Boykin Spaniel Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Boykin Spaniel?

At some point in the 1900s, a man walking to Church in South Carolina befriended a small stray spaniel-type dog and decided to take it with him. A man named Alexander L. White took a liking to the small pup and took it back to his house.

After some time, it became apparent to Mr White that the dog had an instinctual ability to retrieve things for him. He decided to take the dog, which he had named "Dumpy", to a friend named Lemuel Boykin, who lived close to Camden in South Carolina. Mr Boykin was Mr White's hunting partner who took the Cocker spaniel type dog and crossed it with other dog breeds.

Mr Boykin used the dog as a waterfowl retriever and as a wild turkey dog with great success. Dumpy became the beginning of the Boykin Spaniel breed. More dog breeds that were used to create the Boykin spaniel that we know today include the Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and Cocker Spaniels.

In 1977, the Boykin family founded the Boykin Spaniel Club, and in 1985 it was recognised as an official dog by the United Kennel Club. In 2007, the Breeders Association of America became the parent club for the Boykin Spaniel; however, it wasn't until 2009 that the breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club.

Who are Boykin Spaniel dogs best for?

The Boykin Spaniel is best suited to a family that is quite active. Because this specific breed of dog requires a lot of daily physical activity, if you don't spend much time outdoors, Boykin Spaniels might not be for you.

If you have children and other dogs in your house already, then do not worry. The Boykin Spaniel is great around kids and other pets. Knowing this, they are an ideal dog for those looking to add another member to their family.

After a long hard day of running about and playing in the park, Boykin Spaniels will be happy to settle down and cuddle on the couch. They are very affectionate with those they consider loved ones, always looking to please, and will follow your commands if you train them properly.

How much grooming does a Boykin Spaniel need?

Because of the Boykin Spaniel's thick coat, they require weekly brushing to remove the dirt and loose hair from their body. They are described as a dog that does shed quite a lot, so to reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your clothes on furniture, regular grooming is recommended.

If they become extra dirty, then they may require bathing to keep them clean and healthy. Other than this, it is recommended to bathe them around once a month. Don't forget to clip their nails when they become too long, which will help prevent them from causing injury when they get a little too excited and start jumping up on you.

Do Boykin Spaniel bark much?

This dog, originally bred for hunting out of South Carolina, is described as having a low tendency to bark. This means that you won't be getting constant noise complaints from your neighbours and you shouldn't have problems sleeping at night due to constant barking.

Some of the reasons that they might bark are when they experience pain or feel threatened. They also might start yapping if they become extremely excited; however, this habit can be trained out of them.

Do Boykin Spaniel bite?

The Boykin Spaniel is not known as an aggressive breed of dog with a tendency to bite. They are much more likely to greet a stranger with a lick than ever biting; however, sometimes, they can develop a habit of play biting.

They can be trained so that they knowthat this behaviour is not acceptable, and it is recommended that this is done at an early age.

What is the temperament & personality of a Boykin Spaniel?

Boykin Spaniels are described as being super enthusiastic dogs with an almost endless pit of energy. They will spend their time running around all day if allowed to and enjoy playing with their family.

They enjoy mental stimulation and completing tasks, so you can train them to perform useful tasks around the house. Because this breed is so friendly, they don't make the best guard dogs. They will, however, bark if they hear a strange noise in the night, which will alert those in the house.

What is the weight & size of a Boykin Spaniel?

On average, males weigh somewhere between 13 and 18kgs and stand between 38 and 45cm tall. Females weigh somewhere between 11 and 16kgs. They stand around 35 to 43cm tall.

How much training does a Boykin Spaniel need?

Because this breed is highly intelligent, training them is a lot easier than other breeds of dogs. They respond very well to positive reinforcement, and with the right obedience training and early socialisation, you will have a well-mannered companion in no time!

What are some of the most common health issues for a Boykin Spaniel?

This breed is susceptible to a number of health conditions and genetic illnesses, but the main one by far is hip dysplasia. Other conditions that are common with Boykin Spaniels include Cushing's disease, elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism. If you suspect something is wrong with your dog, it is important to seek medical attention to get the appropriate health tests performed.

The Boykin Spaniel Foundation has lots of information on the type of chronic illnesses that the breed is susceptible to and the research being done to understand so they can be treated or prevented.

What is the lifespan of a Boykin Spaniel?

The Life expectancy of Boykin Spaniels is between 10 and 15 years. This means that a Boykin Spaniel puppy is likely to grow up when your kids are young and will be around for their entire childhood.

How much should you feed a Boykin Spaniel?

It is recommended that for this breed of dog, around 2 to 3 cups of high-quality kibble split between two meal times will keep your pup healthy. Although the Boykin Spaniel burns a lot of energy running around, they are susceptible to obesity, so be careful not to overfeed.

What is the price of a Boykin Spaniel in Australia?

The average price for Boykin Spaniels is around $1500. It is important to find a reputable breeder and not opt for the cheapest option as they may have a lot of underlying health problems.