I’m an American female and agree - bacon enhances almost everything!!! IMHO it really adds to Clam Chowder (among other things) but most folks don’t include it.
Not to mention the heavy cream, sour cream and butter.
try using salt pork in the Water when you steam the clams, I love bacon but this is less overwhelming, then save the juice and give the cooked salt pork to a wagging tail friend in small doses!