Clumber Spaniel Breed: The Ultimate Guide

Clumber Spaniel Introduction

All dogs have many different characteristics, both physical and mental. Some dogs love to play, while others prefer napping, and some dogs are better for apartment living, while others need ample room to play. For owners that are looking for an easy-going, friendly, playful dog, the Clumber Spaniel breed may be for you.

The most established Clumber Spaniel history begins in the 1700s, when the Duke of Newcastle and his gamekeeper founded a harty spaniel to live on the Duke’s large estate, Clumber Park, in Nottinghamshire, England. Shortly after, Clumber Spaniels became popular amongst British Royals, who furthered the development of this breed. Clumber Spaniels became so popular amongst royalty, that they were a common subject within artwork by both sporting artists and portrait painters within the British aristocracy.

The first British dog shows during the mid-1800s had Clumber Spaniels as some of their most prized participants and attendees. Around this time, Clumber Spaniels made their way into the United States, with the help of Canadian exporting, and rose in popularity on this new continent as well. By the time the American Kennel Club was established in 1884, the Clumber Spaniel was among the club’s nine charter breeds. Modern Clumber Spaniels are typically between 55 and 85 pounds and stand between 17 to 20 inches tall.

Clumber Spaniel Temperament

If you are looking for a dog to snuggle up with, the Clumber Spaniel is happy to fulfill this role. Clumber Spaniels are affectionate with their family members, and they can live in homes with young children or other dogs. They love to meet new people and are great dogs to take to social situations, such as on walks in the neighborhood or trips to the dog park. They can adapt well to change, such as new homes, new work schedules, or new climates.

Clumber Spaniels are not known to be very vocal, so you shouldn’t have to worry about excessive barking with this breed. They have a moderate amount of energy and need daily exercise but won’t tire you out with a high desire to run. Clumber Spaniels like to be busy and have something to do, though they don’t necessarily need a job at all times to be happy. They are known to be easygoing and sweet when at home, but they can have tracking tendencies when outside, given their hunting history. Overall, Clumber Spaniels are great family dogs, can be used for hunting, and love to go on hikes or walks just as much as they love to hang out and watch a movie with their family, making them a great fit for many different homes.

Clumber Spaniel Intelligence

Clumber Spaniels are fairly intelligent dogs who have some strong instincts. Given their bird hunting background, they have a high prey drive, or the instinct to hunt and chase moving objects, especially birds. Because of this, Clumber Spaniels tend to be mouthy and nip at others, and this can be an unwanted behavior. With time, you can teach your Clumber Spaniel that nipping is not acceptable.

One great thing about Clumber Spaniels is that they are very eager to please, which makes them fairly easy to train. Clumber Spaniels enjoy making their owners happy and because of that, they respond to training very well. With Clumber Spaniels, or any eager to please breed, it’s important to focus on positive reinforcement. Clumber Spaniels may get stubborn despite wanting to make you happy, which can be frustrating. Nevertheless, be sure to remain consistent and offer lots of rewards when your pup responds to your training. Offering them praise, pets, and treats is a great way to show your Clumber Spaniel that they have pleased you and to motivate them to do more of the same. With the right training techniques, you are sure to have a very obedient Clumber Spaniel in no time.

Clumber Spaniel Shedding

Clumber Spaniels are known for their long, thick coats, which can make them prone to shedding- a lot. Clumber Spaniels have high shedding potential, and this should be considered by any owner. With proper grooming techniques, you can minimize and manage shedding throughout the years.

Most breeds, including Clumber Spaniels, shed the most during fall and spring. This helps to make way for their winter and summer coats, which keep them from overheating or becoming too cold during these very different seasons. During spring and fall, it’s a good idea to amp up grooming to reduce shedding. Doing so will do both you and your dog a favor. More on grooming your Clumber Spaniel in a bit.

