Boykin Spaniel: temperament, size, care and health

About the Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is a small to medium spaniel with a solid liver or dark chocolate coat, which may be wavy or flat and carries light feathering on the legs, ears and chest. It looks sturdy but not heavy, with a longish body and a moderately long tail. The dog is built for hard work in heat and wetlands rather than for show-ring glamour.

The breed was created in South Carolina to hunt wild turkeys and ducks in swampy country. A small dog could fit in a narrow boat without tipping it, and the Boykin's willingness to retrieve from water made it valuable. The state of South Carolina named it the official state dog. Hunters still use the breed, and families now keep it for its sweet and willing nature.

Temperament and family life

A Boykin is typically friendly, cheerful and keen to be part of the household. It gets along well with children, other dogs and visitors, and it usually shows little aggression. It is not a guard dog. The breed forms strong attachments and can become anxious if left alone for long stretches.

Boykins mature slowly and are enthusiastic when young. A young dog may leap on guests, grab things and bark with excitement. Their hunting instinct means birds and small animals may be chased. They are sociable animals that do best in a family that includes them in daily life rather than leaving them in a yard.

Exercise and training

Despite its modest size, the Boykin is an energetic dog that needs daily vigorous exercise. Fetch, swimming and walks with some off-leash running will keep it content. It enjoys water, so a safe pond or lake is a good outlet. Some Boykins pull hard on the leash or take off after birds and squirrels, so a secure yard is wise.

The breed is intelligent and eager. Reward-based training works nicely, as the dog is sensitive to tone and loses interest when sessions are long and repetitive. Boykins do well in hunt tests, agility, rally and obedience. Start socialization early to produce a confident dog that is relaxed in public.

Grooming and shedding

The coat needs moderate care. Brush two or three times a week to keep tangles from forming in the feathering on the ears, legs and tail. Shedding is moderate and mostly seasonal. Tidying the hair around the feet and ears is typical, and baths are needed only when the dog is dirty.

The ears are long and covered in hair, so check and clean them frequently, particularly after swimming. Look the coat over after outings for burrs and ticks. Trim the nails regularly and keep the teeth clean as part of ordinary routine care.

Health

Boykins have a relatively long life span for their size. Known concerns include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, heart problems such as pulmonic stenosis, and eye diseases such as collie eye anomaly. A genetic condition called exercise-induced collapse affects some dogs and has a DNA test. The breed also shows ear infections and allergies. Responsible breeders screen hips, eyes, hearts and knees and run available DNA tests. None of this replaces an examination, so take questions about an individual dog to a veterinarian.

History

The breed is generally traced to a stray spaniel-type dog found by a man in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the early 1900s. It was passed to a hunter near Camden, whose family name the breed carries, and it proved a good turkey and duck dog. Local hunters then crossed it with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the English Springer Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel, the American Water Spaniel and pointing breeds to build a breeding line. The American Kennel Club recognized the Boykin Spaniel in 2009.

Is the Boykin Spaniel right for you?

A Boykin suits an outdoor-minded household that wants a mid-sized, friendly dog and can provide exercise, company and some grooming. It thrives in warm climates and is a good all-around companion for people who enjoy fieldwork or water.

It is not ideal for homes with long absences or for those looking for a quiet, low-activity pet. The American Water Spaniel is a similar size with a curlier coat. The English Springer Spaniel is taller and more driven, while the Cocker Spaniel is smaller and more heavily coated.