Appearance of the Clumber Lab
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A Clumber Lab generally resembles a more stalker-like Labrador Retriever. It has a muscular, athletic build with many of the Labrador Retriever's facial features. They are large, medium-sized dogs with short, dense coats and dark noses and eyes. The average weight is 25 to 36 kilos and the average height is 48 to 56 centimeters. Their coat can be made up of several color combinations common to both parent breeds, including black, chocolate, yellow, white with orange, lemon or white markings. The Clumber Lab has a thicker neck and larger head than a purebred Labrador Retriever, but retains the breed's puppy eyes. Clumber Labs also have a broad, deep muzzle that enables them to retrieve game. They have soft ears, a medium-sized tail and large, compact paws with thick pads to absorb the shock of rapid movement. |
Temperament of the Clumber Lab
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Clumber Labs come from two affable breeds and, unsurprisingly, have many qualities that make them affectionate, cheerful and loving pets. This is an inherently friendly breed that tends to do well with strangers, children and other animals. As an emotional dog, however, the Clumber Lab is highly sensitive to negative interactions and can easily become shy or anxious if mistreated by owners. Clumber Labs are occasional barkers, but considerably in mouth given their retrieving and sporting lineage. However, bites and play bites are generally not considered a problem due to the breed's non-aggressive behavior. Clumber Labs respond well to training as they are naturally inclined to listen and obey humans, making them perfect for families and new dog owners. The breed needs affection and regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. As such, the Clumber Lab would thrive as part of an active family with the capacity for lots of affection. |
Needs and activities of the Clumber Lab
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On the energy spectrum, Clumber Labs tend to fall somewhere between their high-energy Labrador Retriever parent and their medium-energy Clumber Spaniel parent. As such, this breed requires regular, relatively vigorous exercise and will be happiest in rural or suburban environments. Clumber Labs have thick, weather-resistant coats, so they benefit from a temperate or cool environment. However, they'll do just fine in moderately warm to hot environments if they're not overly stressed by the heat. As the Clumber Lab gets on well with others, visits to the dog park are a great way for owners to exercise their pet. These dogs also enjoy swimming and long walks. |
Maintenance of the Clumber Lab
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Clumber Labs are not hypoallergenic and therefore not suitable for owners of dogs with allergies. They are moderate shedders and should be brushed once or twice a week to keep their coats in tip-top shape. If Clumber Labs are inspired by their Spaniel relatives, they should have the longest parts of their coat trimmed around the ears and feet. This breed needs to be bathed monthly, and owners should pay particular attention to cleaning Clumber Labs' floppy ears every time they are washed. Like all dog breeds, the Clumber Lab should let its teeth be brushed daily and its nails trimmed once or twice a month to avoid painful overgrowth. |