Clumber Spaniel Breeders: How To Find a Safe, Ethical Puppy

You love the look and gentle nature of the Clumber Spaniel, but finding someone you can trust to sell you a healthy puppy feels stressful and confusing. You are not alone. Many families worry about picking the wrong breeder and ending up with a sick puppy or a dog whose personality does not match what they were promised.

Clumber Spaniels are special dogs. They are calm, sweet, and usually happy to hang out on the couch after a walk. They are known for being gentle with kids, loyal to their people, and laid back around the house, which makes them wonderful family companions when they come from responsible breeding.

That is why choosing the right Clumber Spaniel breeders matters so much. A good breeder focuses on health testing, stable temperament, and early socialization, and they stay in your corner for the life of your dog. The wrong breeder, or a puppy mill, can leave you with heartache, big vet bills, and no support when you need help.

This guide will walk you step by step through how to understand the breed, how to tell if a breeder is ethical, what questions to ask, and how to avoid scams or careless sellers. You will also see how to safely look for Clumber Spaniel puppies for sale near me so you can feel more confident as you search. By the time you finish, you will know what red flags to walk away from, what green flags to look for, and how to bring home a healthy, happy Clumber Spaniel puppy with peace of mind.

What Makes Clumber Spaniels Unique and Are They Right For You?

Before you start calling breeders, it helps to know what living with a Clumber Spaniel really looks like. This is a very special spaniel, but it is not the right match for every home.

If you want a calm, sturdy, people-focused dog that is more about steady walks than all-day hikes, a Clumber might fit you well. If you dream of marathon runs or a super low-maintenance coat, this probably is not your breed.

A quick overview of their body, personality, and daily care will help you decide if you should keep looking for ethical Clumber Spaniel breeders or if a different dog might suit you better.

Clumber Spaniel size, looks, and basic breed facts

Clumber Spaniels are medium to large dogs and they are the largest of all spaniel breeds. Adults usually stand about 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 85 pounds, with males on the heavier side.

Their body is long and low, with a heavy bone structure and a solid, rectangular shape. They move in a slow, rolling way instead of a light, springy trot. Many people describe them as looking a bit like a small, white tank with soft ears.

Key features you will notice:

• Broad head and heavy muzzle, with a thoughtful or slightly sad expression
• Large, droopy ears that frame the face
• White coat with lemon or orange markings, often near the eyes, on the ears, and at the base of the tail
• Freckles (ticking) on the legs and muzzle in many dogs

Their coat is thick and straight with feathering on the ears, legs, belly, and tail. It is built to handle wet fields and brush, so it is dense and it sheds year-round.

If you want a clear visual and more background, the Clumber Spaniel breed overview gives a helpful picture of their size and build in everyday life, not just in dog shows.

Temperament: gentle, calm, and family friendly

People often call Clumber Spaniels gentle giants. Even though they are not huge like a Great Dane, they feel big for a spaniel, with a soft, steady personality to match.

Most Clumbers are:

• Calm and quiet in the house
• Affectionate and loyal with their family
• Reserved with strangers, but not fearful or sharp
• Patient with respectful children and usually easygoing with other pets

They are not known for high aggression. A well-bred Clumber is more likely to step away from conflict than to start it. That said, they are still strong dogs, so they need basic manners and social skills from puppyhood.

Clumbers like to please, but they also have a thoughtful, sometimes stubborn streak. They may pause to think about a cue before they decide to follow it. They respond best to:

• Calm, patient training
• Clear rules and short, positive sessions
• Rewards like food, toys, or praise

Harsh methods or a lot of pressure can shut them down or make them dig in their heels. If you enjoy gentle, reward-based training, you will likely enjoy working with this breed. If you want a super sharp, intense working dog, you may feel a Clumber is too laid back.

For a deeper look at their history and personality, the AKC Clumber Spaniel breed information is a solid reference.