Clumber Spaniels are known to be on the drooly side. They may drool excessively after eating food, drinking water, or on a hot day. Having a towel or two around regularly to clean up their drool is the best way to make sure your home doesn’t get covered in slobber. With the correct grooming and clean-up tactics, you can easily adjust to having this messy pup in your home. Their shedding and drooling are easily forgotten with such a loveable, adorable breed like a Clumber Spaniel.

Clumber Spaniel Health

Keeping your dog healthy is one of the most important parts of being a dog owner. We all hope for a life without any health concerns for our dogs, but unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Clumber Spaniels can be more prone to various health conditions than other breeds are. Knowing what these health conditions are and what they look like can help you get your Clumber Spaniel the medical help that they need if these conditions do arise. With proper nutrition and preventative factors, your dog can reach their average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Psychological Health

Psychological health is a very important part of overall health. Psychological health allows your dog to do what they love and get the most out of their lives. Unfortunately, various psychological health conditions can affect any dog, including a Clumber Spaniel. One of the most common psychological health issues for a Clumber Spaniel to face is called canine cognitive dysfunction.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Canine cognitive dysfunction, also known as canine dementia, is a psychological health issue mostly seen in older dogs. Since smaller breeds such as Clumber Spaniels have such long life expectancies, they can be more prone to hitting an age where this condition is prevalent. Canine cognitive dysfunction typically affects dogs 10 years old or older.

Canine dementia is very similar to dementia in humans, with similar symptoms of confusion and disorientation. This condition can’t be reversed, but it can be treated at home. Mental stimulation is a great way to prevent canine dementia in your dog and can easily be achieved through puzzle toys, feeder bowls, and regular socialization. As your Clumber Spaniel ages, feeding them senior formulated dog foods can provide them with various ingredients that enhance cognitive functioning with age.

Anxiety

Along with canine cognitive dysfunction, anxiety is a very common condition for Clumber Spaniels to face. Clumber Spaniels can become anxious for a variety of reasons, including going to a new place, meeting new dogs or people, hearing loud and unknown noises, or being away from their owner.

Anxiety looks different in every dog. Some dogs may become restless and pace around their yard when they are anxious. Others may begin to whine, howl, or bark when they are experiencing anxiety. An anxious dog may even refuse to eat when they are feeling extremely anxious or stressed. All of these symptoms can make your dog’s life uncomfortable and less enjoyable than when they are anxiety-free. Combatting anxiety in your dog is the best way to ensure that they are living their happiest, healthiest life possible.

When dealing with canine anxiety, there are a variety of different calming dog products on the market. Some calming treats contain natural ingredients that will soothe your dog and minimize their anxiety. In addition, various dog beds provide comfort and security that your Clumber Spaniel may need to ease their anxiety and relax.

Hip Dysplasia

One of the most common health issues for a Clumber Spaniel to experience is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia occurs due to abnormal growth of the hip joint ball and socket. This abnormal growth can cause the hip joint to become loose and unstable, leading to swelling and discomfort. For overweight Clumber Spaniels, hip dysplasia can be extremely painful due to the excess weight on the joint, highlighting the importance of keeping your Clumber Spaniel from becoming obese or overweight.

A dog with hip dysplasia may show signs of discomfort in one or both of its hind legs, such as limping or struggling to stand from lying. If you notice any symptoms of hip dysplasia, be sure to contact your vet. Unfortunately, there are no ways to reverse this condition, but it can be managed at home. One of the best ways to manage hip dysplasia in your Clumber Spaniel is through diet. One study has shown that dogs who ate nutrient-rich, fish-based food had less severe cases of hip dysplasia than those who ate chicken-based foods. In addition to diet, anti-inflammatory supplements such as turmeric can help reduce joint swelling and minimize pain caused by hip dysplasia.

Ear Infections

Clumber Spaniels are known for their adorable, floppy ears. Unfortunately, this cute ear shape can be a cause of ear infections. Ear infections are commonly caused by excess moisture that becomes trapped within floppy ears and are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Dogs with ear infections may have a crust around the ear, an odor, and show signs of ear pain by trying to rub their ears. Ear infections must be treated by a vet, but there are ways to prevent them at home.

