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.
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Clumber Spaniel if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Clumber Spaniel
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Clumber Spaniel is lower-maintenance.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Labrador Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Clumber Spaniel is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A Clumber Spaniel greets the world with a gentle attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
Intelligence
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labrador Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$3,000 for a Clumber Spaniel versus $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (4/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Budget for a good robot vacuum.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 10–12 years for the Clumber Spaniel and 10–13 years for the Labrador Retriever. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Both breeds are similar in size.
Clumber Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
These breeds are near-identical in stature. The Clumber Spaniel weighs 25–39 kg (55–86 lbs) and the Labrador Retriever weighs 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) — close enough that size alone won't drive your decision.
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 Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Clumber Spaniel, Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Clumber Spaniel if...
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
Looking for more options?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Clumber Spaniel's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Clumber Spaniel's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
A Clumber Spaniel puppy costs $1,500–$3,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,310 for the Clumber Spaniel and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
The Clumber Spaniel lives 10–12 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. 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 Labrador Retriever (2/5). It can manage in an apartment with enough exercise.