Exercise, grooming, and health needs to know before you buy

Clumber Spaniels need moderate daily exercise, not an athlete’s schedule. Most adults do well with:

• One or two daily walks, around 20 to 30 minutes each
• Some relaxed playtime or sniffing games
• Short training sessions or puzzle toys for mental stimulation

They can enjoy swimming and casual fetch, but they are not built for long runs, hard agility, or constant high-impact play. If you want a dog to jog several miles a day, a Clumber will struggle.

Their coat and body need regular care. Plan for:

• Brushing several times a week to control shedding and remove loose hair
• Extra attention to the feathering on ears, legs, and belly to prevent mats
• Professional grooming or tidy trims every 6 to 8 weeks
• Routine ear cleaning, nail trims, and dental care

On the health side, Clumbers are sturdy but can have some issues. Common concerns include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (joint problems in larger, heavy breeds)
• Intervertebral disc disease and back strain from their long body
• Eye problems in some lines
• A strong tendency to gain weight if they do not get enough exercise or if portions are too large

Extra pounds put more stress on their joints, so keeping them lean is one of the best ways to protect their health. Many owners rely on guidance from groups like the Clumber Spaniel Club of America to stay on top of testing and care.

A good Clumber Spaniel breeder will work to lower these risks. They use health testing on hips, elbows, and eyes, study pedigrees, and avoid breeding dogs with serious structural or medical problems. When you understand how much exercise, grooming, and health care this breed needs, you can better judge which breeders are truly putting the dogs first.

How To Find Reputable Clumber Spaniel Breeders (Step by Step)

Finding a trustworthy Clumber Spaniel breeder is not about luck. It is about using the right networks, asking clear questions, and being ready to wait for the right puppy. This breed is rare, so a careful, step by step plan will save you stress and protect you from bad sellers.

Start with trusted breed clubs, networks, and referrals

Your best starting point is always breed-focused and dog-focused networks, not random ads.

Begin with:

• National kennel clubs: In the United States, look at the American Kennel Club breeder listings for Clumber Spaniels.
• Clumber Spaniel breed clubs: The Clumber Spaniel Club of America breeder referral page is one of the most reliable places to start, because breeders listed there agree to certain standards.
• Dog shows and dog sports: Look for Clumber Spaniels at conformation shows, obedience, or tracking events. People who show their dogs often know which breeders are serious about structure, health, and temperament.
• Local dog pros: Ask your veterinarian, groomer, or trainer if they know any Clumber owners or breeders they respect.

When someone gives you a name, treat it like step one, not a final stamp of approval. A referral is only as good as the person giving it.

Good questions to ask the person who is recommending a breeder:

• “How long have you known this breeder?”
• “Did you buy a dog from them or see their dogs often?”
• “What was the health and temperament of their dogs like over time?”
• “How did they treat you when you had questions or problems?”
• “Would you get another puppy from them without hesitation?”

Reputable Clumber Spaniel breeders usually:

• Have a waitlist or planned litters, not constant puppies on hand.
• Stay active in breed clubs, health programs, or events.
• Get excited when you ask detailed questions.

They do not rely only on classified sites or random social media groups to sell puppies. If a breeder seems to live in the comments section of a sales group, with no ties to clubs or other breeders, that is a concern.

For more help with questions to ask and how to read answers, the CSCA breeder referral guide PDF gives useful background tailored to this breed.

Red flags in online ads and social media breeder listings

Online ads can be a place to spot breeders, but they are also where many puppy mills hide. You need to sort signals from noise.

Common red flags:

• Always having many litters available, with no mention of a waitlist.
• Selling many different breeds from the same place, like “Clumbers, Goldens, Frenchies, and Doodles.”
• Very low prices for the breed, far below what most ethical breeders charge.
• Pushy sales tactics, such as “First to send a deposit gets the puppy” or “Must decide today.”
• No questions for you, only questions about how fast you can pay.
• No written contract that covers health, returns, and spay/neuter terms.
• No health guarantees or only a 48-hour guarantee.
• Refusal to allow visits or video calls, with excuses about safety or privacy.
• Pressure to meet in a parking lot instead of at their home or kennel.

It helps to understand what type of breeder you are dealing with.

