Crufts 2026 Winner: Why You Should Never Buy a Clumber Spaniel
A clumber spaniel was crowned the ‘Best in Show’ winner of Crufts 2026.
The large, heavy-boned dogs are known for their large heads, drooping ears, and predominantly white coats with lemon or orange markings. Like all ‘pedigree’ dogs, clumber spaniels are known to suffer from health issues because of their breeding. Here’s why you should never buy one.
Clumber Spaniels Are Prone to Ear Infections and Eye Issues
Clumber spaniels’ long ears can restrict air flow, meaning they are more prone to ear infections than some other dogs. Infections can be highly unpleasant for dogs, leading to itching, swelling, and pain.
Entropion, where the eyelids roll inwards and hair irritates the eye, is also a risk with clumber spaniels. In addition to being extremely uncomfortable for the dogs, it can also cause corneal damage.
Clumber Spaniels May Develop Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common issues in pedigree dogs. The former means the hip doesn’t fit correctly in the socket, while the latter means the elbow joint does not develop properly. This can lead to immobility, and surgery may be required.
They Are Prone to Bloat, Which Can Be Fatal
Because of their deep chests, clumber spaniels are more prone to bloat than many other breeds, including gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), where the stomach twists and cuts off blood circulation to organs. This can be fatal.
Clumber Spaniels Need Lots of Stimulation
All dogs, regardless of breed, need lots of love, care, and attention from human guardians. But clumber spaniels are particularly high-energy dogs and need lots of outdoor exercise and play. Potential guardians must have significant time to devote to their care for their 10- to 12-year lifespan.
Clumber Spaniels Can Be Messy
No human should adopt any dog if they aren’t prepared to clean up after them – all dogs can shed, get dirty, and slobber on furniture. Clumber spaniels, however, are particularly predisposed to shedding and drooling. Many people are unprepared or unwilling to deal with extra mess or have enough patience to clean them.
Clumber Spaniels in Shelters Need You!
Every time you buy an animal from a breeder, you are taking away the chance for an animal in a shelter to find a loving home. The UK is in a rescue crisis, and there are tens of thousands of dogs in shelters who are desperate for a home. The breeding industry is highly exploitative, with females seen as breeding machines, rather than the individuals they are. Dogs are someone, not something, and there is never an excuse to buy a sentient being. If you have the time and resources needed to properly care for an animal companion, then please don’t prop up the cruel dog breeding industry, but rather visit your local shelter, and give a home to a loveable dog waiting to be adopted.
Why You Should Never Watch Crufts
Organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts glamourises ‘pedigree’ dogs that often suffer from health problems because of their breeding.
As well as clumber spaniels, Crufts promotes flat-faced, breathing-impaired breeds (BIBs) like French bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Humans demand dogs with squashed faces, and greedy breeders rush to make a profit off them – with little or no regard for their welfare. This year, a PETA supporter went undercover at Crufts and spoke to a number of breeders of BIBs, who told us that these breeds endure forced manual impregnation, repeated caesareans, and many more disturbing details.
Take Action Against Crufts
You can help dogs today by calling on Channel 4 to follow in the footsteps of the BBC, which stopped airing Crufts after the 2008 event over ethical concerns, and cut ties with the show for good.
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