PuppyBase

Clumber Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel

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

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Clumber Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel

You’re probably comparing the Clumber and Welsh Springer Spaniel because they’re both spaniels with “Spaniel” in the name and similar sizes, but that’s where the family resemblance ends. One’s a laid-back country gentleman who ambles through life with a smirk, the other’s a cheerful farmhand who’s always ready to sprint to the next field. The Clumber Spaniel is heavier, sometimes nearly twice the weight of a Welsh Springer, and moves like he’s got places to be. eventually. He’s mellow, quiet, and affectionate without being clingy. You’ll love his dry sense of humor and how he takes up half the couch without apology. He’s great for families who want a dog that enjoys the yard and a walk but won’t demand two-hour hikes daily. But don’t be fooled by his calm. his energy isn’t zero, and he still needs structure. And yes, he drools. After a drink? Expect a waterfall. The Welsh Springer is brighter, bouncier, and bonds deeply with his people. He’s more vocal, way more eager to please, and needs real physical and mental work. If you’re hiking, hunting, or have active kids, he’s your guy. He’s also healthier on average, living a couple of years longer, but requires weekly coat maintenance. those red and white feathers trap burrs like a magnet. Here’s the real talk: The Clumber looks like a lazy lump sometimes, but he’s got stubborn dignity. Train him with patience, not force. The Welshie? He’ll follow you into the shower if allowed, but leave him alone too long and he’ll redecorate the living room from boredom. Pick the Clumber if you want a stoic, amusing companion who fits a slower life. Pick the Welsh Springer if you want a joyful, hardworking partner in adventure. One’s a novel you read by the fire. The other’s a playlist on double time.

Clumber Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel
17–20 in
Height
17–19 in
55–85 lb
Weight
35–55 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#143
AKC popularity
#128

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 Welsh Springer Spaniel
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Strangers
Clumber Spaniel is friendlier with strangers (3-point difference)
Clumber
Good with Young Children
Welsh Springer Spaniel is better with kids (2-point difference)
Welsh
Drooling Level
Welsh Springer Spaniel drools less (2-point difference)
Welsh
Barking Level
Clumber Spaniel barks less (2-point difference)
Clumber
Affectionate w/ Family
Welsh Springer Spaniel is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Welsh
The verdict

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if…

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

Choose the Welsh Springer Spaniel if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Families with children
  • You value good with young childrenWelsh Springer 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
Welsh Springer Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Welsh Springer 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

Other comparisons people run