From a sportman's point of view, this has been a detrimental influence, short legs greatly interfering with retrieving of hares, etc., although there may be what can be described as compensatory advantages, such as getting under the low runs of brushwood, etc.
The older type of Field Spaniel was vastly superior for work to many of the lethargical, long-bodied, low-legged, semi-intelligent specimens on the show benches at the present time.
Body.—Mostly of medium length, with well-sprung ribs, strong back and loins.
Tail carried on a level with the back. In all, the feet are full, and toes prominent, well feathered in the interspaces.
Length of body has always been a marked feature of the Sussex, and "massiveness" characteristic of body, head and limbs in the Clumber.
From the foregoing outlines, it must be allowed that conformity of type throughout the whole of the Spaniels is general.
The points, etc., of the different varieties are as follows:—
The Clumber
Very early on, these Spaniels were bred at Clumber House, the seat of the Duke of Newcastle, one William Mansell having had the care of them under the Duke for a great number of years, and much was done to improve the beauty and utility of this handsome variety of Spaniel.
It is, in the author's opinion, the one variety of Spaniel that has suffered the least in the way of introducing the blood of other species. To attempt to cross the Clumber, with the object of making some improvement, is defeating the first principles of the Clumber exhibitor, purity of breed being the aim of his affection.