Clumberton
Hybrid Breed Description
The Clumberton is a cross between the Clumber Spaniel and the Bedlington Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Clumberton. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel stands as the heaviest member of the spaniel family, presenting a distinctive appearance with substantial bone structure and powerful build. Males typically reach heights between 18 and 20 inches at the withers, while females measure slightly smaller at 17 to 19 inches. Despite their moderate height, these dogs possess considerable mass, with males weighing 70 to 85 pounds and females ranging from 55 to 70 pounds. The breed displays a long, rectangular body profile with a level back and deep chest that extends well down between the forelegs. Their broad, heavily boned frame provides the strength necessary for working through dense cover, while their substantial build creates their characteristic slow but steady gait with a slight rolling motion. The Clumber's head is notably massive in proportion to its body, featuring a broad, deep skull with a distinctive square appearance. Dark amber eyes are deep-set beneath a heavy brow, creating an alert yet gentle expression. The ears are triangular, moderately sized, and hang flat against the cheeks with fine, velvety texture adorned with silky fringing at the tips. The breed's coat is predominantly white with lemon or orange markings, most commonly appearing on the ears and face. Facial markings may include color around one or both eyes, freckling on the muzzle, and a spot on top of the head. The coat itself is dense with a soft undercoat and weather-resistant outer layer that lies straight and flat. Moderate feathering appears on the legs, chest, belly, and tail, with a pronounced neck frill that should never be shaved. The Clumber's physical structure reflects its heritage as a working gundog designed for stamina rather than speed. The long, slightly arched neck supports the large head with grace and connects to well-laid-back shoulders. Powerful, straight forelegs are set wide apart with long, slightly sloping pasterns. The hindquarters are broad and muscular, providing steady driving power. The tail, whether docked or natural, is well-feathered and carried level with the topline or slightly elevated. The breed's large, round feet with thick pads and tight toes provide excellent traction on various terrain. Overall, the Clumber Spaniel presents a balanced, dignified appearance that combines strength with an almost aristocratic bearing, perfectly suited for methodical work in challenging hunting conditions.
Key Characteristics
The Clumber Spaniel embodies a gentle, loyal, and affectionate temperament that makes them excellent family companions. These dogs form strong bonds with their entire family while sometimes selecting one person as their particular favorite. Known for their calm and sedate demeanor, they exhibit remarkable patience and are particularly good with children when properly socialized. Unlike many other spaniel breeds, Clumbers tend to be quieter and more reserved, rarely barking without good reason. Their dignified manner has earned them the nickname "retired gentleman's spaniel," reflecting their laid-back approach to life. Despite their mellow nature at home, they possess an intrinsic desire to please their owners and display intelligence combined with an independent thinking streak that adds character to their personality. As working gundogs, Clumber Spaniels demonstrate determination and a strong sense of purpose when given tasks to perform. They are silent workers with exceptional noses and natural retrieving instincts, capable of steady, methodical hunting in dense cover. Their sporting heritage means they genuinely enjoy activities like walks, swimming, and various dog sports, though they are equally content to relax indoors with their family. Clumbers may appear aloof or reserved with strangers initially, displaying a thoughtful, watchful attitude rather than immediate friendliness. However, once they determine someone is welcome, they become accepting and may even display their playful, loving side. Their great heart and stoical nature combine with high intelligence to create a steadfast companion. Training a Clumber Spaniel requires patience and consistency, as their independent nature can sometimes manifest as stubbornness. However, their eagerness to please and food motivation generally make them responsive to positive reinforcement methods. They thrive on companionship and do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods, often following their favorite people from room to room. While their energy level is moderate, they need regular exercise to prevent boredom and maintain healthy weight, as the breed can be prone to obesity. Their activity requirements are flexible, adapting to match their owner's lifestyle whether that means vigorous field work or leisurely walks followed by cozy napping sessions. The Clumber's combination of gentle affection, dignified demeanor, and reliable companionship makes them particularly well-suited for first-time dog owners who can accommodate their exercise needs and grooming requirements.
