Clumber Spaniel Cross Bullmastiff (Clumberstiff): Big, Calm, And Deeply Loyal
Looking for a large, steady dog that feels like a big living pillow on the sofa but can still make strangers pause at the gate? A Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff, often called a Clumberstiff, might be exactly what you are searching for in November 2025.
Mixed breeds are more popular than ever, and families now look beyond trendy doodles to unique crosses that offer health, personality, and size in one package. The Clumberstiff fits into that trend as a rare, solid companion dog with a calm mind and a powerful body.
This mix can be gentle, loyal, and family friendly, but also strong willed and quite stubborn at times. You will meet a dog that loves people, naps, food, and quiet walks, yet still carries some guardian instinct.
Below you will find what most people want to know before bringing one home: size, look, temperament, daily care, training needs, health, and whether this mix fits your home and lifestyle.
Clumber Spaniel Cross Bullmastiff Basics: Origins, Size, And Look
A Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff is a hybrid between the Clumber Spaniel, a heavy-boned hunting spaniel, and the Bullmastiff, a classic guard dog. Many people call this mix a Clumberstiff.
The Clumber Spaniel started as a slow, powerful bird dog that worked in thick cover. Hunters used them to push game out of bushes and retrieve it. This job rewarded a strong nose, a steady pace, and a calm, thoughtful nature. You can read more about original Clumber traits in this overview of the Clumber Spaniel dog breed and characteristics.
The Bullmastiff began as a night guard for estates, created by crossing Mastiffs and Bulldogs. Their job was to stand quietly, watch for intruders, and use body power more than teeth. That background built a dog that is large, muscular, brave, and deeply bonded to its people.
Put those two together and you often get a big family companion that is:
- Large, steady, and not overly active
- Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers
- Watchful without being a constant barker
Size and build
Most Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiffs are:
- Height: around 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: roughly 70 to 120 pounds, sometimes more for big males
They tend to be:
- Stocky and large-boned
- Broad chested, with a strong neck
- Solid head with loose skin and a square muzzle
Because this is a mixed breed, there is no fixed standard. Even puppies from the same litter can grow into very different adult shapes.
Coat, color, shedding, and drool
Coat type often lands somewhere between the two parent breeds:
- Length: short to medium
- Texture: dense and straight, sometimes with slight feathering on legs and tail
- Colors:
- White with lemon or orange patches (more Clumber style)
- Fawn, red, or brindle with white markings (more Bullmastiff style)
Expect moderate shedding, and possibly heavier shedding in spring and fall if the coat is more spaniel-like.
Drooling can appear, especially in dogs with loose lips like a Bullmastiff. Some barely drool at all. Others may leave wet spots after drinking or when food is around.
For more photos and size notes, check the general Clumberstiff hybrid description to compare different looks.
Parent breed snapshot: Clumber Spaniel traits that show up in the mix
The Clumber Spaniel is a medium to large dog with:
- A long, low, heavy body
- Strong bones and big paws
- A powerful nose and love of scent work
- A gentle, steady personality
In a Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff, common Clumber traits include:
- Strong scent drive: They often spend walks with their nose glued to the ground.
- Love of sniffing and searching: Nose games, scent trails, and slow “sniff walks” work very well.
- Gentle nature: Many are sweet, soft dogs that enjoy quiet contact.
- Dense shedding coat: The spaniel coat side can mean more hair on furniture and clothes.
If you want a calm large dog that still enjoys work with its nose, this part of the mix is a real gift. You can see core Clumber behavior and structure in the Clumber Spaniel breed facts and personality traits.
Parent breed snapshot: Bullmastiff traits your mix may inherit
The Bullmastiff is:
- Large and muscular
- Bred to guard people and property
- Often calm indoors, with short bursts of play
- Stubborn at times and slow to react
- Strongly bonded to family
In a Clumberstiff, you may see:
- Guardian instinct: Quiet watchfulness, and a natural urge to stand between family and trouble.
- Low to moderate indoor energy: Happy to nap while you watch TV, as long as walks happen.
- Protective yet gentle: Often very sweet with family, but slow to trust strangers.
- Drooling potential: Especially with a broad head and loose lips.
- Imposing presence: Even a calm dog of this size can look intimidating to people who do not know them.
Learning general Bullmastiff mix temperament advice can help you guess how much guardian instinct your dog might show.
Typical appearance of a Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff
Picture a dog with:
- A broad, blocky head, often with light wrinkles
- Soft, expressive eyes, usually brown
- Medium length, drop ears that hang close to the head
- Deep chest, wide shoulders, and strong hindquarters
- A straight or slightly curved tail, carried level with the back or a bit lower
Common coat looks:
- Mostly white with lemon, orange, or light brown patches
- Pale fawn body with a white chest and white socks
- Red or brindle base with lighter trim around face or chest
Grooming is pretty simple, but consistent:
- Brushing: 2 to 4 times per week to manage shedding and keep skin healthy.
- Ears: Check weekly for moisture and debris, especially if the ear flaps are thick.
- Nails: Trim regularly so this heavy dog moves comfortably.
- Teeth: Brush several times a week to support long term health.