One of the best ways to prevent ear infections in Clumber Spaniels is through regular ear cleaning. Ear cleaning will be performed by your groomer during grooming appointments, but it also needs to be done between sessions. Ear cleaning can be done with various ear drops and ear wipes found at your local pet store. If you notice that your Clumber Spaniel continues to get ear infections after treatment and prevention measures, they may be experiencing allergies. Recurrent ear infections should be addressed by a vet for possible underlying conditions. With proper maintenance and prevention, your Clumber Spaniel can live an ear infection free life.

 Ear Cleaning Solutions We Love

Shorkie Breed Overview

Americans began crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Shih Tzu in order to develop a lapdog that was both clever and cheerful. However, to really know the Shorkie’s history, one must first understand the origins of its parent breed. The Shih Tzu originated in China and was possibly developed via a cross between the Lhaso Apso and Pekingese.

Yorkies worked as ratters in mines and mills long before they were Victorian ladies’ beribboned lapdogs. The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy-sized terrier that weighs little more than seven pounds and is distinguished by a floor-length, glossy coat of steel blue and golden tan. The Shorkie puppy is tough, feisty, bold, and even domineering, exhibiting all the characteristics of a real terrier. Shorkies are also known as Shorkie Tzu, Yorkie Tzu, and a mix of Shih Tzu and Yorkie.

A Shorkie puppy weighs around 7 pounds and has a height of 7 to 8 inches with a silky coat of floor-length which is steel blue and golden tan. If you’re seeking a fun-size dog with a strong dog personality, a watchdog who will alarm you to guests, robbers, and postal carriers, and a buddy who will love you wholeheartedly, the Shorkie may be the pup for you.

The Temperament of the Shorkie Breed

Lovable, active, and energetic, one of the most often stated characteristics of Shorkies is that they are unaware of their little size. If you like cuddling, a Shorkie may be the best choice for you, since they enjoy curling up in your lap and cuddling. Shorkies get along well with everybody within the family, but they build the most grounded ties with their primary caretaker and often stay glued to them. Remember that Shorkies are part terrier, which means they may be a little high-spirited but also quite bright.

Terrier-like qualities include a strong hunting drive, which may lead them to chase small animals or even dig. Your puppy may get too attached to their favorite family member, so be prepared for some clinginess. However, the Shorkie’s tiny size makes them ideal for apartments and compact areas, yet they tend to bark at the least noise. When playing with younger children, they ought to be closely observed because of their size, which might result in injury. To avoid them being territorial and protective in their range and people, they need to be socialized to different pets at a younger age.

The Intelligence of the Shorkie Puppy

A Shorkie puppy has a high level of intelligence, however, they’ll do anything they need most of the time. It’s truly important that you do not scold this kind of a breed. This will only serve to toughen their willpower and make them less responsive to your training. Using positive reinforcement while training your puppy is crucial since dogs are more inclined to repeat lessons that are rewarding.

Shorkie dogs are not difficult to socialize with, since people usually like their friendly personality. Despite the fact that each dog has its own personality, there is enough evidence to suggest that the dog’s ability to communicate with people is one of the most distinctive aspects of their species. This is an excellent social cognitive skill since they pay close attention and respond quickly when we speak to them. You must learn to read and observe your dog’s body language to comprehend what they’re trying to tell you and bring the best out of it.

Do Shorkie Puppies Shed?

Shedding may be a nuisance for some people, particularly for those who are allergic. Some dogs shed a lot, while others don’t shed at all. Depending on the breed, some shed constantly, while others shed just once or twice a year.

Shorkies are typically low-shedding dogs since both parents are considered hypoallergenic breeds. Consider yourself lucky that your puppy will not make a mess all over your place with their hair.

Shorkies have a long silky coat that requires high maintenance. Therefore, it is recommended that you brush their coats regularly. You can wash your puppy once a month along with brushing them. You and your dog may spend quality time together brushing and bathing. Additionally, it’s a wonderful time to look for any unusual pimples, parasites, or dry skin on your pet dog.

