Clumber Spaniel health: what owners should know

The breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eyelid problems such as entropion and ectropion, intervertebral disc disease, ear infections and obesity. PDP1 deficiency, an inherited metabolic disorder that causes severe exercise intolerance, also occurs. Responsible breeders hip and elbow score, have eyes examined and DNA test for PDP1.

Keep your Clumber lean, clean ears and eyes regularly and discourage jumping from heights. See a vet if you notice red or weepy eyes, squinting, head shaking or a smell from the ears, reluctance to move, back pain, or tiring very quickly on walks. Sudden weakness in the hind legs, or crying out when moving, needs urgent attention.