history

of the working clumber

Clumbers by Thomas Earl

Clumbers have been part of the British Sporting Scene, as a pure breed for more than 200 years. By repute, a kennel of them was sent to the Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire by a french duke facing guillotine. In time they spread to other estates and later became favourites of kings Edward VII and George V. They were worked as blanking-in-dogs, in teams and as all-round rough shooting companions in the Field.

The Clumbers job description is the same as any spaniel's; to find and flush game for the gun; to be steady; and to retrieve it tenderly, from land or water.
How it does this is slower and more deliberate than a Springer or Cocker, but if has its own pleasing busy style and tail action. The really distinctive feature of the Clumber is its nose - always large and Pink. And you soon learn to trust this nose, as it finds game missed by other dogs!

Painting by Elizabeth Halstead - Crows Nest Retreat (Bertie)

For further information please go to: www.workingclumber.co.uk