Find a Breeder
"How much is that doggie in the window?”
This popular children’s song makes choosing a pup sound simple but finding just the right dog requires effort. You can rescue, adopt, or purchase a pup. After considering these options, if you decide to purchase a purebred dog, it is best to find a breeder who has the best interests of the dog AND you at heart.
the first step is to find a breeder who knows what they are doing. Unlike pet stores and unscrupulous breeders, good breeders are careful to breed only healthy dogs with good temperaments. This means that any puppy you get from them has a better chance of turning out to be a good family pet. They also know how to raise their puppies in a way that prepares them for life as a family dog.
There are plenty of breeders out there who are uninformed, unscrupulous or both. Take your time and be picky about finding the right one.
Questions To Ask a Breeder
Where do the puppies live?
The answer should be “in the house with the family.” A puppy who’s born into family life has a better shot at growing up relaxed and friendly. A pup isolated from humans in a backyard, garage, or basement is more likely to wind up shy or aggressive.
How often are the puppies handled?
Puppies should be handled by lots of different people beginning very early in life so they’ll grow up to be comfortable and safe around humans. Ideally, the breeder throws regular puppy parties, inviting lots of guests over to play with and handle the pup. Five minutes of daily pats on the head by the breeder won’t cut it.
Can I meet the parents?
Meeting the father may not be possible, but you should certainly meet the mother. A puppy’s parents give you better insight into her future personality than does her breed. A friendly, well-behaved Mamma or Papa dog is a good sign, both that you’ve found a good litter and a good breeder.
How many litters do you raise a year?
A breeder with just one or two litters a year will have the time to give them the care and handling they need, and to find them good homes. Each female dog should be bred no more than once a year.
Can I have copies of the health clearances?
Many breeds are prone to certain genetic conditions. The breeder should offer health clearances–documentation from an independent agency, such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the Canine Eye Registration Foundation–that the parent and grandparent dogs were tested for hereditary problems. (You’ll need to do some research on your breed to find out what the parent dogs should be tested for–our breed profiles are a great place to start.)
Because some genetic conditions don’t show up until adulthood, health clearances aren’t available for dogs younger than two years old. For that reason, a responsible breeder won’t breed dogs until they’re two or three years old.
Can I talk to someone who’s bought a puppy from you?
Good breeders should be happy to give you references; even better, they’ll refer you to other breeders as well as customers.
Signs of a Reputable Breeder
Keep your eyes open when you’re visiting breeders. Here’s a check list of what to look for in a good breeder.
The dogs live inside.
Puppies who are going to be family dogs should be raised inside with the family, not in a backyard, basement, or garage.
The dogs and puppies are relaxed around people.
If the parent dogs and puppies seem comfortable with humans, that’s a good sign that they’ve been properly cared for and socialized.
The place is clean.
Don’t worry about the dirty dishes in the sink–just make sure the dogs’ living area is safe, sanitary, and that they’re supplied with fresh water, beds, and toys. Is there a toilet area in the puppy’s living quarters, or is it all one big toilet? If it’s the former, the puppies have a head start on housetraining.
The breeder participates in dog shows or competitions.
A good breeder is motivated by enthusiasm for the breed, not by making a little extra cash.
The breeder asks you to sign a spay/neuter contract.
If you’re buying a dog who’s not going to be bred, the breeder should ask you to sign a contract promising to spay or neuter your pup, to avoid contributing to pet overpopulation.
The breeder doesn’t specialize in sizes or colors that are unusual for the breed.
For one thing, extremely small or extremely large dogs are more likely to have health problems. For another, trying to breed for rare colors or extreme sizes is a sign that the breeder is more interested in making money out of a sales gimmick than in producing great puppies.
The breeder is up-front about the breed’s drawbacks.
Whether that means a tendency to develop certain health problems or a temperament that’s not for every owner. A good breeder wants you to love and care for your new dog for his entire lifetime, and she knows that’s more likely if you’re well prepared.
The breeder wants to meet the whole family and welcomes you to make several visits.