Clumber Spaniels are generally robust dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, though recent studies suggest some individuals may reach 12 to 13 years with proper care. However, like many purebred dogs, they are predisposed to several hereditary health conditions that potential owners should understand. Hip dysplasia represents one of the breed's most significant concerns, with the Clumber Spaniel having the second worst breed mean scores according to UK Kennel Club data. Studies indicate that approximately 45 percent of tested Clumbers are affected by this hereditary condition where the hip joints develop abnormally, potentially causing pain, lameness, and arthritis. Initial signs typically appear between five and twelve months of age and may include a swaying gait, hindleg lameness, muscle wastage around the hindquarters, reluctance to exercise, and difficulty with stairs or jumping. Management ranges from pain medication and weight control to surgical correction in severe cases. Intervertebral disc disease poses another serious concern for the breed, with their long backs making them particularly susceptible to spinal disc degeneration. This condition can lead to pain, mobility issues, and in severe cases, paralysis. Owners should avoid activities that strain the spine and monitor for signs of discomfort or weakness. Eye conditions including entropion and ectropion affect many Clumbers, where the eyelids roll inward or outward respectively, causing corneal irritation and potential vision impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited condition leading to gradual vision loss, also occurs in the breed. Regular veterinary eye examinations can help identify these issues early. Other common health concerns include ear infections due to their long, pendulous ears that restrict air circulation, impacted anal glands requiring veterinary attention, and heat sensitivity that necessitates shade access during warm weather. Bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus represents a life-threatening emergency that affects deep-chested breeds like the Clumber Spaniel. The stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off blood circulation. Immediate veterinary care is essential if symptoms appear. Between six and twelve months of age, puppies may experience temporary lameness related to their rapid growth and heavy bone structure, which typically resolves once skeletal maturity is reached. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial throughout the Clumber's life, as obesity exacerbates joint problems and overall health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, quality nutrition, and attention to preventive care help ensure these devoted spaniels enjoy the longest, healthiest lives possible. Prospective owners should work with reputable breeders who conduct health screenings on breeding stock.
Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is immediately recognizable for its distinctive lamb-like appearance, with an elegant build and unique silhouette. These small to medium-sized dogs stand approximately 15 to 17 inches tall at the withers, with males averaging 16.5 inches and females slightly smaller at 15.5 inches. Despite their delicate appearance, they possess surprising substance, weighing between 17 and 23 pounds with well-developed muscle beneath their soft exterior. The breed presents a graceful, lithe body that is slightly longer than tall, creating balanced proportions. Their distinctive arched back rises over the loin, creating a pronounced tuck-up of the underline that contributes to their coursing hound appearance. The chest is deep and fairly broad with flat ribs, while the body displays marked flexibility combined with muscular development. The Bedlington's head is one of its most distinctive features, being narrow yet deep and rounded with a characteristic pear shape. The skull is topped with a prominent topknot of lighter-colored hair that is considered a hallmark of the breed. The muzzle is long with a distinctive Roman arch or slight convex curve, and the jaw extends longer than the skull. Small, bright, almond-shaped eyes appear almost triangular and vary in color depending on coat color—dark in blues, lighter with amber lights in blue and tans, and light hazel in sandies and livers. The moderately sized, filbert-shaped ears are set low and hang flat against the cheeks with thin, velvety texture. Each ear is covered with short, fine hair and adorned with a fringe of whitish silky hair at the tip, creating charming tassels. The long, tapering neck rises elegantly from flat, sloping shoulders and is carried rather high, adding to the breed's proud carriage. The Bedlington's coat is truly unique, consisting of a mixture of hard and soft hairs that create a thick, linty texture standing well out from the skin with a distinct tendency to twist and curl, particularly on the head and face. The coat comes in blue, liver, or sandy, with or without tan points, and darker pigmentation is encouraged. Puppies are born with dark, fluffy fur that gradually lightens as they mature due to the breed's greying gene. The legs are straight and slightly wider apart at the chest than at the feet, with long, slightly sloping pasterns. The hare-like feet are long with thick, smooth pads. The tail is set low, tapering to a fine point, and may be slightly curved. The overall appearance suggests a dog capable of remarkable speed and endurance, with movement that is distinctive, rather mincing and light at slower paces, with a slight roll when moving at full stride. The Bedlington Terrier's unique appearance perfectly reflects its heritage as a versatile working terrier combined with sighthound influences.
