Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel was developed in the American South at the beginning of the 20th century, first as a turkey hunter and then as an exceptional all-around gun dog. Known fondly amongst devotees as "the dog that doesn't rock the boat,"� this small spaniel breed was created to ride calmly in a boat on the way to the hunt, and then be quick to flush and retrieve. It is a versatile hunter, excelling in upland hunting and flushing of game. Pointing is not in its character. It is the state dog of South Carolina. The Boykin Spaniel is a moderate dog, and stands from 12 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighs from 25 to 40 pounds; it is just a little bigger than the average English Cocker Spaniel. It is sturdy, square and of medium bone. It gives the overall appearance of speed, readiness and agility. The expression of this breed is alert, intelligent and self-confident. The eyes are of medium size, wide-set and trusting. The Boykin has large, triangular, pendulous ears that are folded to the front and drop. The dewclaws may or may not be present, and the tail is often docked to around 3 inches. The coat is the Boykin is brown in color, from liver to chocolate, and there may be minimal white markings. The hair on ears and legs may have a sun-bleached appearance and thus be lighter than that of the body. The coat of the Boykin varies greatly in texture and length from individual to individual, but it is always a double coat, with a weather-proof outer coat and a dense, insulating under coat. The standard does not specify particular length and texture, as the breeders stand firmly to the commitment to breed for working ability rather than specifics of appearance. The texture may be coarse or soft, but not harsh, The hair may be wavy and flat, curly, or short and smooth. Generally the hair around the ears and legs is heavily feathered. In the first decade of the 20th century, a Spartanburg, South Carolina banker named Alexander L. White was attending the local Methodist church when he noticed a little brown spaniel looking lost; taking pity on the little dog, he took it home. Impressed by the intelligence and ability of the dog, he sent it to his partner, L.W. Boykin for appraisal. Boykin was a local planter and well-known sportsman. He named the spaniel "Dumpy"� and took him hunting. Over time, Dumpy became a prize turkey hunter and waterfowl retriever. He then became the foundation sire for the new Boykin Spaniel. Any ideas about foundling Dumpy's ancestry were of course mere speculation, but many who met the little dog thought he may have come from the Deutscher Wachtelhund, a breed that shared a very similar appearance. As Dumpy's descendants multiplied, no real records were kept, but the breeders kept to type. It is probable that influential breeds included the Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The Camden, South Carolina area where the Boykin Spaniel developed is a tourist area. Beginning early in the breed's history, tourists noticed the little brown hunting spaniels in the area, and took some home with them. Thus the reputation of the breed spread. In 1977 the Boykin Spaniel Society was formed to promote the breed and establish a written standard. The Boykin Spaniel has been listed with the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club since 1997. The Boykin Spaniel requires daily brushing; its fine coat is very prone to tangles and mats if not given regular attention. The coat will need to be clipped by a professional groomer every few months; there is no standard clip for this breed it is a matter of personal preference and comfort of the dog. The ears should be checked frequently for signs of mites and ear infections. The shape of the Boykin's ears predispose it to problems. Neglect of an ear infection can be extremely painful for the dog and can permanently damage the hearing apparatus. The Boykin is a very energetic and active breed that thrives in an active household. Its endurance allows it to be active the whole day long with hardly a break. Due to its high activity level, it does not make a good apartment dog. The Boykin needs a securely fenced yard. When being walked outside an enclosure, this dog needs to be leashed; its hunting instincts may cause it to wander away from the owner and into mischief or traffic. This breed needs some vigorous exercise daily in the form of play or a long walk. Without adequate physical exercise this breed can become frustrated and develop neurosis and health problems. The Boykin Spaniel is particularly prone to hip dysplasia. The Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association cites statistics for the year 2006 suggesting that this breed has a 37% chance of being born with the disorder. Careful screening by breeders is essential. Other hereditary disorders may include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), luxating patellas, and skin allergies. The Boykin Spaniel is known as a happy, friendly, loving dog that makes a great family companion. It is patient and not easily angered. It is a loyal, devoted pet that wants to be with people all the time. It does not do well being left alone for long periods of time. Intelligence and eagerness to please, combined with a cheerful attitude, make this breed very easy to train. This dog is friendly with other dogs, and with other household pets. The Boykin Spaniel is particularly fond of children, and is patient and calm around them. The Boykin can be found today across the United States, with concentration on the eastern seaboard. Besides continuing as an excellent choice for hunters who want a good gun dog, it excels in scenting and tracking, retrieving and water dog competitions, and obedience trials.

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