Health of the Shorkie Puppy

A Shorkie is considered a healthy puppy with a lifespan of 11 to 16 years. As a new dog owner, it’s important that you discuss and learn about your dog’s health issues in advance. Shorkies have a wide range of health problems.

While crossbreeds are often healthier than their purebred parents, there is still a danger that they may develop certain health conditions. The health problems in this breed may include brachycephalic, glaucoma, dental problems, heart disease, and Cushing’s disease.

Common Psychological Health Conditions in the Shorkie

Stress

The most common behavior of a stressed puppy is to attempt to get away from the person holding them in order to hide in a safe haven. They may crouch at your feet, ears down and tail tucked, or they may attempt to flee behind a table or other pieces of furniture. When under stress, your Shorkie might lick his lips or yawn. They lick their lips more intensely than while they’re appreciating a taste. The younger puppy might shiver or pant excessively when worried.

As a Shorkie owner, it is your duty to understand what is causing stress in your dog. You may relocate your puppy away from the stressor if the stress is threatening or fear-related. There are a lot of interactive dog toys that may keep your dog occupied in these scenarios. If you use a dog puzzle toy, the dog will work hard to get the goodies out. It’s also important to remove anything that causes your puppy to be stressed or anxious,  such as a toy.

Anxiety

Leaving a dog at home alone, even for a short period of time, may be very distressing for both the dog and its owner. When your dog is left alone, he doesn’t just miss his owner; he experiences separation anxiety on a far deeper level. Feeling alone causes an intense emotional reaction that manifests itself in a variety of behaviors. It’s a concern that impacts all dogs, although certain breeds, like the Shorkie, are more susceptible to it than others.

Separation anxiety may develop for a Shorkie only after being away from home for an extended amount of time, whilst another Yorkie, who is more sensitive, may show symptoms of separation anxiety after just a few minutes away from home. It might be tough to tell whether your Shorkie is suffering from separation anxiety because of its small size. If you suspect that your dog may be bored, under-exercised, or in need of basic obedience training, the first step is to rule these things out. When left alone, anxious dogs may become hyperactive and even destructive. Often misunderstood as naughtiness, this is in fact frightening behavior that is being expressed. One of the most common ways your Shorkie may show their anxiety while you’re gone is by crying or barking excessively. Higher pitched, more agitated, and restless are some of the characteristics of an anxious bark.

Calming Dog Products

People who suffer from anxiety often find relief via the company of dogs. But experienced dog owners know that anxiety can be an issue for our four-legged pets, too. There are a variety of products available that aim to serve to reduce your puppy’s anxiety.

Your puppy might benefit from having a T-shirt with your smell on it. The use of noise generators or mild music might also be helpful. When it comes to anything from anxiety to skin disorders, essential oils are often promoted as natural therapy choices or even an alternative to conventional medication. Calming your dog may be made easier with the use of essential oils such as sweet orange and lavender. The use of pheromones that relax dogs has also been shown to be effective. Pheromones released by a new mother are mimicked by an artificial substance.

Common Physical Health Conditions in the Shorkie

Brachycephalic

In this condition, stenotic nares, lengthy soft palate, laryngeal collapse, hypoplastic trachea, and everted laryngeal saccules are among the upper airway abnormalities. Changes in the lungs and the digestive system, such as bronchial collapse, gastric reflux, and chronic gastritis, have been associated with brachycephalic syndrome. Snorting and snoring are common symptoms in dogs with mild respiratory issues, particularly during exercise. Noise from the airways may be more noticeable in severely afflicted dogs, and they may collapse or faint after exercise. Additionally, your puppy might have symptoms like coughing, choking, retching, or vomiting. This illness may lead to secondary issues, such as inflammation of various airway systems. Breathing with more difficulty over the long term might place stress on the heart. If your puppy is suffering from severe risk airway passage may need the use of breathing assistance or oxygen supplement.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that may cause harm to the optic nerve of your puppy. Unusually high pressure inside your Shorkie’s eye is typically the cause of glaucoma. Increased pressure over time may destroy the optic nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss or blindness in certain cases.

