following sketches. The Clumber head should not be plain or unappealing. The eyes are dark amber in color, large, soft in expression, and 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 but excessive haw is undesirable. Prominent or round shaped eyes are to be penalized. Excessive tearing or evidence of entropion or ectropion is to be penalized.

The haw is the nictitating membrane or inner eyelid of the dog, and is a breed characteristic of the Clumber. When the old Clumber Spaniel standards were being written and re-written, there was a great deal of controversy about the presence and amount of haw that should be required on the Clumber. It was generally decided that a moderate amount of haw was necessary to stamp breed type.

Entropion is an inversion or rolling inward of the margin of the eyelid. Conjunctival or corneal irritation causes blinking and tearing. Ectropion is an eversion of the eyelid, characterized by an outward rolling of the eyelid, exposing the conjunctiva to drying, dust and debris.

The ear is attached at about eye level. Degree of alertness, curiosity, level of interest, and mood alter the position of the ear dramatically. Color and markings may alter the perception of ear set. The carriage of the ear changes the expression and can appear to change the shape of the head. Fully alert Clumbers will have a high ear carriage. This illustration depicts the same dog with a relaxed and alert expression.