Boykin Spaniel

Looking for a bird dog? Breeds like the Brittany, Cocker Spaniel, Weimaraner, and standard poodle are popular choices, many originating outside the U.S. centuries ago. However, the Boykin Spaniel stands out as an American breed with 20th-century roots.

What is a Boykin Spaniel?

Originating in South Carolina in the early 1900s, the Boykin Spaniel is a relatively new breed, starting with a stray dog named "Dumpy."

Boykin Spaniel Personality:

The Boykin Spaniel makes an excellent hunting companion and a sweet, friendly family pet. These gentle, high-energy dogs are resourceful and efficient bird dogs, yet laid-back at home. The Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS) highlights their versatility, noting their skills as turkey dogs, waterfowl retrievers, and their aptitude for flushing doves, pheasant, quail, and grouse, as well as deer driving or tracking.

Boykin Spaniel Size and Appearance:

Boykin Spaniels are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 35 and 40 pounds as adults. They typically come in brown, liver, and dark chocolate colors. They have a medium-length double coat, large, floppy ears, and webbed toes, which aid in retrieving waterfowl. Their eyes, typically yellow, brown, or amber, are captivating.

Boykin Spaniel Care:

Their curly or wavy fur requires at least weekly brushing. Boykin Spaniels need daily exercise, such as swimming, agility, flyball, or other canine sports. Well-socialized adults make good family dogs for active households, but like all dogs, they should be supervised around young children.

Boykin Spaniel Health:

While generally healthy, the BSS notes some inherited diseases affecting the breed. Reputable breeders screen for these genetic illnesses, including exercise-induced collapse, collie eye anomaly, degenerative myelopathy, juvenile cataracts, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and pulmonic stenosis. The Boykin Spaniel Foundation supports owners by funding free heart and eye clinics, reduced-cost DNA clinics, and reimbursements for health testing.

Boykin Spaniel History:

The Boykin Spaniel's story began around 1905-1910 when hunter Alexander White adopted a stray spaniel-type dog named "Dumpy." Dumpy's retrieving abilities impressed White, who then sent him to be trained by his hunting partner, L.W. "Whit" Boykin. Dumpy excelled as a wild turkey and waterfowl retriever, becoming the foundation of the Boykin Spaniel breed. Ancestors likely include Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and American Water Spaniels. The Boykin Spaniel is the official state dog of South Carolina, and September 1st is National Boykin Spaniel Day.

Finding Boykin Spaniel Puppies:

The BSS offers resources and a list of questions to consider before adopting a puppy. For a healthy, purebred puppy, consult the BSS's preferred breeder list. For older dogs, check Boykin Spaniel Rescue. Mixed breeds can also make wonderful companions.

Boykin Spaniel FAQs:

• Lifespan: 10-15 years.

• AKC Recognition: 2009 (Sporting Group).

• Boykin Spaniel Clubs: Yes, many regional clubs exist.

  
  

Boykin Spaniel Overview:

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, brown dog with floppy ears and webbed toes. They are versatile hunting partners and affectionate family dogs, all thanks to a little stray from South Carolina named "Dumpy."