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Painting above by E Halstead
"Crows Nest retreat"
"The most hansomest animal this kingdom ever produced" The Modern Clumber 1865.
During 2003 there were 134 Clumber Spaniels registered in Britain. Compare this with 12,000 Springer Spaniels and 13,000 Cocker Spaniels registered annually and you will realise that this is not a common breed. The Clumber Spaniel has however, been part of the British sporting scene for over 200 years. Once the favourite of dukes and kings they take their name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. Although not the speediest of spaniels they were highly prized as game finders. In the early 20th century they were pre-eminent in field trials. They are a strong, muscular, powerful yet active dog. From working lines the dogs weigh 55-70lbs and bitches 45-60lbs. The coat is white with lemon or orange head markings, abundant and straight, with feathering around the legs. They have a steady reliable character, are stoical, great-hearted and highly intelligent and are known for being silent workers with excellent noses.
The breed was kept going during WWII and the post-war years by show breeders (who continue to dominate) while the breed did not enjoy sufficient support from working Owners. This is now changing and The Working Clumber Spaniel Society formed in 1984 is the force behind the breed's revival as a genuine gundog bred for the field. It exists to represent those whose first interest in Clumber spaniels is that of working them.
The Society's aims are:
To promote and encourage training and use of the breed
To restore the breed's physical soundness and functional qualities
To encourage owners to breed selectively from sound, work-proven specimens
To hold educational and competitive working events
To resist moves to alter the breed's type which may damage its utility
Today enthusiasts are not content with a plodder and look to create an active dog, lean of body and sharp of wits, with its own pleasing busy style and tail action. Every owner of a working Clumber soon discovers that the chuckles of his shooting friends turn to admiration when "that funny white dog" finds game missed by other dogs.
The WCSS endeavours to maintain close contact with all its members worldwide. We welcome new members who share our enthusiasm, hard work, enjoyment and worthy ambitions.
Subscriptions for annual membership:
Individual members £6
Full time gamekeepers £3
Family membership £10
There is a joining fee of £5
Click here for application form to be emailed or faxed to the
Hon Secretary Debbie Zurick Telephone 44
(0)1643 831427
zurick@foxtwitchen.fsnet.co.uk
Newsletter Editor - Jackie Crawford,