Glaucoma is not simply the appearance of a clouded eye. Squinting, dilated pupils, and blurry vision are all signs of an eye infection. Your dog may close his eye and rub it. As you try to pat him or touch the side of his head, he may turn away. You may also notice that the white of your puppy’s eye is inflamed or that the cloudiness is blue or reddish-blue with a reddish tinge. Glaucoma may cause your Shorkie to become sluggish, lose his appetite, or even become unresponsive.

A dog with glaucoma in one eye is at a greater risk of developing glaucoma in the other eye if it isn’t properly and quickly examined. It’s possible that your veterinarian may advise laser treatment, eye removal, drainage implants, or antibiotic injections to treat your Shorkie.

 

Eye Supplements We Love

Cushing’s Disease

A number of factors might be the cause that your dog is frequently drinking and urinating. Cushing’s disease (CD), also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is one thing your veterinarian may test for. Dogs suffer from dehydration and muscle loss as the disease grows. On the neck, you might notice thinning and blemishes on the skin as well as hair loss. Other symptoms might include increased hunger, pot belly, excessive panting, scaly patches on the skin and elbows, and obesity with fat, especially on the neck.

Persistent utilization of steroid-containing ear drops can be the reason for the infection in light of the fact that the prescription is absorbed through the skin.

Your veterinarian might recommend you to feed your puppy with highly digestible protein like salmon and beef to prevent muscle loss. Additionally, avoid feeding your puppy a diet high in fat since this might increase his cholesterol and lead to him becoming obese.

Oral Health of the Shorkie Puppy

Taking care of your dog’s dental hygiene is an important part of keeping them healthy. Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene and feeding them nutritious food will help prevent oral diseases in the future. Tooth loss and other painful diseases may result from untreated dental diseases in dogs.

Dental Diets

Discussing a dental diet first with your veterinarian is the best way to determine whether it’s the right choice for your Shorkie. Using a dental diet instead of a brush is not always suitable, and not all dogs are suitable for this diet.

Reduced protein and calcium intake in dental diets reduces plaque and tartar mineralization. When the dog’s teeth are larger and more fibrous, they are more likely to swallow the meal before it breaks apart, allowing fibers to remove food particles from their surface.

Edible Chew Treats

Regardless of what your dog is chewing, it is good for their oral health to engage in some kind of chewing. All-natural beef chews include enzymes that help enhance your dog’s oral health by chewing. Beef strips, bully sticks, and chicken strips are all healthy and enjoyable chews for dogs.

 

Ovaret Dental Hygiene Chews Based on Size

Toothbrushes and Wipes

You may use a dog toothbrush or a finger brush to clean your puppy’s teeth. Dog dental wipes are a wonderful option for people who are unable to brush their dog’s teeth or like to use another alternative.

Needs of the Shorkie Puppy

Exercise

Exercise for the Shorkie is an enjoyable experience. They are quite flexible to your lifestyle and just need a little bit of attentive care to keep them healthy. They need to walk 30 to 60 minutes a day as part of their daily fitness routine. Play and training sessions are included in this. For as long as you engage in regular physical activity with your Shorkie, he will be content and happy. They might be difficult to train because of their stubbornness. Their devotion to you may work in your favor, as they will want to remain with you rather than go out and see the world on their own.

These puppies are known to adore playing fetching and may get a bit ball crazy at times, so be careful around them. It’s possible to teach your Shorkie to fetch by rewarding or praising them when they return the ball to your hand.

The brachycephalic condition, which causes small muzzles, may affect young Shorkie pups, making them more prone to respiratory problems. When it’s hot outside, this may be very dangerous. Therefore, it’s essential that you take your puppy to the veterinarian for a thorough examination before beginning an exercise regimen.

