A Cluster of Clumbers

Ella Caldwell, 13 of Charlotte, N.C. and Blanche

by Joan Harrigan

The Clumber Spaniel booth occupied prime real estate at the AKC Meet the Breeds event Saturday.   A cluster of Clumbers spilled into the isle from the very first booth spectators encountered as they entered Pier 92—likely more Clumbers in one place than most had ever seen.

Tom McMillian of Montville, N.J. was front and center with Blanche and Harper Lee, his two Champion and CDX-titled bitches.  McMillian, who also does tracking and rally with his Clumbers, came to the breed 20 years ago.  “I researched what kind of dog was the best match for me, and found the Clumber Spaniel,” he explained.  McMillian is not a hunter, so he doesn’t need the breed’s legendary ability to “go forever,” but he’s found Clumbers to be great companions and housedogs.

 “They are good with children, and quiet inside the home,” he said. “Some people call them a ‘doorstop that snores.’”  The Clumber’s eager-to-please, friendly demeanor makes them great pets, and McMillian says that they are smart, too.  “’But not ‘poodle-smart,’” he added.  A Companion Dog Excellent title isn’t easy to attain—it addition to heeling, it requires retrieving, jumping, a drop-on-recall, and the dreaded out-of-sight long stays.  Blanche and Harper Lee both have the title, and their training has extended to utility exercises, as well.

McMillian has yet to compete with them at the utility level—though he’s quick to say that he is the reason, not them.  To deal with competition jitters, McMillian was advised by a friend to “just drink” before competing, and he doesn’t know if he wants to try that remedy!

Blanche and Harper Lee’s charm and distinctive appearance drew Ella Caldwell, 13, of Charlotte, N.C. and her father, Dan.  They’ve traveled to New York just to attend Westminster, and Ella is in heaven to be surrounded by so many beautiful dogs.  At home, she has a Labrador and a Flat-Coated Retriever, but her enthusiasm extends to all breeds.  “This was a very big Christmas present for her,” Dan Caldwell says.

The Caldwells are soon joined by other families, and McMillian patiently answers their questions as they pet his gentle Clumbers.  He knows that from experiences like this will come the future generations of breeders, handlers, and exhibitors.  And Ella Caldwell is able to meet and talk to experts in many breeds, away from the time constraints and pressures of a dog show.  Meet the Breeds is an obvious and valuable addition to the Westminster experience—one that should become a permanent part of Westminster Week.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Feb 14 2016. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.