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Clumber Spaniel vs Field Spaniel

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Clumber Spaniel vs Field Spaniel

If you’re looking at a Clumber Spaniel and a Field Spaniel, you’re probably drawn to that rare mix of old-school spaniel charm and quiet competence in the field. People compare them because they’re both medium-to-large, floppy-eared gundogs with serious underdog appeal. But they’re not twins. Spend time with each, and you’ll feel like you’re meeting distant cousins at a family reunion. one shows up in a rumpled tweed jacket, the other in hiking boots and a beanie. The Clumber is the more deliberate, almost bear-like companion. He’s built like a tank at up to 85 pounds, with a slow-blinking gaze and a drool streak down his chin. He’s calm indoors, happy to loaf beside you, but he’ll still plod through brush with surprising purpose. He’s ideal if you want a low-key hunting buddy or a yard dog for a quieter household. Just know he’s prone to weight gain, hates heat, and needs someone who won’t mind the slobber on the couch. The Field Spaniel is sleeker, lighter, and more emotionally tuned in. At 35 to 50 pounds, he’s easier to manage physically, but he demands more interaction. He’s the one who’ll follow you room to room, lean into your leg during storms, and bark if the mailman breathes too loud. He thrives with active families who’ll take him on hikes, train him regularly, and keep his long coat brushed. Skip grooming, and you’ll regret it. Here’s the real talk: the Clumber looks dignified but can be stubborn as stone. The Field Spaniel wants to please but will shut down if you’re too harsh. Pick the Clumber if you value calm and character over zip. Pick the Field Spaniel if you want a velcro dog who hunts hard and loves harder.

Clumber Spaniel
Field Spaniel
17–20 in
Height
17–18 in
55–85 lb
Weight
35–50 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–13 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#143
AKC popularity
#149

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Clumber Spaniel Field Spaniel
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Field Spaniel is better with kids (2-point difference)
Field
Drooling Level
Field Spaniel drools less (2-point difference)
Field
Barking Level
Clumber Spaniel barks less (2-point difference)
Clumber
Affectionate w/ Family
Field Spaniel is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Field
Good with Other Dogs
Field Spaniel is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Field
The verdict

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if…

  • Hunters
  • Less active families
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value drooling levelClumber Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Field Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value good with young childrenField Spaniel scores higher here.
Clumber Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Clumber Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Field Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Field Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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