Clumber Pei
Hybrid Breed Description
The Clumber Pei is a cross between the Clumber Spaniel and the Chinese Shar Pei. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Clumber Pei. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel stands as the largest and most substantial of all spaniel breeds, characterized by its distinctive long, low body and massive bone structure. Males typically measure eighteen to twenty inches at the withers and weigh between seventy and eighty-five pounds, while females stand seventeen to nineteen inches tall and weigh fifty-five to seventy pounds. Their rectangular body shape, with length to height ratio of eleven to nine, enables efficient movement through dense underbrush. The breed's heavy, well-muscled frame combines with short legs to create their characteristic steady, methodical gait. The head represents one of the breed's most notable features, appearing large and square with a broad skull, pronounced brow, and medium-length muzzle. Deep-set dark amber eyes convey a thoughtful, pensive expression, while large, triangular vine-shaped ears hang slightly forward and show moderate feathering. The massive bone structure throughout the body provides power and endurance without appearing coarse or bulky. Large, round front feet with thick pads act as natural shock absorbers for fieldwork. Clumber Spaniels wear a dense, straight, flat double coat with a soft, weather-resistant texture. The undercoat provides insulation while the outer coat lies close to the body. Slight feathering appears on the ears, with more moderate feathering decorating the chest, legs, belly, and tail. The breed displays a substantial neck frill, and proper grooming maintains the natural outline while ensuring utility. The coat color is predominantly white with lemon or orange markings typically found around the eyes, ears, face, and at the base of the tail. Freckling or spots on the muzzle and front legs commonly appear, adding to the breed's distinctive appearance.
Key Characteristics
The Clumber Spaniel exemplifies the ideal temperament for both hunting companion and family pet, earning the affectionate nickname of the retired gentleman's spaniel. These dogs display a gentle, loyal, and affectionate nature combined with calm, sedate behavior that makes them excellent choices for first-time owners. They bond deeply with entire families while sometimes selecting one person as their special favorite. Their easygoing disposition allows them to adjust activity levels to match their owners' lifestyles, equally content during active outdoor adventures or quiet evenings at home. Intelligence paired with an independent thinking streak characterizes Clumber behavior, as they were bred to work methodically while hunting. This combination creates dogs who learn quickly yet display determination and purpose in their actions. They show enthusiasm for work and play, approaching tasks with steady focus rather than frenetic energy. Their playful side emerges through mischievous behaviors and a sense of humor that endears them to families. Training requires consistency and patience, as their independent nature may lead them to question commands, though food motivation often helps maintain engagement during sessions. While generally friendly and accepting of people, Clumbers may appear reserved or aloof with strangers initially, taking time to warm up to new individuals. They rarely display aggression and typically show no tendency toward excessive barking, preferring quiet observation over vocal alerts. Their dignified demeanor doesn't prevent them from being affectionate companions who thrive on human attention and companionship. Children find them to be patient, tireless playmates, especially during ball games that tap into their retrieving instincts. Early socialization ensures they develop into well-adjusted adults comfortable in various situations and environments.
Clumber Spaniels generally maintain good health with an average lifespan of ten to twelve years, though the breed shows predisposition to several significant health conditions that potential owners should understand. Hip dysplasia represents the most serious concern, with the breed ranking among the worst affected according to orthopedic health surveys. This hereditary condition affects how the hip joint develops, with studies showing over forty-five percent of tested Clumbers display some degree of dysplasia. Signs typically appear between five and twelve months of age and may include hindleg lameness, muscle wastage, reluctance to exercise, and difficulty with stairs or jumping. Management ranges from pain medication to surgical correction depending on severity. Elbow dysplasia presents similar challenges, causing abnormal joint development that leads to mobility issues and discomfort. Intervertebral disc disease poses particular risk due to the breed's long back structure, potentially causing pain, weakness, or paralysis if spinal discs deteriorate. Eye conditions including entropion and ectropion, where eyelids roll inward or outward respectively, frequently affect Clumbers and often require surgical intervention to prevent corneal damage and vision impairment. These conditions stem from the breed's distinctive facial structure. Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, represents a life-threatening emergency for deep-chested breeds like Clumbers. The stomach fills with air and twists, cutting off circulation and requiring immediate veterinary care. Preventive measures include feeding multiple smaller meals, using slow-feed bowls, and avoiding exercise immediately before or after eating. Additional concerns include heat sensitivity due to their heavy build and dense coat, impacted anal glands requiring regular expression, and potential difficulties with anesthesia sensitivity. Responsible breeders conduct comprehensive health testing, and maintaining healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise helps manage many of these conditions. Prospective owners should work closely with veterinarians to establish preventive care protocols that support the breed's long-term health and comfort.