• Hobby or preservation breeder: Focuses on one or a few breeds, does health testing, knows pedigrees, shows or works their dogs, and breeds to protect the breed’s future. Litters are planned, and there may be a wait.
• Volume breeder or puppy mill: Breeds many litters and often many breeds, focuses on fast sales, cuts corners on health and socialization, and treats puppies more like products than family members.

If the process feels rushed, secretive, or like a high-pressure sale, step away. You are choosing a family member, not buying something on clearance.

Why ethical Clumber Spaniel breeders rarely have “ready today” puppies

Because Clumber Spaniels are rare and slow to mature, good breeders think long term. They do not breed every heat cycle or chase trends.

Ethical breeders:

• Plan litters months, sometimes years, in advance.
• Study pedigrees and health results before pairing dogs.
• Keep a list of interested homes and stay in touch until the timing fits.
• Match each puppy to each home based on temperament and lifestyle, not just color or gender.

This is why “ready today, pick up tonight” is almost never a good sign with this breed. It can happen if someone backs out at the last minute, but that is the exception, not the rule.

For Clumber Spaniels, waiting several months or even a year is normal. That time is not wasted. While you wait, you can:

• Meet the breeder and their adult dogs.
• Learn more about grooming, training, and joint care.
• Prepare your home and schedule for a puppy.

Patience pays off. A well matched, carefully bred Clumber is more likely to be healthy, stable, and a good fit for your daily life. A rushed purchase from whoever has puppies today can cost you far more in stress and vet bills later.

Comparing local and long distance Clumber Spaniel breeders

Because Clumber Spaniels are uncommon, you may not find a strong breeder right in your city. Many families compare local options with breeders in other states or regions.

Local breeder pros:

• Easier to visit in person and see how the dogs live.
• You can meet at least one parent dog, sometimes both.
• Shorter travel for pick up, and easier to visit again for help.

Local breeder cons:

• There might be only one or two Clumber breeders nearby.
• You may feel tempted to accept lower standards just to stay close.

Long distance breeder pros:

• Larger pool of breeders to choose from.
• Better chance to find someone who matches your values on health and temperament.
• Often stronger connections to active show or working lines.

Long distance breeder cons:

• Travel costs and time for an in person visit.
• More planning for pick up or transport.
• Harder to drop by for help, classes, or boarding.

Whenever possible, plan at least one in person visit to the breeder’s home or kennel. If that is not realistic, ask for a live video call where you can see:

• Adult dogs moving and interacting.
• The puppy area, whelping box, and general living space.
• How clean and relaxed the dogs seem.

For travel and puppy transport:

• Pick up the puppy in person at the breeder’s home or a nearby safe spot, such as a well known vet clinic.
• If flying, many breeders meet buyers at the airport in person with the puppy.
• If you must use a transport service, use one the breeder trusts, and speak with the breeder directly about every step.

Avoid any third party shipper who will not let you talk with the breeder. If the seller wants to stay in the background while “a friend” delivers the puppy, that is a serious warning sign.

Questions To Ask Clumber Spaniel Breeders Before You Commit

Once you find a breeder who looks promising, your next step is a real conversation. Clear, honest questions help you sort careful Clumber Spaniel breeders from people who just produce puppies. Use this section as your script so you feel calm, prepared, and in control.

For more background before you call, you can review this broader overview of Clumber Spaniel health testing and ethical breeding.

Health testing, genetics, and common Clumber Spaniel issues

Clumber Spaniels have some known health risks, so you want a breeder who takes those seriously. Focus on both what they test for and how they use that information when they plan litters.

