KENNEL NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 155, 2 June 1937, Page 6

KENNEL NOTES

(By “Fancier.”) Any queries addressed “Fancier,” c/o “Standard,” will be answered through these columns.

At this time when thoughts arc centring round our Jtoywl Family, an appropriate breed to deal with is the clumber, such a favourite of the late lvfng George V. There is a theory that these dogs are descended from an Alpine spaniel and so are distantly related to the St. Bernard. Another theory is that they were sent from a French duke to an English one, the Duke of Newcastle, and it was from his estate they took their name, but strangely enough in France they are looked on as an English breed. One of the first important breeders we meet is Mr Foljainke, and nearly all the big winners of the early days were descended from his dogs, two of the most famous ones being Nabob and Beau. Another pillar of the breed was John o’ Gaunt, owned by Mr Holmes. In those days speed was not so important at field trials as it is now, and the clumber won a great deal of his popularity through his work. After the Great War verv little was heard of this breed, but they gradually returned to favour and in 1934, at Crufts, there was twice the number there had been previously. 'The chief pillars of the breed since the M ar were Iloyalist of Wilts and Fulmer Prince. These two appear in the majority of modern pedigrees. His Majesty King George V was a staunch supporter of this breed, and his dog Sandringham Spark was wellknown. Dogs that made their name at stud were Biggin Chum and Carnforth Traveller, the latter’s kennel companion Carnforth Beauty being the best bitch of the period. More recently we find Auekwear llipper and Hardon Don. The markings on a clumber are not so heavy as they once were. The head is large and massive, of medium length, deep stop, and a well-developed flew. The eyes are dark amber, slightly sunk —a light or prominent eye should not be looked at. The ears are large and hang slightly forward, the neck is thick and powerful and well-feathered underneath. The body should be_ long and heavy and near the ground. Weight 551 b to 651 b ; bitches from 451 b to 551 b. The chest should be wide and deep,, shoulders strong and muscular, a straight back and powerful loins with very powerful and well developed hindquarters. The stern set low, well feathered, carried about level with the back. Feet are large and round; legs short, thick, and strong; coat long and abundant; usually white with lemon markings. In general appearance he is a long, low, heavy, very massive dog with a thoughful expression. . .

Anyone who possesses a promising young dog should not part with him until he is four because he will not be at his best until then as clumbers are very slow in maturing.