Exercise Toys We Love

Nutrition

Shorkies need around 40 calories per pound of body weight when they are fully grown. Puppies have an increased caloric need due to their fast growth. Younger Shorkie puppies need high-quality dry food. Shorkies, in particular, benefit from the smaller size of these sorts of kibbles. Dental problems may be avoided by feeding dry food.

Make sure the kibble you buy is made with the highest-quality ingredients, contains a high proportion of lean meat, and is enriched with the vitamins and minerals your Shorkie needs to stay healthy and strong. It’s best to stay away from no-name and low-cost dry foods since they tend to be high in harmful carbohydrates and plant-based protein fillers. In addition, make sure the food you provide your pet is age-appropriate. Dogs of various ages have distinct food requirements. Consult your veterinarian if you have any doubts about the suitability of the diet you’ve chosen for your dog. There is an increased risk of obesity due to poor dietary choices. Small breed dogs like the Shorkie are especially vulnerable to obesity since it doesn’t take much to put on weight. Omega-6, omega-3, fiber, and calcium are all essential nutrients to include in your dog’s diet.

Grooming

Daily brushing is necessary for the Shorkie. Without adequate brushing, the coat may become knotted, tangled, and matted. Many individuals prefer to have their pets professionally groomed and trimmed every 6 weeks. Remember to start training and socializing your puppy as soon as possible. You may wash and brush them with ease since they are well-behaved and have a good response to handling. When you’re trying to groom an untrained or overly spoilt Shorkie, he or she may snap and refuse to be handled.

It is advised to brush the hair to eliminate knots before washing your puppy. This will make brushing a wet Shorkie after a bath a lot simpler. To keep water out of the ears, place cotton balls in the earholes. This will keep your dog’s ears healthy. Warm water and dog shampoo are all that is needed to bathe your Shorkie once or twice a month. A soft toothbrush may be used to gently cleanse the hair around the eyes. To avoid tangling, wash thoroughly but gently. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before drying them with a clean towel.

Top Product Picks for the Shorkie Puppy

To keep your puppy in great physical shape, the following product categories may help.

Dog Food

Dogs must be well fed. It keeps them healthy and happy. However, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for feeding your dog. All dog diets must have proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in order to meet the nutritional needs of your puppy.

Your Shorkie needs digestible food as it has shorter digestive tracts. Ask your veterinarian about the finest diets for your puppy that are high in antioxidants to avoid free radical damage during its long lifespan.

 

Dog Food We Love Based On Age

Crate

Dogs are drawn to corners where they may make cozy dens for themselves. Crates are good training tools for puppies, safe places for older dogs, and life-savers in an emergency. When you’re not with your Shorkie puppy, a crate might be a haven for him.

Your mischievous puppy might get themselves into all kinds of mischief. In most cases, this problem is minor, but it may be quite dangerous and put both you and your dog at risk.

It’s possible to drop a hot pan while you are cooking and your pet comes under your feet, for example. It’ll be a mess, and you or the Shorkie might be harmed. A crate may be useful in these situations, as well.

Crates We Love

Bed

A dog’s life would be incomplete without a good night’s sleep. Most dogs fall sleep between 12 and 14 hours each day on average. Puppy dogs may need 18-20 hours of sleep a day.

If your puppy chews a lot, it is important that you find a suitable bed for him. A bed made of PVC pipe or Aluminum might be the right choice for your puppy. Remember being a good pet owner is all about making sure your pet has a good night’s sleep in a comfy bed. Remember that mattresses are more than just for sleeping. They may provide as a “safe haven” for dogs that have anxiety or noise phobias.

Beds We Love

Harness

Buy your Shorkie’s dog harness according to the puppy’s weight and personality. Dog harnesses come in a variety of forms, and each one is designed to fit a certain dog. The ribcage of your dog may be measured to make sure that you are purchasing the correct size. In order to avoid hurting your Shorkie puppy, you should avoid using harnesses that are excessively tight or that are too loose.

Harnesses We Love

Resources

Shih Tzu Club

Yorkshire Terrier Club

American Kennel Club

Shih Tzu Club UK

United Kennel Club