The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog that originated in the United States and was developed in South Carolina to hunt various types of waterfowl. It is known by a handful of different names including the Boykin Spaniel, Boykin, Little Brown Dog, LBD and the Swamp Poodle. The Boykin Spaniel dates back to around 1905 when a man by the name of Alexander White gave a small spaniel to his friend Whit Boykin who lived in South Carolina. Whit named the dog Dumpy because of its short, thick body. Dumpy was an excellent bird dog, which led Boykin to begin experimenting with crossbreeding of the dog to other types of hunting breeds. It is thought that Boykin used such hunting dogs as Springer Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and American Water Spaniels in his breeding program. It was these early dogs that became the foundation stock for what Boykin dubbed the Boykin Spaniel. In 1977, the Boykin Spaniel Society was created, and they began maintaining a stud book in 1979.
The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized retriever that looks very similar to an English Cocker Spaniel, but is larger and heavier. They have a spaniel-type head with a broad, long muzzle and large, floppy ears. The average size for an adult Boykin Spaniel is about 25 to 40 pounds, with males being larger than females. These dogs have medium-length hair that is longer on the ears, chest, legs and tail. The coat can come in a variety of colors including liver, chocolate or dark brown. The muzzle is square-shaped, and the nose should be self-colored. The eyes of the Boykin are typically gold or amber. The tail can be either docked or left long. A long tail should be heavily feathered. The Boykin Spaniel’s rounded ears are long, floppy, heavily feathered and should reach to the middle of the neck or just above the shoulders.
Personality
Boykins are sweet, affectionate and gentle dogs that are very playful. They live to swim and enjoy running and playing outdoors. They need daily exercise in the form of long brisk walks, running, a romp in the yard or swimming. Most owners say that they have versatile personalities that vary from dog to dog, but they are usually docile, affectionate and good with children. Boykin Spaniels are incredibly energetic and enthusiastic dogs that are best for people who are highly active. These dogs are not happy living a sedentary lifestyle. While Boykins love playing games with older children, they do not have the patience for young children and toddlers. As a hunter, the Boykin’s stamina is amazing. However, it can also excel in various other arenas such as flyball, agility, obedience and rally competitions. Other activities that Boykin Spaniels will love participating in include hiking, boating, kayaking and swimming. Boykin Spaniels are active, happy dogs that love taking part in various sports. They also enjoy playing with children, but they may not tolerate the antics of toddlers. If you lead an active lifestyle and are looking for a pet that can keep up with you, the Boykin Spaniel may be the dog for you!
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Function: | Sporting |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Life Span: | 10-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Boykin, Little Brown Dog, LBD, Swamp Poodle |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Boykin Spaniel Build Information
The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized retriever that looks very similar to an English Cocker Spaniel, but is larger and heavier. They have a spaniel-type head with a broad, long muzzle and large, floppy ears. The average size for an adult Boykin Spaniel is about 25 to 40 pounds, with males being larger than females. These dogs have medium-length hair that is longer on the ears, chest, legs and tail. The coat can come in a variety of colors including liver, chocolate or dark brown. The muzzle is square-shaped, and the nose should be self-colored. The eyes of the Boykin are typically gold or amber. The tail can be either docked or left long. A long tail should be heavily feathered. The Boykin Spaniel’s rounded ears are long, floppy, heavily feathered and should reach to the middle of the neck or just above the shoulders.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 13-20 in. |
| Length (Female): | 14-16 in. |
| Weight: | 26 – 40 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | Docked |
Behaviour and Personality
Boykins are sweet, affectionate and gentle dogs that are very playful. They live to swim and enjoy running and playing outdoors. They need daily exercise in the form of long brisk walks, running, a romp in the yard or swimming. Most owners say that they have versatile personalities that vary from dog to dog, but they are usually docile, affectionate and good with children. Boykin Spaniels are incredibly energetic and enthusiastic dogs that are best for people who are highly active. These dogs are not happy living a sedentary lifestyle. While Boykins love playing games with older children, they do not have the patience for young children and toddlers. As a hunter, the Boykin’s stamina is amazing. However, it can also excel in various other arenas such as flyball, agility, obedience and rally competitions. Other activities that Boykin Spaniels will love participating in include hiking, boating, kayaking and swimming. Boykin Spaniels are active, happy dogs that love taking part in various sports. They also enjoy playing with children, but they may not tolerate the antics of toddlers. If you lead an active lifestyle and are looking for a pet that can keep up with you, the Boykin Spaniel may be the dog for you!
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Boykin Spaniel requires a moderate amount of grooming. You will need to brush its coat with a wire pin brush or bristle brush two or three times a week to keep it tangle-free. Additionally, since the Boykin is susceptible to ear infections, you will want to check its ears regularly for redness or foul odors. When checking the ears, if you notice any excessive wax accumulation, you can wipe it out using a clean, damp cloth. You will only need to bathe your Boykin once or twice each month if needed. If it becomes necessary to cut your pet’s nails, you can do so using a pliers-style nail clipper. However, take extra care not to cut into the tiny veins that are inside each nail.
| Colors: | Chocolate, Liver |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Boykin Spaniel Common Health Conditions
The majority of Boykin Spaniels are extremely healthy dogs that can live anywhere between 14 and 16 years or longer. Nevertheless, there are a handful of health issues that the breed may be prone to developing, and you can find the most common of these conditions listed below: Hip Dysplasia, Various Eye Problems, Patellar Luxation, Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s Disease, Ear Infections, Skin Allergies and Various Heart Problems.
Boykin Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina’s state dog. While the Boykin is a sporting dog, the American Kennel Club classifies it as a miscellaneous breed. Boykin Spaniels are not recommended for people who have such small household pets as cats, rodents, rabbits or birds. Their glossy coats are medium to long in length and wavy; it usually come in liver or brown and needs regular attention because it may form mats if it is not brushed regularly. Check the ears regularly to prevent infection.
| Training: | Very easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | Yes |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | No |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
