Working Kelpie vs Clumber Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Working Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Clumber Spaniel
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Working Kelpie Overview
Working Kelpies are agile, medium-sized herding dogs with a distinctive athletic build and alert expression. Their muscular frame supports tireless work ethic, while their weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors. Sharp intelligence and intense focus characterize their demeanor, complemented by pricked ears and keen eyes that showcase their constant readiness for action.
Clumber Spaniel Overview
Clumber Spaniels are distinctive sporting dogs characterized by their massive, low-set bodies and pure white coats with lemon or orange markings. Their deep-set, gentle eyes and heavy brow create a thoughtful expression, while their substantial bone structure and rectangular build reflect their heritage as methodical hunters. Known for their dignified demeanor and patient nature, these dogs combine gentlemanly composure with an amusing, playful side.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Working Kelpies are more energetic than Clumber Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Working Kelpies require less grooming attention compared to Clumber Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Working Kelpies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Clumber Spaniels.
- Trainability: Clumber Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their Clumber Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Clumber Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Working Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Working Kelpie and Clumber Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Clumber Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Clumber Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-64 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 28-60 lbs 13-27 kg | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Clumber Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Eager, Intelligent | Mellow, Amusing, Gentlemanly |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Working Kelpie | Clumber Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Working Kelpie Temperament
The Working Kelpie is known for being alert, eager, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Clumber Spaniel Temperament
The Clumber Spaniel is characterized by being mellow, amusing, gentlemanly, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Working Kelpie and Clumber Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Working Kelpie
Rating: 5/5
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Working Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Working Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Working Kelpie
Rating: 2/5
Clumber Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Working Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Working Kelpies require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Working Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Clumber Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Clumber Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Clumber Spaniels require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Working Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Cryptorchidism
Clumber Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- PRA
- Ectropion
- Hypothyroidism
Pros & Cons
Working Kelpie
Pros
- Exceptional working ability
- High intelligence
- Strong endurance
- Loyal companion
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Extremely high exercise needs
- Can be too intense for casual owners
- Strong herding instincts
- May be too energetic for small spaces
- Requires constant mental stimulation
Clumber Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Good with children
- Loyal family companion
- Excellent hunting abilities
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Significant drooling
- Prone to weight gain
- Regular grooming required
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Working Kelpie and Clumber Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.