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Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel: Size, Weight, and Build Differences

Clumber Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel: Choosing the Right Calm, Classic Companion

If you love old-school gundogs with soft eyes, soft ears, and even softer hearts, the Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel might already be on your radar.

Both are rare, slow-paced spaniels with gentle temperaments, deep roots in England, and a talent for turning a boring afternoon into a cozy cuddle session. To someone just starting their research, they can even look a bit alike: low to the ground, long bodies, and serious faces that hide a goofy side.

Under the surface, though, these two breeds fit slightly different types of homes and owners. This guide walks you through their key differences in size, temperament, care, health, and lifestyle so you can figure out which one feels right for you.

You will also find links to trusted resources, like the AKC breed pages and a detailed Clumber Spaniel breed guide, so you can keep learning with confidence.

Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel at a Glance

If you had to sum them up in one line each:

Clumber Spaniel: Big, solid, gentle clown with a sleepy vibe and a strong stubborn streak.
Sussex Spaniel: Smaller, serious-faced, vocal spaniel with deep devotion and a steady, thoughtful nature.

Here is a quick side-by-side snapshot.

Trait	Clumber Spaniel	Sussex Spaniel
Group	Sporting / Gundog	Sporting / Gundog
Size	Medium to large, heavy-boned	Medium, compact, low to the ground
Typical weight	About 55–85 pounds	About 35–45 pounds
Typical height	About 17–20 inches	About 13–15 inches
Coat color	White with lemon or orange markings	Rich golden liver only
Energy level	Low to moderate	Low to moderate
Barking	Usually moderate	Often more vocal, known for a deep voice
Rarity	Rare	Very rare
Family suitability	Excellent for calm, patient homes	Excellent for calm homes that like “talkers”

If you are drawn to a heavier, larger dog that still likes to take life slowly, the Clumber will feel right. If you want something a bit smaller but still sturdy, the Sussex comes into focus.

For deeper background and official standards, the American Kennel Club has excellent overviews for both breeds: the Clumber Spaniel dog breed information and the Sussex Spaniel breed profile.

History and Origin: Old English Bird Dogs With Different Jobs

Both breeds grew up in the English countryside, but they were shaped by slightly different needs.

Clumber Spaniel history in brief

The Clumber Spaniel was developed as a sturdy, slow-moving bird dog for dense cover. Big-boned and powerful, they worked close to the hunter, flushing game in heavy brush and then helping retrieve it.

Their roots go back to the 1700s, and they are considered the largest of the spaniels. If you want more background on how their build and temperament connect to their hunting past, pages like Wikipedia’s Clumber Spaniel overview give a good historic snapshot.

Sussex Spaniel history in brief

The Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England, where hunters needed a low, strong, deliberate dog that could push through brush and signal game with a deep, ringing bark.

They were bred to:

Move slowly and steadily.
Work close to the gun.
Use their voice to help hunters find them in thick cover.

Being one of the earlier spaniel breeds, the Sussex has a long record as a working dog. The Sussex Spaniel article on Wikipedia pieces together how close they came to disappearing after the World Wars and how a few dedicated breeders kept them going.

Appearance: Similar Shape, Very Different Look

You will spot a family resemblance, but side by side, they are far from twins.

Clumber Spaniel look

Clumbers are:

Long, heavy, and low.
Broad-headed, with a heavy brow and droopy expression.
White, with lemon or orange patches or freckles.

Their coat is straight, dense, and weather-resistant, with light feathering on legs and tail. A detailed description, including height and weight ranges, is available in the Hill’s Pet Clumber Spaniel breed overview.

They look like someone crossed a spaniel with a small tank, then wrapped it in a fluffy white coat.

Sussex Spaniel look

Sussex Spaniels:

Are shorter than Clumbers, around 13 to 15 inches tall.
Have a long, low, and muscular body.
Come in only golden liver, a deep rich brown with a golden sheen.

Their coat is:

Thick, flat, and dense.
Slightly wavy but never curly.
Abundant, especially around the chest and ears.

Their sad eyes and serious expression can fool you. Underneath, there is a dog that can be both clownish and deeply attached to its people.

