Clumber Park, near Worksop, Nottinghamshire, recently hosted a unique gathering as around 60 Clumber Spaniels returned to their ancestral home. Owners from across the country brought their distinctive dogs for a day of celebration, which included a tree-planting ceremony and the unveiling of new information boards detailing the breed's rich history and characteristics. The event was a highlight for the 'Walking With Clumbers' club, which has been organising such meet-ups for 11 years.
The Clumber Spaniel, easily identifiable by its white coat with lemon or orange markings, large square head, deep muzzle, and heavy-set body, has a lineage stretching back centuries. Its robust build and large paws were specifically bred to navigate dense undergrowth during hunts. The earliest known depiction of the gundog dates to 1788 in Francis Wheatley's painting, 'Return from the Shoot'. While the exact origins remain somewhat shrouded in history, it is believed the breed may have descended from a prized kennel of spaniels gifted to Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton, the 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme, who was responsible for building the now-demolished Clumber Hall.
Despite their recent moment in the spotlight, particularly after a Clumber Spaniel won 'Best in Show' at Crufts, the breed is categorised as vulnerable. Barbara Weston of the 'Walking With Clumbers' club highlighted the breed's rarity, stating that only approximately 200 Clumber Spaniels are born each year across the UK. This low birth rate means that individual owners often have limited opportunities to meet others who share their passion for the breed, making events like the Clumber Park gathering particularly significant.
Ms Weston, who attended the event with her own Clumber Spaniel, Chloe, emphasised the breed's endearing qualities. She described them as exceptionally loyal, adaptable, and relatively easy to train, qualities that resonate deeply with their owners. The gathering not only provided a chance for these distinctive dogs to explore their historical grounds but also fostered a sense of community among their dedicated owners, allowing them to share experiences and celebrate their beloved companions.
The continued efforts of clubs like 'Walking With Clumbers' are crucial in raising awareness for vulnerable breeds and ensuring their preservation for future generations. By bringing these dogs and their stories back to their place of origin, such events underscore the importance of understanding and protecting the UK's unique canine heritage.