Boykin Spaniel

Temperament:
Docile, pleasant and obedient. An intelligent and loyal companion. Their trademark yellow/amber eyes that they stare expectantly into your eyes are often commented upon as if the dog is asking “What do you want me to do next?” The Boykin Spaniel is a fantastic swimmer. They enjoy water and swimming; however they are prone to Spaniel ear infections and should be dried well after getting wet. Most owners report that each of these dogs has a unique personally and an enthusiastic field ability seldom matched by other dogs. His fine nose and enthusiasm in the field make him a versatile hunter. They have been bred as a hunting spaniel and have exceptionally good noses. Their sense of smell can lead them on an excursion if allowed to roam off lead.

Grooming:
Requires brushing ever few days to avoid coat matting.

Exercise:
The Boykin Spaniel is a working dog and needs a lot of daily exercise, including a long, brisk daily walk. They have a high drive, very willing, intensely energetic dog that needs adequate exercise and a “job” to do daily to burn off energy and exercise their very nimble mind. They will find ways to entertain themselves if not provided by their owner and can be very destructive when bored or when their primal instinct to walk has not been fulfilled.

Living Condition:
The Boykin Spaniel will do okay in an apartment if they are adequately exercised. A small yard is sufficient.

Origin:
Just after the turn of the 20th century, Alexander White of Spartanburg, South Carolina saw a small brown spaniel type dog wondering around after church service. The dog appeared to be a stray and he decided to take the dog home with him. He discovered that the dog had great hunting abilities. This stray had a wonderful bird sense. Alexander gave the dog to his hunting partner L. Whitaker Boykin. The dog was a male and he was given the name "Dumpy". The Boykin Spaniel breed has evolved from this one dog, with crosses to American Water Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Pointers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It is used as a hardy retriever of upland birds as well as water fowl. The Boykin Spaniel is popular in the Southern United States among bird hunters. Its state of origin is South Carolina USA and South Carolina has designated the Boykin Spaniel its official state dog. In July 2005 the Boykin Spaniel Club of Breeders Assoc. of America was named by AKC as the official parent club. The Boykin Spaniel has been an AKC FSS (Foundation Stock Service) breed for many years. The BSCBAA has submitted their paperwork to AKC to progress into the miscellaneous group, then Sporting group. This may be a reality (Misc. Group) as soon as next year (2006).