For a good visual reference, the Purina Sussex Spaniel breed information page has clear photos and descriptions of their coat and build.

Temperament: Calm House Dogs With Different Quirks

Both breeds are good fits for people who do not want a high-octane, bouncing-off-the-walls spaniel.

Clumber Spaniel personality

Clumbers are often described as:

Laid-back and easygoing.
Affectionate but not frantic.
Goofy with their families, reserved with strangers.

They love:

Naps.
Food.
Slow walks.
Staying close to their favorite humans.

In short, they are steady companions, not thrill seekers. They can be stubborn and independent, especially when they catch an interesting scent.

For an in-depth look at real-life temperament, house manners, and care routines, the detailed Clumber Spaniel temperament and care tips guide is worth a read.

Sussex Spaniel personality

Sussex Spaniels share the calm side, but they add:

A strong attachment to their people.
A deeper, more frequent “commentary” bark.
A thoughtful, sometimes serious mood.

Many Sussex owners describe them as:

Loving and gentle.
Sensitive to tone and harsh handling.
Quietly silly with their inner circle.

They tend to bark more than Clumbers, thanks to their working history. That deep, long bark helped hunters locate them, but in a suburban neighborhood, it needs some training and management.

If you like a dog that “talks” to you and you are okay working on quiet cues, the Sussex can be a charming fit.

Exercise and Lifestyle Needs: Calm Does Not Mean Couch Potato

Both breeds have a low-to-moderate energy level, but they still need daily movement and mental work.

Clumber Spaniel activity level

Clumbers enjoy:

One or two relaxed walks per day.
Sniffing and pottering around the yard or park.
Short, fun games like fetch or hide-and-seek with toys.

They are not built for jogging partners or agility stars. Their heavy bodies and joint concerns mean it is better to keep exercise low impact and consistent rather than long and intense.

Mental stimulation matters too. Puzzle toys, scent games, and simple training sessions help keep them from getting bored and stubborn.

Sussex Spaniel activity level

Sussex Spaniels also do well with:

Daily walks.
Scent games and nose work.
Casual field-style activities like supervised retrieving.

They are not hyper, but they do need a job of some kind. Long lazy days with no structure can lead to:

Barking.
Digging.
General mischief.

Given their background, many Sussex do very well in low-key scent work or tracking classes. They love using their noses and enjoy the mental workout.

Grooming and Shedding: Fluffy Work Either Way

If you want a low-shedding, low-grooming dog, neither of these breeds is ideal. Both carry a moderate grooming workload.

Clumber Spaniel grooming

Clumbers have a medium-length, dense coat that:

Sheds year-round, with heavier seasonal shedding.
Picks up mud, leaves, and burrs.
Needs weekly brushing, often more during peak shed.

Common tasks include:

Brushing 2 to 3 times a week.
Regular ear checks and cleaning.
Trimming feathering around feet and hocks.
Bathing when dirty or smelly.

Health-focused resources like PetMD’s Clumber Spaniel care guide give a great rundown of skin, ear, and coat issues that grooming can help manage.

Sussex Spaniel grooming

Sussex Spaniels have an abundant, flat coat that:

Tangles and mats if ignored.
Holds moisture and mud.
Requires regular brushing to stay clean and comfortable.

A realistic grooming routine includes:

Brushing several times each week.
Checking behind ears, armpits, and the tail for mats.
Keeping ears dry and clean to lower the risk of infections.
Occasional trimming to keep feet neat.

Both breeds drool a bit, track in dirt, and shed on furniture. If you love spotless white couches, set some boundaries early or choose a different type of dog.

Health and Lifespan: What Owners Should Watch For

Every dog is an individual, but each breed has some known health patterns that careful owners and breeders take seriously.

Common Clumber Spaniel health issues

Clumbers are generally sturdy but prone to:

Hip and elbow dysplasia.
Intervertebral disc disease (spinal issues).
Eye conditions like entropion.
Ear infections, due to heavy ears and love of water.
Weight gain.

Many health concerns tie back to their heavy build. Keeping them lean and fit is one of the best things an owner can do.

