Most people do research on big purchases in their lives: cars, homes, even washing machines. A Clumber Spaniel has an average lifespan of 10-12 years, and will cost a fair amount of money to feed, vaccinate and maintain throughout its life. Unlike a car, though, a Clumber will give you love and laughs for the investment, so be an educated buyer with a dog, too!
You are off to the right start, by coming to this website and reading our Puppy Buyer’s Guide. There is more information on contacting reputable Clumber breeders elsewhere in the Breeder Referral section, but here are a few more suggestions and facts to help you:
Breeder Focus
In this country and abroad, there are people who breed dogs primarily to turn a profit - to them, breeding and selling a puppy is no different than growing and selling potatoes- they want to churn them out and sell them. No thought is given to mating dogs that have good traits to improve the breed. Puppies are not socialized and breeders do not screen buyers- a phone call or email and credit card are all that are needed to obtain a Clumber. An easy way to obtain a dog in the short run, but the genetics, health, and living conditions of a puppy and their parents can lead to years of problems and expensive vet bills. A good breeder will be there for the life of your dog, not just until your check clears.
Championship Titles
Championship titles in the backgrounds of parents can mean very little if the breeder has not adequately researched the families of dogs from which mated dogs are chosen. Adequate research also includes study of traits, health and temperament that are passed down in a pedigree. AKC or other Conformation Championship titles are only a part of what makes up a quality show dog or pedigree.
Purebred Dog Registries
There are 3 registries recognized around the world as the legitimate registries for pure bred dogs in their countries or area of operation. They are the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC, not to be confused with Continental Kennel Club) and the Federation Cynologique Internationale, known as the FCI, outside of North America. Many other registries have been created for commercial purposes only, and can give mixed-breeds the appearance of being pure bred. They also do not require any proof of lineage, nor do they offer it.
Conscientious breeders often sell pups with AKC “limited” registration. “Limited” means the offspring of the dog cannot be registered with the AKC. Breeders usually do this to dissuade the breeding of lesser quality dogs (although they make great pets). Be sure when purchasing a Clumber that is comes with AKC registration. Some individuals are breeding dogs with AKC limited registrations even though they promised their dogs’ breeders they would not use their dogs for breeding.
Here are a few other things to watch out for: