Spaniel (Clumber)

Posted in Gundog Group

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

SPANIEL (Clumber)

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Balanced, well boned, active with a thoughtful expression, overall appearance denoting strength. The Clumber should be firm, fit and capable of a day’s work of beating in heavy cover.

CHARACTERISTICS

Stoical, great-hearted, highly intelligent with a determined attitude enhancing his natural ability. A silent
worker with an excellent nose.

TEMPERAMENT

Steady, reliable, kind and dignified; more aloof than other Spaniels, showing no tendency towards aggression.

HEAD & SKULL

Large, square, medium length, broad on top with decided occiput; heavy brows; deep stop. Square muzzle with well-developed flews. No exaggeration in head and skull.

EYES

Clean, dark amber. Full light eyes highly undesirable. Acceptable to have some haw showing by without excess. Free from entropion obvious eye problems.

EARS

Large, vine leaf-shaped, well covered with straight hair. Hanging slightly forward, feather not to extend below leather.

MOUTH

Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

NECK

Fairly long, thick, powerful.

FOREQUARTERS

Shoulders strong, sloping, muscular, legs short, straight, well boned, strong. 

BODY

Long, well-muscled and strong. Chest deep. Well sprung ribs which are carried well back. Muscular loin, well let down in flank.

HINDQUARTERS

Very powerful and well developed. Hocks low, stifles well bent and set straight.

FEET

Large, round, well covered with hair.

TAIL

Previously customarily docked.
Docked: Set low, well feathered, carried level with back.
Undocked: Set low, well feathered, carried level with back.

[*refer note below]

GAIT/MOVEMENT

Rolling gait, attributable to long body and short legs. Moving straight fore and aft, with effortless drive.

COAT

Abundant, close, silky and straight. Legs and chest well feathered.

COLOUR

Plain white body preferred, with lemon markings; orange permissible. Slight head markings and freckled
muzzle.

SIZE

Ideal weight: dogs: 29.5 - 34kg (65 - 75 lbs) bitches: 25 - 29.5kg (55 - 65lb)

FAULTS

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dog’s ability to perform its traditional work. 

NOTE

  • Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
  • Only clinically and functionally healthy dogs with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding. 

*Regardless of the provisions of the current KUSA-adopted standard, docked or formerly docked breeds may be shown at all FCI- and KUSA-licensed shows in South Africa, whether their tails are docked, or natural. Under no circumstances are judges permitted to discriminate against exhibits on the grounds of docked, or natural tails and equal consideration for awards must be given to either. (Fedco 12/2017 Amended DR/ 02/2018)

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADVANCED REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE,.

Before submitting any application the following requirements must have been filled.
1. Must be on the Kennel Union Breed Register
2. Be positively identified by microchip or DNA
3. Be over twenty-four (24) months of age
4. Be a Kennel Union Breed (conformation) Champion
5. The registered name of the dog must contain an Affix (Kennel name).
6. The dog has been x-rayed for Hip Dysplasia aged twelve (12) months or older and has been issued with acceptable documentation, incorporating its KUSA Registered name and number together with positive identification details, confirming it has hips graded 1-1 or better.

Fedco 11/98. Effective 1 April 1999

Amendment to ARC, FEDCO 12. 2016, effective 01.04.2017