Boykin Spaniel Breed Description

An Owner's Boykin Spaniel Description
From what other owners of this breed had told me and from talking with breeders I was prepared for a quality retriever. Not only did Sadie prove to be that, but more. Sadie loves to hunt, period! But hunting water fowl is her favorite. I think that's because she love the water so much.

She's proved herself to be a trust-worthy hunting companion and only shows signs of being temperamental on rare occasions. She's very intelligent and never has to be told twice what to do. She is always willing to be obedient and attentive to commands. Of course, she loves the kids and has made a great family pet when she's not with me hunting.

Sadie doesn't have to hunt to be content, however. She's just as happy splashing around in the lake, as long as she can be outdoors. She also seems to enjoy a good came of Frisbee or fetch. At the end of the day, she's happiest if she was able to get some physical exercise and interaction with people. She's always aware of her surrounding and knows who is home and who has slipped out the back door.

Sadie can be a very sensitive dog and it has been necessary to train the kids just as much as her. As with most hunters, she can have a lot of nervous energy, but she needed a home that was calm and quiet. Too much yelling and excessive rough housing only puts her more on edge. She has developed into a very confident and loving companion that the whole family enjoys and I couldn't have asked for a better partner.

 

Introduction

These sporting dogs are working dogs with proven Retriever instincts and hunting ability. Their waterproof coat is rather wavy or curly, but a smooth coat is acceptable They are larger than a Cocker Spaniel with smaller, higher set ears that are covered with long, wavy hair. These dogs are docile, pleasant, obedient, loyal and intelligent. They are fantastic swimmers. As pets or companions they are exceptional. Because they are working dogs, they need lots of daily exercise. Minimal grooming is required. They weigh 25 to 40 lbs. and stand 15-18" at the shoulders.

History

The State Dog of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel became dangerously reduced in numbers and entered the AKC's Foundation Stock Service in 1999. In a true success story, the Breed was recognized as part of the Sporting Group in 2009, thanks to an increase in numbers that have maintained and preserved the bloodlines of these delightful dogs.

The Boykin's story shows Providence taking a hand from the very start. A small stray dog in Spartanburg SC caught the eye of Alexander White one Sunday on his way to church. A little thing, White called him Dumpy and in short order found the small dog had a true talent for retrieving. White sent the dog to his hunting buddy, L. Whitaker ('Whit') Boykin, who was working to develop a spaniel-type dog that would be small enough for the wagons and boats of the day (this was around 1910) and yet have the talents to retrieve water fowl and turkey. Under Boykin's training, Dumpy became a skilled retriever and is the forefather of the Boykin breed. Several other spaniels (American Water, Cocker and Springer) as well as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever were also part of the breed's foundation.

Their small size made them a favorite from the outset, and they proved to thrive even in hot climates. In addition, they adapt easily to hunting larger game. To this day, they are often referred to as 'the dog that doesn't rock the boat' meaning they are small enough for even the tiniest of hunters' boats, skiffs and canoes.

General Description

A medium size dog well designed for the work he was bred to do. Proportion is a hallmark for the Boykin: height at the shoulders will be approximately the same as the length of the body from shoulders to tail base; muzzle and skull are about the same length and the width of the muzzle is about half the width of the skull. The measurement from the tip of the nose to the base of the skull is approximately the same as the length of the neck. All Boykins are either solid rich liver or deep chocolate, all of their noses are dark liver, eyes can be yellow to dark brown. Tail is traditionally docked.

Temperament

Eager happy dogs, Boykins easily make the transition between field and hearth. They thrive as family pets as long as they have regular exercise, which can be walking, of course - but they also love to swim, which is why they are so valuable to hunters of water fowl.

Health and Care

Show standards aside, those who hunt with a Boykin tend to adopt a grooming regimen that works for the dog and the conditions they hunt in. Clipping the entire animal produces a smooth coated dog and some favor this as it eliminates matting in the field. Others maintain the 'feathers' as the long hair on ears, legs and belly are called.

Colors

N/A

Living Area

N/A

Recognized By

BSC, BAA, FCI, UKC, NKC, CKC, APRI, BSS, ACR, DRA, AKC

Pets4You offers listings of Boykin Spaniel breeders with puppies for sale.