BOYKIN SPANIELS

Temperament: Friendly, Eager, Lovable
Height: 15.5-18 inches (male), 14-16.5 inches (female)
Weight: 30-40 pounds (male), 25-35 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Sporting Group 

MORE ABOUT THIS BREED

Dogs of the Boykin Spaniel breed are known for their hunting skills, but they make just as good companions to families as to hunters, thanks to their smarts and their friendly confidence. The family should be an active one, however; this dog needs lots of exercise.

Boykins are medium-sized spaniels, larger and rangier than Cockers but more compact than Springers. The breed’s hallmark is a beautiful solid-brown coat. Colors range from a rich liver to a luscious chocolate. The large, feathery ears hang close to the cheeks, setting off an expression of soulful intelligence. Bred to work in the lakes and swamps of their native South Carolina, web-toed Boykins can swim like seals.

PERSONALITY

The typical Boykin spaniel is friendly and eager to please. He is a born hunter, but also makes a lively, friendly companion in the home. They are outgoing toward people and children, although early socialization is recommended. The Boykin is full of energy and will need a yard to play in or at least a brisk daily walk. This breed is full of enthusiasm for hunting and is suited for a family that enjoys regular hunting or camping trips.

FEEDING

The Boykin Spaniel should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. 

HEALTH

Boykin Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, and exercise-induced collapse. The Boykin’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection and cleaned when necessary—this can be done with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution, which the dog’s breeder or veterinarian can recommend. The teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.

Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

• Hip Evaluation
• Ophthalmologist Evaluation
• Patella Evaluation
• EIC DNA Test
• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) DNA Test

CARE

Boykins are intelligent and learn quickly with positive reinforcement techniques. Be firm and consistent so you don’t confuse him. If you plan to hunt or compete in field trials with him, you’ll want to seek the services of a professional trainer who is familiar with the breed.

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed.

In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

GROOMING

The Boykin’s medium length double coat can be flat to slightly wavy with a light fringe of hair, called feathering, on the ears, chest, legs and belly. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep your Boykin’s coat in good shape. If you want, you can have a professional groomer clip the coat as needed for neatness. The coat sheds moderately, but regular brushing will help keep dead hair off your furniture, floors and clothing.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually once a month. Brush the teeth frequently for good overall health and fresh breath. Check the ears weekly for dirt, redness or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle ear cleaner.

SOME PICTURES ABOUT THIS BREED

Source: dogtime, akc, hillspet, vetstreet.