Variety:
Boykin Spaniel
Country of origin:
USA
USA, United States of America Purpose:
Domestic dog
Colours:
Brown, chocolate
Character
Intelligent, energetic, friendly, easy to train, impatient
Height:
36-46 cm
Weight:
11-18 kg
Longevity:
13-16 years
Other names:
Boykin Spaniel
Hypoallergenic:
No
Litter size:
From 5-7 puppies
Boykin Spaniels were bred to hunt wild turkeys and ducks. The hunting instinct of these dogs is still present today, so if your pet will be allowed to roam in your own backyard, make sure it is properly fenced. Boykin Spaniels have a very good sense of smell, so if they smell or see potential prey, they may take off running. Boykin Spaniels are at their best when they have plenty of exercise, so owners should enjoy long walks in the fresh air. The Boykin Spaniel values the attention of its owner very much, so this breed is not suitable for very busy people.
Breed history
The Boykin Spaniel originates from South Carolina, where the breed was formed by crossing Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, American Water Spaniels and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. It is not a very old breed – it was only formed at the beginning of the 20th century. The Boykin Spaniels were indispensable for hunting a wide variety of birds.The breed was small enough to fit into the boats they used to go duck hunting. Boykin Spaniels were highly valued for their help in hunting, and in 1988 South Carolina issued stamps depicting a Boykin Spaniel with a duck in its mouth.Interestingly, the first day of October is the official Boykin Spaniel Day in South Carolina. The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2009.
Boykin Spaniel: appearance
Boykin Spaniels are medium-sized dogs: males are 39-46 cm tall at the withers and females 36-42 cm. Males are not only taller, but also larger: females weigh between 11 and 16 kg and males between 14 and 18 kg. The body is muscular, the back is straight and strong and the chest is well developed. The neck is of medium length, muscular and slightly curved. Head of medium size, proportionate to the body, with a muzzle width of approximately half the width of the skull when viewed from above. Eyes large, brown, alert. Ears are medium height, long, with dense and long hair. Legs sturdy, medium length, feet oval. Tail of medium length, not shortened in European Union countries. Coat of medium length, wavy but not excessively curly. Coat colour allowed – from reddish brown to chocolate. There may also be small white spots on the coat.
Boykin Spaniel: character
Boykin Spaniels are excellent family friends who get along with children and adults alike. They also get along with visitors to the house, and do not get angry with dogs they meet outside. Of course, it is important to ensure that your pet is socialised from a young age, as this can help to prevent the emergence of unfounded fears. Socialised Boykin Spaniels are self-confident and get along well with all people and dogs they meet. If your Boykin Spaniel is raised with a cat from a young age, you can rest assured that it will get along fine as an adult, but it is not recommended to keep rodents, birds or other small animals in the house, which may become the Boykin Spaniel’s lunch. As a hunting dog with very strong instincts, do not let your pet roam off the lead until it has a solid foundation in the basics of training. This breed is very trainable, eager to learn new commands and obedient to them. It is best to start training as early as possible (as early as a few months of age)