Key questions to ask about health:

• “What health tests have you done on both parents?”
  You are listening for tests such as:
  • Hip dysplasia screening (OFA or PennHIP)
  • Elbow dysplasia screening
  • Eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist
  • Any breed specific DNA tests they use in their program
    This matters because tested parents lower the chance of painful joint disease and eye problems that can cost thousands in vet care over the dog’s life.
• “Can I see copies of the official test results?”
  Ask for:
  • OFA or PennHIP certificates
  • Eye exam reports
  • Lab reports for DNA tests
    Never settle for “My vet said they are fine.” Written proof shows the breeder actually followed through with proper screening, not just a quick checkup.
• “What health issues have you seen in your lines over time?”
  A good breeder is honest. You might hear about:
  • Past dogs with joint surgery
  • Allergies
  • Eye problems in older dogs
    Openness tells you they track what happens to their dogs and adjust breeding plans when patterns show up.
• “How do you choose which dogs to breed?”
  Look for answers that include:
  • Health test results
  • Temperament
  • Structure and movement
  • Age and overall soundness
    You want more than “They are pretty” or “She is a great mom.” A thoughtful plan reduces risk for your future puppy.
• “How do you track health in puppies after they leave?”
  Responsible breeders:
  • Stay in touch with owners
  • Ask for updates on vet findings
  • Use that data when planning future litters
    This kind of long term tracking helps protect the breed as a whole.

Health testing reduces risk but it does not give a guarantee that a puppy will never get sick. What it does give you is better odds of a sound, comfortable dog and fewer surprise vet bills later. For more sample questions you can ask any breeder, the AKC’s guide on questions you can ask your potential breeder is a useful reference.

Family temperament, socialization, and how puppies are raised

Genetics set the base for temperament, but early life shapes who your puppy becomes. You want a breeder who treats socialization as part of the job, not an afterthought.

Helpful questions about puppy raising:

• “Where are the puppies raised in your home?”
  Ideal answers:
  • In the main living area
  • Near normal family activity, not isolated in a shed or garage
    Puppies who grow up around everyday life tend to adjust better to busy homes.
• “What kind of early handling do the puppies get?”
  Good breeders:
  • Gently handle puppies daily
  • Touch paws, ears, and mouths
  • Introduce simple grooming
    This helps future vet visits and grooming feel less scary.
• “What sounds, people, and surfaces do you expose them to?”
  Look for:
  • Household noises like vacuum cleaners and TV
  • Different people, including kids under supervision
  • Various floor surfaces and safe toys
    These experiences build confidence and lower the risk of fearful behavior.
• “Do you start any potty training or crate training?”
  Many breeders:
  • Use litter boxes or potty areas
  • Start short, positive crate sessions
    Early habits will not finish the job, but they can make house training at home easier.
• “Can I meet the mother and, if possible, see video of the father?”
  The mother’s behavior gives you a strong clue about future temperament. You want:
  • Calm, friendly, or politely reserved
  • Not frantic, fearful, or aggressive
    The father may live elsewhere, so video of him relaxed at home or at shows is helpful.
• “How do you match puppies to families?”
  A thoughtful breeder asks about:
  • Your activity level
  • Whether you have kids or other pets
  • Your work schedule and home type
    Puppies should be placed based on personality, not just first come, first served. The Clumber Spaniel Club of America’s find a breeder page also highlights why these questions matter for long term fit.

Contracts, health guarantees, and breeder support after you bring puppy home

A clear written contract protects both you and the puppy. If a breeder refuses to use one, that is a strong sign to walk away.

Key contract questions:

• “Can I see a sample contract before I send a deposit?”
  Read for:
  • Purchase price and what it includes
  • Spay/neuter expectations and timing
  • Whether the dog has limited or full registration
    Plain language is best. You should not need a law degree to understand it.
• “What is your return policy if the dog cannot stay with us?”
  Ethical breeders:
  • Always take their dogs back, at any age
  • Do not require you to rehome on your own
    This keeps Clumbers out of shelters and gives you a safe option if life changes.
• “How long is your health guarantee and what does it cover?”
  Common coverage includes:
  • Serious genetic diseases in the first 1 to 3 years
  • Sometimes joint issues verified by a specialist
    Ask what happens if a covered issue appears. Some breeders refund part of the price or offer a replacement puppy.
• “What support do you provide after we take the puppy home?”
  You want a breeder who:
  • Is happy to answer training and health questions
  • Wants updates and photos
  • Will help if you face problems with behavior or diet
    Lifetime support often matters more than a long, fancy guarantee.
• “What happens if our vet finds a major health problem right after pickup?”
  There should be:
  • A short window to have your own vet check the puppy
  • Clear steps if something serious is found

Breeders who care about their dogs welcome these questions. They see the contract as a promise, not just a receipt.

