English Water Spaniel vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Both English Water Spaniel and Clumber Spaniel are originated from United Kingdom. Both English Water Spaniel and Clumber Spaniel are of same height. English Water Spaniel may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Clumber Spaniel. Both English Water Spaniel and Clumber Spaniel has almost same life span. Both English Water Spaniel and Clumber Spaniel has same litter size. English Water Spaniel requires Low maintenance. But Clumber Spaniel requires High maintenance

History

The English Water Spaniel breed is extinct and has been since the early 1900’s. It was last seen in the 1930s. The breed was a hunting breed, diving for duck and hunting other waterfowl. Legend has it that Shakespeare was referring to this breed of dog in Macbeth when he refers to the “water rug”. Again, in Two Gentlemen of Verona one of the character states about another that “She hath more qualities than a water-spaniel.’

The English Water Spaniel came along before the Irish Water Spaniel and had a part in the development the Curly Coated Retriever, the American Water Spaniel and the Field Spaniel. The English Water Spaniel looks somewhat like a Poodle/Springer Spaniel cross or a Collie. It is not known whether the English Water Spaniel was part of the development of the Irish Water Spaniel.

When the English Water Spaniel was first developed the UKC had a “Water Spaniels other than Irish” and the English Water Spaniel had no standard written and accepted for it yet. But by 1967 the breed was extinct. Still the American Water Spaniel and the Flat Coated Retriever are believed to be descendants of the English Water Spaniel.

clumber spaniel - historyEver since winning in Confirmation at Westminster Kennel Club’s annual show, the popularity of the Clumber Spaniel has increased markedly. The breed of Clumber Spaniel comes from the United Kingdom and it is the largest of all the spaniels. The breed is named for the Clumber Park where it was developed in Nottinghamshire. The Clumber Spaniel a=was designed to be a gundog or hunter in heavy weeds or cover. They have been popular with the Royal Family and were kept by King George V, King Edward VII, and Prince Albert.

The ancestry of the Clumber is not really known, only theorized:

It is possible that during the French Revolution, the Duc de Noailles gave his spaniels to the Duke of Newcastle in Nottinghamshire, These spaniels, Alpine Spaniel, are extinct. At the time they were bred with Basset Hounds and Great Pyrenees.

Another line of thought has the Clumber Spaniel descending form an ancient Bleinheim Spaniel, which was used to later develop the King Charles Spaniel.

Whichever theory is true, we know that they were first bred and improved by William Mansell. They were shown in 1859 in England. They were bred almost exclusively by nobility until the mid-19th century. Then World War 1 caused all breeding to be discontinued and the number of Clumbers declined drastically, only to be redeveloped after the was by King George V.

The Cumber won Best in Show at the prestige’s Crufts 1991 Centenary Show. When the American Kennel Club recognized the Clumber Spaniel, there were only 9 other breeds officially recognized. They came to Canada in the same year of 1884. They are also recognized by the UK Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed. A Clumber bred by Doug Johnson won Best in Show at the 1996 Westminster Dog Show.

The Clumber Spaniel is a loyal, gentle soul who is not very friendly with strangers. They shed all the time and snore loudly.

Description

Resembling the Springer Spaniel, poodle, collie and setter the English Water Spaniel has very little in common with the Irish Water Spaniel in respect to looks. The English has a narrow and somewhat longer head their than other spaniels and they have long furry ears. Their body is stout, and they are shaped like a barrel – more like a Clumber. With long legs and large feet, it is ready to take to the hunt. There coat was waterproof, and their toes were webbed.

clumber spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Clumber Spaniel is heavy-boned, with a very large head and a square muzzle. Of all spaniels, he is the biggest. His expressive face wears a dopey, sad look and his eyes are large, shaped like leaves. The muzzle is as large as the head and his nose is square. He has freckles on his muzzle and a deep chest. His legs are straight, and his feet are solid.

The Clumber Spaniel gives off a dignified air and despite his expressions, he is ready to play or to work at any time.

Characteristics

The English Water Spaniel was aloof with strangers but loyal with his hunter. He was a little stubborn and an excellent water dog. They loved being in the water and could enter it without making any noise so as not to frighten his prey. He was highly intelligent and trainable. He also was very affectionate with his people.

clumber spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, loving dog though he is wary of strangers. He is loyal, dignified and affectionate with his own family. If there ever was a canine couch potato this breed is it. They love to curl up and sleep or eat on your living room couch. He has a great sense of smell and he has good stamina

Health Problems

The English Water Spaniel is a fairly healthy breed given to some fairly common disorders such as:

Hip Dysplasia

Can lead to lameness and arthritis

Cardiac abnormalities

Arterial fib and flutter and other problems that could lead to death.

Degenerative Myelopathy

This is a disease seem in several “Dwarf” breeds such as Corgis, as well as in many spaniels. This is the canine version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease or ALS and it is fatal.

clumber spaniel puppies - health problemsThe Clumber Spaniel can suffer from a variety of conditions due to its very design and genetics. Lameness early in life can be attributed to the large and fast-growing bones in the Clumber. This lameness will dissipate when the pup is fully grown. Other issues include:

  • Impacted anal gland sacs
  • A vet may need to empty them regularly.
  • Heat Stroke or Sensitivity

Can become dehydrated and all the problems that arise from a dog being overheated and dehydrated.

Difficulty giving birth

Must have a caesarian section. They may also have a sensitivity to the anesthesia used in the procedure.

Hypothyroidism with ear and skin complications.

They cannot take sulfa drugs.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

The English Water Spaniel is not an overly energetic dog and has a tendency to over eat. Feed him 1 to 1.5 cups of high quality dry dog food over two meals each day.

Health issues

In addition to the health issues mentioned earlier, the English Water Spaniel is also prone to:

Baldness

Pattern baldness – is genetic and occurs on the neck and back of the hind legs.

Cataracts

English Water Spaniels can have these in old age like most other breeds.

Retinal Dysplasia

Clumps form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness

Exercise and games

The English Water Spaniel was a worker and an outdoor athlete at a time before organized canine games and activities such as agility and flyball. They loved to swim, and they loved to hunt. Without a job to do they could become barky and destructive.

Feeding

clumber spaniel dogs - caringThe Clumber has a tendency to gain weight and become obese. Feed them wisely. Feed about ¼ to ½ of a cup of high quality dry dog food twice a day.

Health issues

Additional health issues faced by the Clumber Spaniel include:

  • Dysplasia of the hip and/or elbow
  • Can cause lameness
  • Spinal Disc Herniation

This can be cervical or spinal. The discs can be bulging or ruptured. Can lead to paralysis if not treated properly.

Eye issues

Entropion with inward rolling of eyelid or Ectropion with outward rolling of eyelid.

Exercise and games

The Clumber Spaniel is not the most energetic of canines. He still needs moderate exercise daily but don’t overdo it. Walks, fetch, swimming, chase or confirmation are good activities for a Clumber.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
49 - 51 cm
19 - 21 inches
41 - 51 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
45 - 47 cm
17 - 19 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
25 - 39 kg
55 - 86 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
23 - 37 kg
50 - 82 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
2 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Water Dog, Water Rug
none
Colors Available:
liver and white
orange and red markings, White with brown
Coat:
dense, waterproof, doublecoated
soft, straight, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Constant
Temperament:
Affectionate, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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