Two wonderful breeds. Two very different dogs.
Proudpaws is home to Labrador Retrievers and Clumber Spaniels.
We love both breeds, but we would never describe them as interchangeable.
Both can be affectionate, intelligent and wonderful family companions, but they approach life very differently. Understanding those differences is important when deciding which breed is right for your home.
Our aim isn’t to convince everyone that one of these breeds is right for them. It’s to help families understand what living with them is actually like — including the wonderful parts, the frustrating parts and the things breed descriptions sometimes leave out.
Labrador Retrievers
Purposefully bred for stable temperaments, sound health and the versatility that has made Labradors one of the world’s most loved family companions.
The dog that wants to be part of everything
There’s a reason Labradors have remained one of the world’s most loved breeds.
At their best, they are affectionate, adaptable, intelligent and remarkably willing to share their lives with people. They can be family companions, assistance dogs, detection dogs, sporting dogs, therapy dogs and much more.
But “Labrador” does not describe one single temperament or energy level.
Different lines have been selected for different purposes, and the difference between a very high-drive working Labrador and a more moderately energetic Labrador can be enormous.
At Proudpaws, we particularly value the Labrador’s versatility. We want a dog capable of learning and working when asked, but one that can also switch off and live comfortably as part of a family.
The joys of living with a Labrador
They genuinely enjoy people
Most Labradors don’t simply tolerate family life — they want to participate in it.
Cooking dinner? They’re supervising.
Going outside? They’re coming.
Driving somewhere? They’d like to know why they’re not already in the car.
That desire to be involved is part of what makes the breed so rewarding.
They are highly trainable
Labradors generally enjoy learning and tend to respond extremely well to reward-based training.
Food motivation can be extraordinarily useful — although occasionally you’ll wonder whether you’ve trained the Labrador or the Labrador has trained you to dispense snacks.
They are versatile
A well-balanced Labrador can spend the morning training, exploring or working and then happily settle at home.
That ability to move between activity and relaxation is something we particularly value.
They can make excellent working partners
The Labrador’s combination of trainability, sociability, food motivation and willingness to work with people is one reason the breed is so commonly seen in assistance, detection and other working roles.
Not every Labrador is suited to every type of work, but the right temperament can provide an exceptional foundation.
The Labrador Reality Check
We adore Labradors.
That doesn’t mean they’re effortless.
The puppy stage can be… enthusiastic.
Labrador puppies explore with their mouths.
Shoes, toys, washing, children’s belongings and occasionally objects that nobody realised could possibly be eaten may suddenly become fascinating.
Management matters.
They need training
A friendly 8kg puppy jumping up is cute.
A friendly 30kg adult launching themselves at Grandma is considerably less charming.
Loose-lead walking, recall, settling, impulse control and polite greetings should begin early.
They shed
Yes.
Even the short-haired ones.
Sometimes it appears that one Labrador can produce enough loose hair to construct another Labrador.
Food can become an obsession
That legendary Labrador appetite makes training easier but also means owners need to manage weight carefully.
Energy levels vary enormously
This deserves emphasis.
Some Labrador lines have been selected for extremely high working drive and require substantial physical and mental outlets.
That isn’t necessarily desirable for every household.
Families should choose the individual dog and breeding program, not simply the breed name.
Who suits a Labrador?
A Labrador may suit someone looking for a dog who is:
- Social and people-oriented
- Trainable
- Affectionate
- Versatile
- Happy to participate in family life
- Capable of activity but able to learn how to settle
They may be less suitable for someone wanting an extremely independent dog or a dog requiring very little interaction, training or exercise.
Clumber Spaniels
A rare and remarkable breed whose gentle nature, loyal temperament and quiet dignity deserve careful stewardship for future generations.
The spaniel who didn’t receive the memo about being a spaniel
A Clumber Spaniel is difficult to describe until you’ve lived with one.
They are substantial, thoughtful, affectionate dogs with a wonderfully individual sense of humour.
Compared with many other spaniels, they tend to approach life at a somewhat more considered pace.
A Labrador might hear:
“Come!”
and think:
Absolutely!
A Clumber may hear:
“Come!”
and appear to consider whether your proposal has sufficient merit.
That doesn’t mean they’re unintelligent.
Quite the opposite.
The joys of a Clumber
They are incredibly affectionate
Clumbers tend to form strong relationships with their people and often simply enjoy being nearby.
They don’t necessarily need constant entertainment.
Sometimes being in the same room is enough.
They’re wonderfully funny
Clumbers have personality.
They can be dignified one moment and utterly ridiculous the next.
Living with one often means accepting that the dog has opinions.
They’re generally less frantic than many spaniels
They still need exercise, enrichment and training, but they aren’t typically the perpetual-motion-machine people sometimes imagine when they hear “spaniel.”
They can be remarkably thoughtful
Clumbers often seem to process situations rather than simply react to them.
That trait can make them fascinating dogs to train — provided you understand how to motivate them.
The Clumber Reality Check
This is a breed people should understand before falling in love with the face.
They drool.
Some more than others.
If pristine clothing and spotless walls are essential to your happiness, consider this fair warning.
They shed.
Substantially.
White hair also has an extraordinary ability to appear on dark clothing approximately three seconds after getting dressed.
Grooming matters.
Their coat, ears, feet and feathering need regular attention.
They can be stubborn.
Or, perhaps more accurately:
They can be unconvinced.
Repeatedly asking a Clumber to perform something they see no reason to perform can quickly become frustrating for both dog and handler.
Weight needs managing.
A Clumber is supposed to be a substantial dog.
Substantial does not mean overweight.
Keeping them appropriately lean helps protect their joints and overall health.
They’re rare for a reason.
Clumbers aren’t the dog for everybody.
Responsible ownership, careful breeding and understanding their particular needs are important to the future of the breed.
Labrador or Clumber?
Neither is “better.”
They’re simply different.
Choose the dog whose temperament and needs fit the life you actually live — not the life you imagine having after buying a puppy.
Built on three unforgettable dogs
Proudpaws began with three extraordinary Labradors who shaped everything we believe today.
Milly taught us intelligence.
Toby showed us unwavering loyalty.
Max reminded us that true strength is gentle.
Their legacy continues to guide every decision we make.
Our next planned litter
We’re currently planning our next carefully considered litter.
If you’re interested in welcoming a Proudpaws puppy into your family, we’d love to hear from you.
Join Our Waiting List
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