Pricing, deposits, and waitlists for Clumber Spaniel puppies

Talking about money feels awkward for many people, but you need clear details before you commit. Honest breeders are open about costs and how their process works.

Helpful money and waitlist questions:

• “What is the total price for a Clumber Spaniel puppy from this litter?”
  Ask what that price includes, such as:
  • First vet visits and vaccines
  • Microchip
  • Limited registration
  • Starter food or a small kit
    Higher prices often reflect health testing, quality food, and the breeder’s time, which lines up with typical well bred Clumber costs you may see on breed pricing guides.
• “Do you take a deposit, and is it refundable?”
  Many breeders use:
  • A non refundable deposit to hold your spot
  • A policy that allows you to roll the deposit to a future litter if timing or sex is not right
    Make sure this is in writing.
• “When is the remaining balance due and what payment methods do you accept?”
  Clear answers protect you from surprise demands. Avoid anyone who only wants cash with no paperwork.
• “How does your waitlist work?”
  Good signs:
  • You join a list before puppies are born
  • Placement is based on best match, not just who pays first
  • You get regular updates about heat cycles, breedings, and pregnancies
• “What happens if the planned litter does not result in enough puppies or no pregnancy?”
  Ask if:
  • Your deposit transfers to the next litter
  • You can choose to step away and get a refund in that case
    This keeps expectations fair on both sides.
• “Are there different prices for breeding or show puppies versus pet puppies?”
  Some breeders charge more for full registration or show prospects. Even if you want only a pet, you should understand how they set their prices.

A breeder who answers money questions in a calm, open way usually handles their program with the same level of care. When you combine clear pricing, solid health testing, thoughtful socialization, and real support, you are much closer to finding the right Clumber Spaniel puppy for your family.

How To Spot Responsible Clumber Spaniel Breeders From the First Visit

That first visit to a breeder, whether in person or on video, tells you almost everything you need to know. You see how the dogs live, how the breeder acts with them, and how they treat you. When you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to tell a careful Clumber Spaniel breeder from someone who is just selling puppies.

Use this section like a mental checklist during your tour so you can trust your gut with facts to back it up.

What a clean and caring Clumber Spaniel home or kennel should look like

A good Clumber Spaniel breeder does not live in a spotless show home. They live in a dog home. You should see signs that dogs actually live there, but in a way that feels safe, clean, and relaxed.

Look around and notice:

• General cleanliness: Floors may have some hair or paw prints, but you should not see heavy grime, piles of waste, or overflowing trash.
• Smell: A light dog odor is normal. A strong, sour, or ammonia smell is not.
• Fresh water: Every pen or room with dogs should have clean bowls, not slimy water or tipped over dishes.
• Bedding and crates: Blankets, beds, and crates should look reasonably clean and dry. Some chewing or wear is fine, soaked or filthy bedding is not.
• Safe fencing and gates: Outdoor runs and indoor pens should be solid and secure, with no broken wire, sharp edges, or gaps where a puppy could get stuck.

A responsible breeder sets up the space so puppies can play, nap, and explore without getting hurt. You might see playpens, safe toys, and different surfaces, like mats and rugs, to help their joints.

Watch the puppies too. In a well run home or kennel, they are:

• Curious and interested in you, even if a bit shy at first.
• Moving freely without limping or stiff steps.
• Clean, with clear eyes and noses, and no crusty or matted fur.
• Engaged with people and littermates, not lying in a corner looking dull.

Some puppies will nap when you arrive. That is normal. What you do not want is a whole litter that seems shut down or terrified of normal noise and touch.

Also pay attention to the number of dogs. Ethical breeders usually keep a smaller group of well cared for dogs, not dozens of adults in crowded runs. Fewer dogs mean:

• More one on one time for each Clumber.
• Better tracking of health and behavior.
• Easier cleaning and daily care.

