Clumber Spaniel

Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Clumber Spaniel. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | high | Heavy bone and low build predispose strongly; OFA clearances essential. |
| Obesity | high | Low exercise drive plus a love of food makes weight gain a serious joint risk. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Heavy, low-set ears trap moisture; weekly cleaning needed. |
| Pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase 1 deficiency (PDP1) | moderate | Breed-specific metabolic disorder causing exercise intolerance; DNA test available. |
| Eyelid disorders (entropion, ectropion) | moderate | Loose facial skin leads to lid problems that may need surgery. |
Pet insurance for a Clumber Spaniel
Insurers price a Clumber Spaniel from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Hip dysplasia and Obesity. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Clumber Spaniel is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 55–85 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Clumber Spaniel sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is the largest and mellowest of the flushing spaniels, developed for leisurely shooting parties at England's Clumber Park. It is a gentle, dignified, clownish companion — excellent with children, low-energy indoors, and content with a daily walk, though it still enjoys a good ramble and a swim. Expect drool, year-round shedding, and a dog that gains weight if you let it. Hip health is the breed's weak point, so buy from screened stock and keep it lean. Suits relaxed families wanting a calm, substantial companion.
Origin: England (Clumber Park)
Temperament
Related reading for Clumber Spaniel owners
Clumber Spaniel FAQ
How long do Clumber Spaniels live?
The typical Clumber Spaniel lifespan is 10–12 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Clumber Spaniel?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Clumber Spaniel carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Clumber Spaniel policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Clumber Spaniel a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 2/5 and a large build, the Clumber Spaniel adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Clumber Spaniels prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Ear infections, Obesity. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.