For more detail on appearance and care, you can compare with this guide to Clumberstiff dog breed facts and care.
Temperament And Personality: Is A Clumberstiff A Good Family Dog?
A Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff is usually calm, affectionate, and very loyal. Many owners describe them as “big shadows” that follow them from room to room.
This mix is not usually a high-energy dog. Most are happy with steady walks, short play sessions, and lots of home time with their people. That calm side makes them appealing for families that do not want a frantic, bouncing dog.
At the same time, both parent breeds can be stubborn. A Clumberstiff may think about a cue for a few seconds before acting. This is not because the dog is stupid, but because it is careful and independent minded.
With kids, they are often gentle and patient. With strangers, they may be reserved or aloof. With other dogs and cats, they tend to do well if raised together and socialized from puppy age.
Protection level is usually moderate. Most Clumberstiffs will bark or stand alert when someone comes to the house. They rarely need to do more, since their size alone is already a strong signal.
As with any mix, temperament depends on genetics, training, and early social experiences. Good socialization in the first year makes a huge difference.
For more behavior examples, see the Clumberstiff dog breed information and pictures.
Calm, affectionate, and loyal: daily behavior at home
On a normal day, many owners see this pattern:
- Morning walk, bathroom break, and breakfast
- Long nap while people work, often close to someone’s chair or desk
- Short burst of play, then another nap
- Evening walk, some sniffing or training, then family time on the couch
They love to:
- Sit or lie near you, often leaning their weight against your legs
- Follow you into every room, including the bathroom
- Seek gentle pets, chest rubs, and quiet touch
Even if they look sleepy, they still need regular mental and physical activity. Nose games, puzzle feeders, and simple training tricks keep their minds busy.
They can be stubborn in training. Some will “freeze” and pretend they do not hear you. Most are sensitive to tone, though. A harsh voice or rough handling can shut them down. Kindness, patience, and small rewards work far better.
Children, strangers, and other pets: social traits to know
With children, many Clumberstiffs are:
- Gentle and calm
- Patient with quiet kids
- Sometimes clumsy, because of their size
Because they are large and heavy, supervision is always important. Even a friendly dog can knock over a small child by accident. Teach kids to:
- Never climb on the dog
- Leave the dog alone when it is eating or sleeping
- Pet gently and watch for signs the dog wants space
With visitors, this mix may:
- Watch from a distance at first
- Stay between family and the guest
- Warm up slowly, then seek attention once they feel safe
Early exposure to many people, sounds, and places helps them grow into more confident, friendly adults.
With other dogs and cats, Clumberstiffs are often fine if:
- They meet other animals from a young age
- You reward calm, polite behavior
- You manage introductions and do not rush contact
Good socialization, starting in puppyhood and continuing through the teenage phase, is the key to an easy family dog.
Guarding and barking: will a Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff protect your home?
This cross often has some guarding instinct. Many will:
- Bark once or twice when someone comes to the door
- Stand between you and a stranger
- Watch calmly while a visitor enters, then relax if you act friendly
They are not usually constant barkers. You are more likely to get a low, serious bark than a high, yappy voice.
Responsible owners help this trait stay under control. Simple tips:
- Reward your dog when it chooses to be quiet after one or two barks
- Invite many friends over when the dog is young, so visitors feel normal
- Pair guests with treats and praise, so the dog links strangers with good things
This way, your Clumberstiff can be a confident, stable watchdog instead of a fearful or overly intense guardian.
Care, Exercise, And Training Needs Of A Clumber Spaniel Cross Bullmastiff
Caring for a Clumberstiff is less intense than caring for a working herding dog, but more than caring for a couch potato. Busy families can manage this mix if they plan ahead.
Daily needs include:
- Moderate exercise
- Mental enrichment
- Regular grooming
- Ongoing training and manners practice
Exercise and play: how much activity does this mix need?
Most Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiffs do well with:
- 1 to 2 walks per day, around 20 to 40 minutes each
- Extra sniff time, play, or simple training games
They are not built for long, fast runs or hard impact sports. Their big bodies and heavy joints make that risky.
Great activities include:
- Steady walks at a comfortable pace
- “Sniff walks” where the dog chooses the route and you move slowly
- Nose games in the yard, like hiding treats or toys in boxes
- Short, gentle hikes on soft ground
- Soft fetch or tug, stopped before the dog becomes too tired
For puppies and young dogs, avoid long stairs, jumping from high places, or very long walks. Their joints are still growing and need protection.
Grooming and shedding: coat, drool, and general upkeep
Grooming needs vary by coat length, but a simple routine works for most:
- Brushing:
- Shorter coats: 1 to 2 times per week
- Longer, thicker coats: 3 to 4 times per week
- Shedding seasons: Use a slicker brush or de-shedding tool more often when hair increases.
- Bathing: Every 6 to 8 weeks, or when dirty or smelly.
Other key tasks:
- Ears: Check weekly for redness, smell, or wax, since heavy ears can trap moisture.
- Nails: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks so they do not click on the floor.
- Teeth: Brush several times a week to support gum and heart health in a big dog.
