Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
The heaviest of all spaniels, with a low-slung, dignified build and a gentle disposition. Clumber Spaniels are loyal, easy-going sporting dogs that work methodically in the field and relax happily at home.
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose Clumber Spaniel if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Clumber Spaniel
Attribute
Golden Retriever
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Clumber Spaniel is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Clumber Spaniel and Golden Retriever bring very different personalities to the table. Clumber Spaniels are gentle, loyal and dignified, while Golden Retrievers tend to be friendly, intelligent and devoted.
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Clumber Spaniel is lower-maintenance.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Golden Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (4/5).
Golden Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Golden Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Golden Retriever sheds more; Clumber Spaniel is easier to maintain.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The Golden Retriever sheds a bit more (5/5) than the Clumber Spaniel (4/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Clumber Spaniel has a slight edge.
Clumber Spaniel is less expensive to own annually.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$3,000 for a Clumber Spaniel versus $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds are similar in size.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Clumber Spaniel weighs 25–39 kg (55–86 lbs) and the Golden Retriever weighs 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Clumber Spaniel
Golden Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 10–12 years for the Clumber Spaniel and 10–12 years for the Golden Retriever. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Clumber Spaniel if you value more apartment-friendly (3/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Clumber Spaniel and Golden Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Clumber Spaniel, Golden Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Clumber Spaniel if...
Choose Golden Retriever if...
Looking for more options?
The Golden Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Clumber Spaniel's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The Golden Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Clumber Spaniel's 3/5. The Golden Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
A Clumber Spaniel puppy costs $1,500–$3,000 while a Golden Retriever costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,310 for the Clumber Spaniel and $1,420 for the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
The Clumber Spaniel lives 10–12 years on average, while the Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Clumber Spaniel is better suited for apartments (3/5) compared to the Golden Retriever (2/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.