Key Characteristics
The Bedlington Terrier possesses a charming, lively personality that combines terrier pluck with surprising gentleness. These dogs are known for their affectionate, loyal, and loving nature toward their families, forming exceptionally strong bonds with their owners. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them generally responsive to training, though they can display an independent streak typical of terriers that requires patient, consistent handling. Bedlingtons are companionable and demonstrative, enjoying being involved in family activities and seeking attention from their people. They thrive on human companionship and should not be left alone for extended periods, as they genuinely want to be wherever their family is. Their playful and cheerful disposition makes them entertaining companions, though they can be high-strung and excitable, particularly when stimulated. As hunting terriers originally bred to pursue vermin, foxes, and even badgers, Bedlingtons possess considerable courage and determination that belies their gentle appearance. They maintain a strong prey drive and may chase small animals when outdoors, though when properly socialized from puppyhood, they typically accept household pets peacefully. Their versatile nature allowed them to excel at various tasks including hunting, retrieving, and even working in water, where their swimming abilities rival those of water dogs. Bedlingtons are known for their sharp, plucky demeanor and can be prone to jealousy around other dogs. While they generally get along well with other dogs when properly socialized, they should not be kept with dogs that have dominant personalities, as they are terrifying fighters when challenged despite their lamb-like appearance. Their bark has been described as hound-like and compared to rapid-fire sounds, which they readily employ. Bedlington Terriers are relatively quiet house dogs when their exercise needs are met, displaying a calm temperament indoors. They are good with children, particularly when raised together, showing patience and tolerance unusual for terriers. However, they require adequate mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom-related behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or destructive tendencies. These athletic dogs need regular daily exercise including walks and opportunities for off-leash running in safely enclosed areas. They possess remarkable speed and endurance, capable of galloping at high speeds with their distinctive light, springy gait. Training should begin early and utilize positive reinforcement techniques, as these intelligent dogs can be headstrong. The Bedlington Terrier's combination of gentleness, loyalty, playfulness, and courage creates a unique companion suited for active families who appreciate their spirited terrier nature wrapped in an elegant, distinctive package.
Bedlington Terriers typically enjoy a lifespan of 11 to 16 years, which is above average for dogs of similar size. However, the breed is predisposed to several specific health conditions that potential owners should understand thoroughly. Copper toxicosis is the most serious and unique health concern for Bedlington Terriers, representing a genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate abnormally in the liver and bloodstream. This potentially fatal condition usually manifests between two and four years of age and can lead to chronic hepatitis and liver failure. Many responsible breeders test their breeding stock for this condition, and genetic testing is available to identify carriers. Management typically involves specialized low-copper diets and medications that help bind and eliminate excess copper. Early detection through regular veterinary monitoring and blood work is crucial for managing this condition. Eye conditions represent another significant health concern for the breed. Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited condition that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to night blindness progressing to complete vision loss, typically appearing between three and five years of age. While painless and incurable, affected dogs can adapt well to blindness with proper support. Retinal dysplasia, involving malformation or detachment of the retina, can cause visual impairment and may be present from birth. Distichiasis, where abnormal eyelashes grow from unusual locations and grow toward the eye surface, can cause irritation, pain, and corneal damage requiring veterinary intervention. Regular ophthalmologic examinations help identify these conditions early. Reputable breeders conduct eye testing on breeding stock to reduce the incidence of hereditary eye diseases. Like many small breeds, Bedlington Terriers can be prone to patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness and potential arthritis. Kidney disease has been observed in the breed, necessitating regular monitoring of kidney function through blood work. Thyroid issues may occur and require hormone supplementation. Dental disease is common in small breeds, making regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings essential. The Bedlington's unique coat requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain proper texture and prevent matting, which can lead to skin problems if neglected. Regular brushing at home several times weekly helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat healthy. Maintaining appropriate body weight is important, as obesity can exacerbate joint problems and other health issues. Working with reputable breeders who conduct comprehensive health testing, including genetic screening for copper toxicosis, provides the best foundation for a healthy Bedlington Terrier. Regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, and attention to breed-specific concerns help these charming terriers enjoy long, healthy lives.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Clumberton may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Clumber Spaniel and Bedlington Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.