When you see many litters on the ground at once, plus rows of adult dogs, it is very hard for anyone to give each animal real attention. That is a serious warning sign.

For a checklist of healthy living conditions and behavior, you can also compare what you see with the guidance in the AKC’s article on signs of a responsible dog breeder.

How good breeders communicate with puppy buyers

A strong Clumber Spaniel breeder does not act like a salesperson. They act like a matchmaker, and they care as much about where their puppies go as you care about where your puppy comes from.

Good breeders usually:

• Ask a lot of questions about your home, schedule, yard, kids, other pets, and past dog experience.
• Explain the pros and cons of Clumber Spaniels, including size, shedding, weight gain risk, and joint care.
• Share health information freely, including test results, common breed issues, and what they see in their own lines.
• Provide written guidance on feeding, training, crate use, socialization, and what to expect the first weeks.
• Talk about long term support, not just the day you pick up the puppy.

You should feel like you are having a real conversation, not a script. A responsible breeder will happily slow down to answer your questions and often will encourage you to call or email later if you think of more.

In contrast, be very cautious if a breeder:

• Stays vague about health, testing, or the dogs’ behavior.
• Gets defensive or annoyed when you ask for proof of health testing.
• Focuses only on price, payment, and pick up day.
• Refuses to share a sample contract or health guarantee before you send money.
• Rushes you to decide or says things like, “There are ten people waiting, you need to send a deposit now.”

You are not being rude by asking clear questions. Responsible breeders expect it and often appreciate buyers who take the time to understand the breed. For more communication tips and what responsible breeders usually do, the Clumber Spaniel Club of America’s find a breeder page offers a helpful overview.

Seeing the parent dogs and past puppies for clues about your future dog

One of the biggest advantages of working with a careful breeder is that you can see where your puppy comes from. The parents and past puppies give you a real preview of size, temperament, and health.

You should always ask to meet the mother dog. In many homes she lives right in the house. In kennels she may be in a run but should come out to visit. When you see her, look for:

• A friendly or calmly reserved attitude. She may be protective at first, but she should relax once the breeder reassures her.
• Comfortable movement, without obvious limping, stiffness, or trouble standing.
• Normal weight, not very thin and not very heavy.
• A clean coat and skin, without bald spots, heavy dandruff, or strong odor.

The father might live with the breeder or with another breeder. If he is not on site, ask for video of him moving and relaxing, not just stacked show photos. You want to see how he acts in normal life.

Many breeders also keep in touch with families from past litters. They might show you:

• Photos of puppies at 8 weeks, 6 months, and as adults.
• Messages or updates about temperament, activity level, and health.
• Examples of dogs that became family pets, therapy dogs, or show dogs.

These examples help you picture your own Clumber Spaniel at different ages. You get a better sense of how big “big” really is, how much feathering the coat grows, and how mellow adult dogs are in real homes.

When you put all of this together, the visit should leave you feeling calm and informed. You have seen happy dogs, clear living spaces, and a breeder who talks to you like a partner, not just a buyer. That is what responsible Clumber Spaniel breeding looks and feels like from the first visit.

Conclusion

Bringing home a Clumber Spaniel starts long before you pick up your puppy. It begins with knowing the breed, taking your time to sort through Clumber Spaniel breeders, and only moving forward when the pieces feel right. You now know how much their gentle nature, solid build, and health needs depend on thoughtful breeding and early care.

Give yourself space to slow down. Ask detailed questions about health tests, how puppies are raised, and what support you get for the life of the dog. Visit in person when you can, or ask for a clear video tour of the home and dogs. A responsible breeder will welcome this and stay open with you. If you want to see what this process can look like when you are ready, browsing well described Clumber Spaniel puppies for sale can help you picture your future companion and refine your goals.

The wait for the right breeder and litter might feel long, but it pays off in a healthy, steady, easygoing friend who fits your family for years. Grab a notebook, make a short checklist of your must haves in a breeder, and start your careful research today. Your future Clumber Spaniel is worth every bit of that effort.