To make the best match, the breeder will want to meet everyone who’ll be living with the puppy. And she’ll want you to take the time to make the right decision; high-pressure salesmanship is a red flag.
The breeder asks you lots of questions.
This shows she wants to know exactly what kind of home her puppies are going to. She may ask who’s going to be home during the day, what your dog-owning history is, and why you’re interested in the breed. Don’t be defensive; she’s just doing her job, which is taking care of the pups she brings into the world.
The breeder will take the dog back, at any stage of the dog’s life.
If you’re unable to care for her. A good breeder will insist on this. Again, she wants to make sure the puppies she brought into the world will always be taken care of.
The breeder won’t let you take the puppy home before she’s eight weeks old.
Playing with her littermates teaches your puppy a lot about getting along with other dogs. A puppy who’s taken away from her littermates too early is at a major disadvantage in her canine social skills.
Bottom Line
Before buying a puppy, take the time to research and find a responsible breeder. Puppies from good breeders are more likely to grow up to be healthy, temperamentally sound dogs.
The following list of breeders are all members of the CSCA in good standing this is not an endorsement of any particular breeder
Prospective buyers are encouraged to educate themselves about Clumber Spaniels by reading the Clumber Puppy Buyers Guide, the CSCA Information Booklet, and additional information found under Find a Clumber at the top of the home page on the www.Clumbers.org web site. By doing this you will be more confident that you will be purchasing a Clumber Spaniel from a reputable breeder.
All Breeders listed are members in good standing of the CSCA, Inc. and have agreed to follow the CSCA Code of Ethics and have satisfied other criteria set forth in Policies for Membership on the CSCA Breeder Referral List. However, the CSCA, Inc. has not and cannot inspect and/or monitor the breeding or business practices of the breeders included on this list.
The CSCA, Inc. does not endorse, recommend or guarantee any individual breeder whose name appears on this list and disclaims any liability or obligation for the health, temperament or any other aspects of Clumber Spaniels purchased through breeders identified by use of this list. It is the responsibility of each prospective Buyer when contacting Breeders to verify pertinent information as well as to assess the advisability of entering into a contract with a particular Breeder.
The CSCA Breeder Referral List cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the CSCA, Inc.
CSCA Breeder Referral chairman:
Kelly Lease
E-mail: findabreeder@clumbers.org
Web Site: www.clumbers.org Updated: 04/09/2025
Clumber Puppy Buyers Guide
The Clumber Spaniel is a breed of dog of the spaniel type, developed in the United Kingdom. It is the largest of the spaniels and comes in predominantly white with either lemon or orange markings. The name of the breed is taken from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire where the breed was first developed. It is a gundog that specializes in hunting in heavy cover. They are gentle and loyal and can act aloof with strangers. They have several habits which could be considered disadvantages, including a constant shedding of its coat and snoring.
This guide will help you learn about the characteristics of the Clumber Spaniel (Clumber), find the right breeder, and connect with fellow Clumber lovers.
Anyone who owns a Clumber Spaniel will tell you that loving, caring and sharing your life with a Clumber is a joy. However, you need to know the whole picture so you can decide whether the Clumber Spaniel is the right dog for you and your family.
Most people do research on big purchases in their lives: cars, homes, even washing machines. A Clumber Spaniel has an average lifespan of 10-12 years and will cost a fair amount of money to feed, vaccinate and maintain throughout its life. Unlike a car, though, a Clumber will give you love and laughs for the investment, so be an educated buyer with a dog, too!
You are off to the right start, by coming to this website and reading our Puppy Buyer’s Guide. There is more information on contacting reputable Clumber breeders elsewhere in the Breeder Referral section, but here are a few more suggestions and facts to help you:
- Clumbers are the largest of the spaniel breeds: males range in height from 18-20 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 70-85 pounds. Females range from 17-19 inches tall and weigh between 55-70 pounds.
- They were first shown in England in 1859.
- The Clumber Spaniel was one of the first nine original AKC breeds, first recorded in 1878.
