Clumbers may not be as fast as their lighter boned spaniel cousins, but they do boast a strong instinct to work which often sees these dogs pushing their way through the undergrowth to investigate a scent. They are known to be independent spirits which people often mistake for being stubborn. When young, they can be quite boisterous, but by the age of 2 or 3, the Clumber Spaniel settles down into a good-natured character that is a pleasure to be around although even as adults, they like playing the clown when the mood takes them.