For science-based details about health screening and care, PetMD’s Clumber Spaniel health and care page is a strong reference.

Common Sussex Spaniel health issues

Sussex Spaniels can be prone to:

Hip dysplasia.
Ear infections.
Heart issues, including some congenital conditions.
Back problems, due to their low, long shape.
Obesity.

Because they are very rare, finding breeders who health test their dogs is critical. Fewer dogs in the gene pool means smart breeding choices matter even more.

The Sussex Spaniel health and care overview on PetMD outlines many of these concerns in more detail.

Training and Socialization: Sensitive, Smart, and Sometimes Stubborn

Both the Clumber and Sussex Spaniel are intelligent but soft-natured. That mix calls for calm, consistent training.

Training a Clumber Spaniel

With a Clumber, expect:

A dog that learns quickly but likes to think for himself.
Strong food motivation, which you can use in your favor.
Occasional “I heard you, but I am busy sniffing” moments.

Key tips:

Use positive reinforcement, like treats and praise.
Keep sessions short and fun.
Start early with recall, loose-leash walking, and polite greetings.

House manners like no counter surfing and no guarding food or toys should be part of early training. Clumbers are big enough to cause trouble if they do not learn boundaries.

Training a Sussex Spaniel

Sussex Spaniels are:

Sensitive to tone and emotion.
Eager to please when they trust you.
Sometimes slow to respond if they feel stressed or confused.

They do best with:

Gentle, patient trainers.
Clear routines and rules.
Plenty of encouragement.

Harsh corrections or yelling can shut a Sussex down. They remember unfair treatment, and it can damage the bond you are trying to build.

Good early socialization around people, sounds, surfaces, and other dogs helps prevent shyness or anxiety in either breed.

Clumber Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel: Which Breed Fits You Best?

Both breeds suit people who like a quieter lifestyle and a close, loyal dog. Your choice usually comes down to a few key questions.

Choose a Clumber Spaniel if you:

Want a larger, heavier companion.
Like a comical, slightly dorky personality.
Enjoy calm walks and a mostly relaxed home routine.
Are ready to manage shedding, drool, and some health screening.
Do not mind a bit of stubborn independence.

Choose a Sussex Spaniel if you:

Prefer a somewhat smaller but still sturdy dog.
Like the idea of a more vocal, expressive companion.
Appreciate a thoughtful, sensitive temperament.
Are okay with frequent grooming and ear care.
Want a rare breed with a strong bond and a big heart.

If you are leaning toward a Clumber and want to understand realistic costs, screening, and how to spot red flags, this guide to finding reputable Clumber Spaniel breeders is a smart next step.

Puppies, Rarity, and Responsible Breeders

Both Clumber and Sussex Spaniels are uncommon. You will not usually find them in every local shelter or pet shop window, which is a good thing in terms of avoiding mass breeding, but it means more patience and research for buyers.

A few points to keep in mind:

Be ready for waiting lists, especially for Sussex Spaniels.
Ask for health testing results for hips, eyes, and any known breed issues.
Visit the home or kennel, or request detailed videos if you are far away.
Expect detailed questions from a good breeder; they want the right match too.
Watch for red flags like multiple litters always available, no questions asked, or refusal to show health documents.

Rescue is sometimes an option, mostly for Clumbers, through breed clubs and general adoption websites. This can be a great path if you are open to an adult dog instead of a puppy.

Final Thoughts: Two Rare Spaniels, One Right Fit For You

The Clumber Spaniel and Sussex Spaniel share a calm nature, hunting roots, and a deep need to stay close to their people. They are not for everyone, but for the right home, each offers a rich, steady friendship.

If you picture a heavier, white-coated dog snoring on your couch and padding beside you on slow walks, the Clumber may be your match. If you imagine a slightly smaller, golden-brown partner who “talks” to you and watches you with serious, soulful eyes, the Sussex might pull at your heart a little more.

Take your time, read trusted resources, talk to breeders and owners, and listen to your lifestyle as much as your emotions. The right choice is the one that gives both you and your future dog the best chance at a long, happy life together.

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