Chinese Shar Pei
The Chinese Shar Pei presents one of the most distinctive appearances in the canine world, instantly recognizable by its deeply wrinkled skin and unique physical features. This medium-sized breed stands eighteen to twenty inches tall at the shoulder, with males weighing between forty-five and sixty pounds. The compact, square-proportioned body appears solid and muscular beneath loose, abundant skin that forms characteristic wrinkles, particularly prominent on the head, neck, and shoulders. Puppies display especially pronounced wrinkling that moderates somewhat as they mature, though adult dogs retain distinctive facial folds. The broad, flat head resembles a hippopotamus in shape, featuring a moderately short, wide muzzle without any taper. Small, triangular ears fold forward and lie flat against the skull, while small, almond-shaped eyes often appear sunken due to surrounding wrinkles. The breed's most unusual feature is the blue-black tongue, shared only with the Chow Chow. The tail sets high and curves tightly over the back, sometimes forming a complete curl. Strong, muscular legs support the compact body, and the breed moves with a free, balanced gait. Shar Pei coats come in three distinct types: horse coat (extremely short and prickly), brush coat (slightly longer and smoother), and bear coat (longest, though not standard). All coat types feature harsh, bristly texture. The breed displays a wide variety of solid colors including black, red, fawn, cream, and various shades of sable and dilute colors. The skin itself appears thick and slightly oily to touch, contributing to the breed's unique tactile quality and providing historical protection during dog fights.
Key Characteristics
The Chinese Shar Pei exhibits a complex temperament combining loyalty, independence, and dignified aloofness. These dogs form exceptionally strong bonds with their families, often becoming devoted to one or two people while remaining more reserved with other household members. Their natural wariness of strangers stems from their breeding as guard dogs, and they typically assess new people with calm observation rather than friendly enthusiasm. This protective instinct makes them excellent watchdogs who will defend their territory and family when necessary, though proper socialization helps them distinguish real threats from normal situations. Intelligent and independent, Shar Peis display a stubborn streak that requires patient, consistent training from confident owners. They think for themselves and may question commands, making them unsuitable for first-time dog owners. Early socialization proves absolutely critical for this breed, as inadequate exposure to various people, animals, and situations during puppyhood can lead to excessive suspiciousness or aggression. When properly socialized, they show calm confidence and reasonable tolerance of strangers and other animals, though they never become overly friendly or submissive. Despite their serious demeanor, Shar Peis possess a playful side they share primarily with trusted family members. They maintain moderate energy levels and don't require excessive exercise, though regular walks and mental stimulation prevent boredom. Their clean habits make them relatively easy to housetrain. Many owners describe them as cat-like in their independence and selective affection. They typically do well with children in their own family when raised together, though supervision remains important due to their low tolerance for rough handling. Their strong prey drive may cause problems with small pets, and same-sex aggression can occur with other dogs. Overall, the Shar Pei suits experienced owners who appreciate their unique combination of loyalty, intelligence, and dignified independence.
Chinese Shar Peis face numerous breed-specific health challenges that significantly impact their quality of life and require dedicated veterinary care. The average lifespan ranges from eight to twelve years. Their distinctive wrinkled skin predisposes them to several dermatological conditions. Skin fold dermatitis occurs when moisture and bacteria accumulate in deep wrinkles, causing painful infections requiring regular cleaning and sometimes medication. Many Shar Peis develop allergies manifesting as skin irritation, ear infections, and digestive issues. Some individuals require lifelong management through specialized diets and medications. Entropion represents the breed's most serious hereditary condition, affecting a significant percentage of Shar Peis. The excessive facial skin causes eyelids to roll inward, forcing eyelashes and hair to constantly irritate the cornea. This painful condition can lead to corneal ulceration and vision loss without surgical correction, often requiring multiple procedures as puppies mature. The breed also commonly experiences other eye problems including glaucoma and retinal dysplasia. Their small ear canals combined with tight-fitting ears create ideal conditions for chronic ear infections requiring vigilant cleaning and monitoring. Shar Pei fever, a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder unique to the breed, causes recurring episodes of unexplained high fever accompanied by swelling of the hocks. These episodes typically last twelve to thirty-six hours and can lead to amyloidosis, where abnormal protein deposits damage kidneys and other organs, potentially causing kidney failure. Hip dysplasia affects the breed with notable frequency, causing pain and mobility problems. The breed also shows increased risk for hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, and various immune-mediated conditions. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings, though the breed's numerous genetic health issues mean prospective owners should prepare for potentially extensive veterinary care throughout the dog's life. Regular examinations, proactive management of skin and eye conditions, and close monitoring for signs of Shar Pei fever help maximize health outcomes.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Clumber Pei may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Clumber Spaniel and Chinese Shar Pei to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.