- The Clumber is believed to be one of the earliest spaniels developed for special uses and is especially useful for his adaptability for hunting in heavy cover. He is primarily an upland bird hunter, rather slow (in comparison to say, a Springer), but thorough, with a distinctive “rolling gait”.
- Some Clumbers rush to meet everyone who comes into the house, but many are aloof with strangers; not shy, but reserved and dignified. They are good watchdogs when true danger is present, but generally do not bark at everything.
- Once you are a Clumber owner, you will likely stay a Clumber owner. Few breeds return the same amount of loyalty a Clumber gives his people. His “jingle bell” personality and perceptive intelligence make him a much-loved member of the family
- The Clumber is usually excellent with children. They love their families and are always ready for some fun and games.
- Clumbers thrive on attention. This is not a dog to be kept outside, away from people. Most Clumbers love to fetch, so they are not difficult to exercise or keep amused. They also like to carry things in their mouths and will pick up something off the floor to greet you with. They will often form a U with their body, wagging their entire back end in a sort of Clumber happy dance.
- Although regular walks and exercise are good for your Clumber Spaniels, this is not a breed that needs large amounts of exercise. Clumbers are happy to sit on the couch or go for a walk- they are ready to do what you want to do! Of course, obedience training makes any dog a better, well-mannered companion. No breed is automatically a “good” dog, especially as a puppy.
- There is not an overwhelming amount of grooming to do on a Clumber. Daily eye cleaning keeps the eyes cleaned and free from staining. Weekly- a thorough brushing and ear cleaning should be done to keep your Clumber free from mats and ear infections. Nails should be trimmed at least every two weeks (more often if you want), and monthly trimming of the bottom of the feet should be done. Trimming of the top of the feet, the back of the hocks and tail feathering adds to your Clumber’s neat appearance. Trimming under the ears also helps with ear infections. These things are not hard to do for even first-time dog owners.
- Clumbers can be stubborn. They are intelligent and can have their own agenda. Some basic obedience training makes a happy dog and happy family. Positive reinforcement and repetition are how a Clumber learns, not by brute force. Keep this in mind when choosing an obedience class.
- They can have a lot more energy than is depicted in some books and programs. This is sporting breed, so they can be busy, especially as puppies and young dogs.
- As mentioned before, Clumbers are generally good with children. However, they are a large breed, and can knock over a small child without meaning to. They can also be possessive about their toys-something a small child does not always understand. Adult supervision is a must with any dog and small children.
- Clumbers can have health problems, such as hip dysplasia, disc/back issues, allergies, and eye and ear problems. Girls can be prone to urinary tract infections. See our health section for more information.
- Clumbers love long walks, or a day in the field, but if you are looking for a serious running partner, this is not the breed for you. They are built to move at a trot, not a run.
- Clumbers are a rare breed. You may have to wait a bit for the right dog to come into your life, and they are not inexpensive. Reputable breeders want you to have a happy, healthy Clumber that is a part of your family for a long time. There is more information on choosing a good breeder on our site.
- Clumbers shed a lot! If you are a neat freak, this is not the breed for you. They shed year-round, and to watch them shake is to see a white cloud of hair fall off the dog and onto your floor, furniture, clothes, etc. Frequent brushing helps, but there is still a lot of hair that will end up everywhere.
- Those big, heavy lips and cute face enable a Clumber to drool. Some dogs drool a lot, and some hardly at all. This drool can end up on the walls, floor, television, and computer screens, as well as on you.
- Clumbers generally love food, as a result, one of their hobbies is trying to obtain more of it! Without training, food on your tables, counters, and even held in your hand is fair game to them.
- Clumbers love to chew. Without training, this can mean some serious damage to your home and possessions. Even toys that other dogs can chew, like rawhides and rubber toys, are off limits for Clumbers. They can ingest a large piece of these items and must have surgery for an intestinal blockage. Providing supervision and training is a must for the safety of your Clumber and home.
- Housebreaking and submissive urination- some Clumbers are easy to housebreak, and some are not. Females especially will frequently urinate when greeted by someone or unsure about a situation until they are more mature (usually about a year old).