Some Clumberstiffs drool only a little. Others drool more around food and after drinking. If drool bothers you, keep a towel near the water bowl and wipe the mouth gently when needed.
For extra grooming info tied to this hybrid, you can compare with this Clumberstiff hybrid care guide.
Training tips for a strong, sometimes stubborn crossbreed
Training a Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff is about respect, calm energy, and rewards.
Simple, beginner friendly advice:
- Start training the day you bring the dog home.
- Keep sessions short, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use positive reinforcement, like treats, toys, and praise.
- Avoid harsh corrections, shouting, or physical force. They damage trust.
Core manners to teach:
- Sit, down, and stay
- Come when called, even around distractions
- Loose leash walking without pulling
- “Leave it” and “drop it”
- Waiting politely at doors or before meals
Intelligent but stubborn dogs need consistent rules. Everyone in the home should use the same words and reward the same good behaviors.
Puppy classes or group obedience sessions help with:
- Basic skills
- Socialization with other dogs and people
- Learning to listen in busy places
Health, lifespan, and vet care for a Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff
Like all large breeds, a Clumberstiff can face some health issues. Common risks include:
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
- Eye issues such as entropion (eyelid rolling inward)
- Back or joint problems from heavy bone structure
- Bloat (gastric torsion) in deep chested dogs
- Arthritis in older age
Life expectancy usually lands somewhere between the parent breeds, often around 9 to 12 years, depending on genetics, care, and weight.
Simple ways to support health:
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight, not chubby
- Feed a high quality large breed food, split into two or more meals per day
- Use joint support (vet approved supplements, good beds, controlled exercise)
- Schedule regular vet checkups, at least once a year for adults, more often for seniors
If you are getting a puppy from a breeder, ask about health tests on the parent dogs, including hips, elbows, and eyes. Reputable sources like this Clumberstiff dog breed facts page can give you more background questions to bring to your vet or breeder.
Is A Clumber Spaniel Cross Bullmastiff Right For You And Your Family?
The Clumberstiff suits people who want a big, calm, loving companion more than a running partner or sport dog.
They can be a great choice if you:
- Enjoy quiet time at home with your dog nearby
- Can commit to daily walks and mental games
- Are ready to train a strong, sometimes stubborn dog
- Are comfortable with a pet that may drool and shed
This mix is often compared to other large, calm family dogs like Mastiff mixes, Newfoundlands, or Saint Bernard crosses. Compared to some of those, Clumberstiffs may be a bit shorter, a bit more scent driven, and often more watchful.
Space matters less than time and structure. A house with a secure yard is ideal, but a large apartment can work if you are dedicated to daily outings. Budget is also important. Large dogs cost more for food, vet care, and supplies.
Best home environment and owner lifestyle for a Clumberstiff
The best setup for this mix usually includes:
- A stable home with clear routines
- Safe outdoor access for bathroom breaks and gentle play
- Soft beds and space to stretch out
Clumberstiffs often do well with:
- Older kids or younger kids who have been taught to respect animals
- Adults who work from home or have flexible schedules
- Calm households that do not host loud parties every weekend
They usually do not enjoy being left alone for long hours every day. Separation can lead to stress or problem behavior.
First time dog owners can succeed with this mix if they:
- Study basic training and dog body language
- Work with a positive trainer if problems appear
- Stay realistic about size, strength, and costs
Puppy vs rescue and what to ask a breeder or shelter
Because mixed breeds are so popular in 2025, many large hybrids end up in shelters and rescue groups. Adopting a rescue dog can be a kind, budget friendly choice, and many shelters include vaccines and health checks in the fee.
Steps to consider:
- Check local shelters and rescue groups for large mixed breeds with similar traits.
- Ask staff about temperament, energy level, and health history.
- Spend time with the dog in quiet and busier areas of the shelter.
If you decide to work with a breeder for a Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff puppy, ask clear questions:
- Which health tests were done on both parent dogs?
- What are the parent dogs’ temperaments like with people and other animals?
- How are the puppies raised and socialized before going home?
- Can you see health records and meet the mother, and if possible the father?
Avoid breeders who:
- Refuse to show you health records
- Focus only on size, color, or “rare” status
- Keep dogs in poor conditions or seem in a hurry to take your money
Resources like the Clumberstiff dog breed information and pictures can help you build a question list and compare pups to adult dogs of this type.
Conclusion: Is The Clumberstiff Your Next Big Best Friend?
A Clumber Spaniel cross Bullmastiff is a large, steady, and loyal companion for people who want quiet strength over constant excitement. You get a dog that prefers being close to family, enjoys relaxed walks and nose games, and can offer some natural protection without constant barking.
This mix needs moderate exercise, regular grooming, and patient, positive training. Health care for a giant body, from joints to weight to possible eye problems, should be part of your long term plan.
The Clumberstiff fits best with families who value calm evenings, gentle humor, and a strong bond with their dog, and who can afford the space, time, and costs of a big breed. If that sounds like you, the next step might be to visit a rescue, talk with a vet or trainer, or meet similar large mixes in person.
Whatever you decide, taking time to match your lifestyle with the right dog is the smartest way to build a happy life for both you and your future four legged friend.
