So You Want A Clumber Spaniel Puppy?

Before you jump into a decision, step back and evaluate your desires, your financial ability to care for a dog and the readiness of everyone in your family to welcome a new member. Make certain the puppy you are looking for will be the dog you want to share your life with for the next ten to twelve years or more.

Clumber Spaniels are very affectionate dogs

They thrive on the attention of their family members. They also shed profusely and have a strong chewing drive and must be provided toys that properly stimulate and satisfy this instinct. Clumbers, (especially puppies,) need to be watched constantly to avoid damage to your personal property and to prevent them from becoming candidates for surgeries to remove some foreign object they have ingested. Clumbers can be quite stubborn (well, shall we say single-minded?) requiring their owners to be creative in their approach to basic obedience. Oh, and yes, Clumbers can collect slobber in their droopy flews which can really fly when they shake their heads.

So why a Clumber Spaniel puppy?

Because the Clumber Spaniel is a highly intelligent dog that will bring joy into your life, make you smile and have you laughing every day! The best way to find your Clumber puppy is through a breeder, but not just any breeder. Take the time to choose a breeder who is reputable, helpful and knowledgeable about the breed. As you contact breeders, ask lots of questions based on your research about the breed. Include questions about why they raise this breed; the reason for this particular litter; health screenings of the puppies, both parents and all four grandparents; how their puppies are socialized; and activities they engage in with their own dogs. Beware of breeders who provide you with shallow or evasive answers. Avoid breeders whose main claim is that they can have the puppy to you by the weekend (Just fill out the Credit Card form or give your Paypal information). Look for breeders who are passionate about the breed and are truly interested in finding good homes for their puppies and shy from those whose main interest is "when will the check clear".

Choose your breeder wisely

The breeder of your puppy should be there, for the life of your dog, to answer questions, and if need be, to take the dog back if for some reason the dog cannot stay with you. A good place to start is by obtaining the breeder referral list from the national parent breed club, the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Inc. (www.clumbers.org). You might also check out Rescue & Placement to see if adopting an adolescent, adult or senior Clumber is an option for you.

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Photos courtesy of Dr. Susan Sarna