The Symetry And Characteristics Of The Clumber Spaniel
| by John Holmes | June 07, 2007
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THE CLUMBER SPANIEL is in high favour in the Spaniel world, both with shooting men and exhibitors, and the breed well deserves from both points of view the position which it occupies in the public esteem. No other variety is better equipped mentally and physically for the work it is called upon to do in aid of the gun; and few, certainly none of the Spaniels, surpass or even equal it in appearance.
As a sporting dog, the Clumber is possessed of the very best of noses, a natural activity considering his massive build, and as a rule is very easy to train, being highly intelligent and more docile and "biddable." The man who owns a good dog of this breed, whether he uses it as a retriever for driven birds, works it in a team, or uses it as his sole companion when he goes gunning, possesses a treasure.
The great success of these Spaniels in the Field Trials promoted by both the societies which foster those most useful institutions is enough to prove this, and more convincing still is the tenacity with which the fortunate possessors of old strains, mostly residents in the immediate neighbourhood of the original home of the breed, have held on to themand continued to breed and use them year after year for many generations.
As a show dog, his massive frame, powerful limbs, pure white coat, with its pale lemon markings and freckle, and, above all, his solemn and majestic aspect, mark him out as a true aristocrat, with all the beauty of refinement which comes from a long line of cultured ancestors.
The points and general description of the breed as published by both the Spaniel Club and the Clumber Spaniel Club are identical. They are as follows:-
HEAD Large, square and massive, of medium length, broad on top, with a decided back of neck; heavy brows with a deep stop; heavy freckled muzzle, with well developed flew.
EYES Dark amber; slightly sunk. A light or prominent eye objectionable.
EARS Large, vine leaf shaped, and well covered with straight hair and hanging slightly forward, the feather not to extend below the leather.
NECK Very thick and powerful, and well feathered underneath.
BODY (INCLUDING SIZE AND SYMMETRY) Long and heavy, and near the ground. Weight of dogs about 55 lb. to 65 lb, bitches about 45 lb. to 55 lb.
NOSE Square and flesh coloured.
SHOULDERS AND CHEST Wide and deep; shoulders strong and muscular.
BACK AND LOIN Back straight, broad and long; loin powerful, well let down in flank.
HIND-QUARTERS Very powerful and well developed.
STERN Set low, well feathered, and carried about level with the back.
FEET AND LEGS Feet large and round, well covered with hair; legs short, thick and strong; hocks low.
COAT Long, abundant, soft and straight.
COLOUR Plain white with lemon markings, orange permissible but not desirable; slight head markings with white body preferred.
GENERAL APPEARANCE Should be that of a long, low, heavy, very massive dog, with a thoughtful expression.
Sponsored by:-
www.healthier-dogs.com
www.healthier-dogs.com
THE CLUMBER SPANIEL is in high favour in the Spaniel world, both with shooting men and exhibitors, and the breed well deserves from both points of view the position which it occupies in the public esteem. No other variety is better equipped mentally and physically for the work it is called upon to do in aid of the gun; and few, certainly none of the Spaniels, surpass or even equal it in appearance.
As a sporting dog, the Clumber is possessed of the very best of noses, a natural activity considering his massive build, and as a rule is very easy to train, being highly intelligent and more docile and "biddable." The man who owns a good dog of this breed, whether he uses it as a retriever for driven birds, works it in a team, or uses it as his sole companion when he goes gunning, possesses a treasure.
The great success of these Spaniels in the Field Trials promoted by both the societies which foster those most useful institutions is enough to prove this, and more convincing still is the tenacity with which the fortunate possessors of old strains, mostly residents in the immediate neighbourhood of the original home of the breed, have held on to themand continued to breed and use them year after year for many generations.
As a show dog, his massive frame, powerful limbs, pure white coat, with its pale lemon markings and freckle, and, above all, his solemn and majestic aspect, mark him out as a true aristocrat, with all the beauty of refinement which comes from a long line of cultured ancestors.
The points and general description of the breed as published by both the Spaniel Club and the Clumber Spaniel Club are identical. They are as follows:-
HEAD Large, square and massive, of medium length, broad on top, with a decided back of neck; heavy brows with a deep stop; heavy freckled muzzle, with well developed flew.
EYES Dark amber; slightly sunk. A light or prominent eye objectionable.
EARS Large, vine leaf shaped, and well covered with straight hair and hanging slightly forward, the feather not to extend below the leather.
NECK Very thick and powerful, and well feathered underneath.
BODY (INCLUDING SIZE AND SYMMETRY) Long and heavy, and near the ground. Weight of dogs about 55 lb. to 65 lb, bitches about 45 lb. to 55 lb.
NOSE Square and flesh coloured.
SHOULDERS AND CHEST Wide and deep; shoulders strong and muscular.
BACK AND LOIN Back straight, broad and long; loin powerful, well let down in flank.
HIND-QUARTERS Very powerful and well developed.
STERN Set low, well feathered, and carried about level with the back.
FEET AND LEGS Feet large and round, well covered with hair; legs short, thick and strong; hocks low.
COAT Long, abundant, soft and straight.
COLOUR Plain white with lemon markings, orange permissible but not desirable; slight head markings with white body preferred.
GENERAL APPEARANCE Should be that of a long, low, heavy, very massive dog, with a thoughtful expression.
Sponsored by:-
www.healthier-dogs.com
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