Gundog Handlers

The Working Clumber Spaniel Society

There has been a move to restore this ancient breed of spaniel back into the shooting fields and this objective has been led by the Working Clumber Spaniel Society formed in 1984 by a group of people who are passionate about working their dogs.

The Aim of the Society

Their aims are to promote selective breeding, from healthy screened and work proven dogs. To hold training events, mock field trials, shooting days, and field trials, to get these dogs back into the right working homes.

What to look for in a Working Clumber

"We are looking for lean well muscled dogs with low hip scores and tighter eyes with less haw showing; but still retaining the vital characteristics of this the largest of the spaniel breeds. An active dog with a busy style and pleasing tail action. They are either white and lemon or white and orange. Bitches weighing 45lbs to 55 lbs and the dogs 55lb to 65 lb. The kind of Clumber our Victorian forefathers respected. We need to draw on the past for our future, but increasingly adapting to the different needs of the 21st Century.”

Breeding for the Right Type

Clumbers have been described as a "vulnerable breed” by the kennel Club, as have some other spaniels. The only way to carefully restore this vulnerable breed is to select the healthiest stud dogs and bitches with the least faults, so that these are reduced and not duplicated.  In addition they must have proven themselves in the field to be good retrievers and strong hunters but most important of all, a biddable temperament, a dog that you can train. It is no good just breeding numbers or looking at how it reads on paper; they must be of the right working type.

Something a Little Different

It is nice to have choices in the spaniel world, whether it be a Springer or Cocker, but sometimes, something a little different, a little bit more of a challenge for example a Clumber; that may take longer to train and mature but it makes all your training worthwhile, when occasionally the heads of a few guns are turned. They come up and say to you that they have been reading about these "funny white dogs”. However they are impressed by their pace and style, their stamina and the way that their large pink nose dictates scent from a difficult bird that could have been missed. So whether you are a rough shooter, beater or picker up or looking for a dog on the peg or even for competition, maybe next time you are looking for a spaniel you should have a look at a Working Clumber spaniel.

Contact Hon. Secretary Debbie Zurick 01643 831427 www.workingclumber.co.uk

List of all Gundog Handlers

Avis Boreham

'Ashleygrove' gundogs.
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Ryan Hoggan

I have to say probably the best moment I have had to date is winning the puppy and novice test on the same day with Rosie and the Central Scotland sundog club’s summer test...
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Richard Preest

Richard is an amateur trainer and a true gentleman of the sport.
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Fran Glendining

Fran breeds American Cockers, English Cockers and English Springer Spaniels + owns and runs Brierley Kennels.
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David Williams

How David began his passion for field trials... “I was first introduced to the sport around 5 years ago..."
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Joe Hipwell - Sealpin Gundogs

Joe has won field trials with four different dogs but rates his biggest success as being selected for Scotland with five dogs over the past three years.
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Gerda Companjen (The Netherlands)

Gerda has had two Dutch Field Trial Champions: FT CH Lowly Nabucco (the only Golden Retriever in The Netherlands who gained this title) and FT CH Harperrig Archibald.
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Andrew Cullen MBE

Andrew Cullen of Laochin Gundogs.
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Philippa Williams

Castlemans Goldens and Retrievers.
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Eddie Scott

Eddie Scott of Broomfield Spaniels, winner of the Cocker Championship in 2005.
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Billy Steel Jnr.

Billy Steel Jnr of Broadlow Gundogs has trained and competed with gundogs for 30 years.
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The Working Clumber Spaniel Society

The Working Clumber Spaniel Society was formed in 1984 by a group of people who are passionate about working their dogs.
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Huw Jones

Ffynongain Gundogs
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Paul Leeke

Strinebrooke gundogs.
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Alan Rees

Delfryd gundogs.
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Christine Bridgwater

'Scherzando' Working Gundogs and Chinese Cresteds.
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Spider’s Appeal and Barry Atkinson

A unique adventure by a dog (Spider) and his owner, Barry Atkinson, pursuing a challenging lifestyle whilst raising funds for charity.
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Noel Bayley

Winner of the 2008 Retriever Championships with FT Ch Craighorn Abby.
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Fallowfen Gundogs

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Labradors.
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Chris Burns

Breezeleaf Working Spaniels.
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Dave Lisset

Buccleuch Gundogs.
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Bill Leonard

Clanicker Gundogs.
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Suzy Burton

'Trubon' Weimaraners and Teckels.
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