The second chapter, aptly titled “Reliable Finders,” is made up of accounts of Clumbers working in the field in Australia, Canada, Sweden, the U.K., and the U.S., emphasizing the radically differing climates, terrain, ground cover, and prey. The Clumber’s superb sense of smell, methodical hunting style, protective coat, and highly visible white color continue to serve him well in the field wherever he may be. In addition, his weight and strength give him a distinct advantage in forcing his way especially through dense undergrowth impenetrable to lighter flushing spaniels.

Other chapters describe Clumbers in performance events: scent work, tracking, obedience, Barn Hunt, therapy, agility, and even dancing. Included is a “photo tutorial” on grooming, as well as the Clumber portrayed in photography and in art. A special section details the U.K.’s Working Clumber Spaniel Society, founded in 1984 and now comprising some 450 members. Another is devoted to “Rigg” (Midori Diamond Huddlestone), a 3 year old male Clumber who in December 2016 was awarded first place in an anyvariety U.K. field trial the first Clumber so honored since the famous Field Trial Ch. Beechgrove Bee in England in 1899. Closing this part of the book is a heartwarming section on “The Eternal Puppy.”

The remaining two thirds of the book is comprised of a cross section of Clumber activity in twenty chosen countries in as many chapters. Selected are Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, and even the Channel Islands in addition of course to the usual English speaking nations and Sweden, most often associated with our breed. Evidently not included for want of space are twelve other Clumber breeding countries: Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Guatemala, Japan, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, and Spain.

The country by country sections vary greatly, and not necessarily corresponding to respective Clumber activity. Thirteen contain detailed accounts of that country’s Clumber history for 2000-2015, five written by Jan Irving herself. Thirteen present informal color pictures, the most impressive being 50 from the Czech Republic, followed by the U.K.’s 31. Seventeen of these 20 nations have provided three generation pedigrees accompanied by a formal show shot. In the lead is Sweden, with 101; followed by the U.K., with 73; and Australia, with 50. Eight U.S. Clumber kennels are so honored: Avalea, Bella Vita, BlueMoon, Cajun, Casmir, Clue Clumber, Millerwood, and Moonrysn. This impressive volume should have a place in every serious Clumber lover’s library.

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