Boykin Spaniel - Fun Facts and Crate Size

Boykin Spaniel

Quick Facts:

• AKC recognized in 2007
• Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
• Size: medium
• Energy: high
• Recommended Crate Size: 30” dog crate*

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Introduction

Those curly haired hanging ears and that wagging tail, the Boykin Spaniel is quite the handsome hunter. He’s smart, confident, and is not only an avid hunter but an awesome companion dog as well.

This American Made dog is a hunter’s dream. He originated in South Carolina to flush out fowl and turkey in the swamps. He aced the challenge and went beyond to become an excellent family dog too.

He’s highly spirited and energetic so this pup isn’t the perfect pooch for everyone but if you think he might be the one you’ve been hunting for, read on to see if he’d be a trophy and a catastrophe in your life.

Breed

The Boykin Spaniel was created in South Carolina by hunters who needed a dog who was especially skilled in hunting in the swampy area. Mainly they required one who was proficient in flushing and fetching fowl and other game like turkey and geese, mainly in the Wateree Swamps of the state. The breed originated in the early 1900s and was perfected afterward.

The Boykin was blueprinted to be of medium size which is ideal for his calling. He’s got it all - the intelligence to hunt the fowl and the trainability required to bring them back, unscathed. He’s alert and highly self-confident too. He is so good at what he does, he’s the state dog of South Carolina. There’s even a special day set aside for him which is September 1 of every year.

It all began when a stray Spaniel dog found a place in a banker’s heart while the banker was walking to church one day at the First Presbyterian in Spartanburg, South Carolina in the early years of the 1900s. The man’s name was Alexander White. He took such a fancy to the stray, he took him home with him.

The dog began to show off some skills in retrieving objects and things moved forward. Alexander named the dog “Dumpy” and sent him to a hunting partner friend named Lemuel Whitaker Boykin (aka Whit) who lived in nearby Camden, South Carolina. Whit noted some serious hunting capabilities within the dog and began experimentally crossbreeding him with various other dogs. Among those dogs were Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, American Water Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and a multitude of pointing dogs.

That was how the breed got its start and its name. Interestingly, this dog is only one of two United States dogs that have gotten their name for the person or family responsible for their origination.

Dumpy went on to master his hunting and fetching skills even further in the hands of Boykin. In fact, he became such a champ, he was chosen to be the foundation stock for the Boykin Spaniel breed.

Everything about the breed was perfect for its cause. It was small enough to ride inside the little boats hunters used in the swamps which were mostly in the hunting and resort areas.

In the year 1977, the dogs were noted by visitors to the region and they began to popularize the Boykin. The Boykin Spaniel Society was founded in that same year and by 1979, a studbook was put into place by the Boykin family. The book has been closed since 1980 so only dogs from the parents of BSS originating dogs can be registered. The BS was formally recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1985. The UKC, however, doesn’t close their studbook so dogs that are from the AKC or the BSS are able to be registered to the UKC studbook anytime.

As the years rolled on, the Boykin Spaniel Club and the Breeders Association of America sought about to achieve recognition of the Boykin Spaniel from the American Kennel Club in the 1990s. The main reason for this is that they wanted to gain AKC recognition of the Boykin and to be about to take part in the AKC hunt tests that were held in the United States. Finally, in 2007, the pursuit was a success. The handsome hunting dog known as the Boykin Spaniel was proud to be honored with his acceptance into the notorious American Kennel Club.

Even more, great things were in store for the Boykin. In 2006, at the very beginning of the year, he was declared eligible to compete in the American Kennel Club Special Hunt tests for those coveted AKC titles owners and handlers had longer for so long. Within the Hunt, tracking, rally obedience, agility, and regular obedience all play a vital role. Of course, the Boykin is a master of all of those skills and then some.

Appearance

Running just a little larger than the English Cocker Spaniel does, the Boykin Spaniel stands about 15 ½ to 17 inches at the withers, males do at least. Females generally stand 14 to 16 ½ inches at the withers. The typical male weighs in around 30 to 40 pounds while females tip the scale at between 25 to 35 pounds.

The Boykin’s tail is usually docked and this typically takes place by the age of three days old. Around 1/3 of the tail length is generally left.

His eyes are bright and engaging. This dog is a happy hunter and it shows. The color of his eyes ranges from dark amber to brilliant gold. Typically puppies tend to have a bluish-gold milky color to their ember eyes until they mature a few months.

The Boykin Spaniel’s ears are a precious trademark of his. They are droopy, hand down long and generally have that adorable Spaniel-type curly hair on them.

This dog sports a coat that is liver, chocolate, or various shades of brown, The density and length of their coats have a lot of variation, mostly because the Boykins themselves have a good bit of variation due to the mix of breeds in their heritage. Regardless of the length though, the coat is usually fine and curly and most are medium (1 to 2 inches) in length. Some have shorter hair, however, as a result of the Labrador Retriever blood in them.

There’s typically a bit of light feathering on his chest, belly, ears, feet, and legs too which is medium length and moderate density as a rule. Sometimes the feathering looks like sun highlights, a shade or two lighter and golden to tawny in coloration. This is mostly seen on his ears. White markings on the chest are fairly common but shouldn’t cover more than 60% of his chest when showing, per American Kennel standards. That can also disqualify puppies from being officially registered as Boykin Spaniels. A little white on his toes is very typical.

Athletic and agile, the Boykin’s appearance is one of a typical Spaniel. He stands ready to roll at all times and is built for the hunt and for whatever swimming might occur during his hunting and retrieving.

Pet Crate Size

Pet Crates Direct recommends 30” dog crates* for most adult Boykin Spaniels.

More Information

Personality

It is safe to say that the Boykin Spaniel is one of the friendliest dogs in the world, especially of the Spaniel variety. He is super social and very good with families, especially children. It’s also a huge plus that he is very stable, even when it comes to children pulling and tugging on him. Still, you always want to be on the safe side and supervise any young child who is in the company of a dog.

The Boykin is even good with other dogs. He can be taught to get along with cats, especially if raised alongside them but birds...not so much. He’s got a little too much bird hunter in him to test those waters.

Though he’s quite the livewire, his temperament is level. He’s also very adaptable with different environments but certainly should be socialized at a young age to help ensure he stays that way throughout his life. All of his good behavior, however, stems largely upon something very vital to this breed - ample exercise. If his energy is pent up, nothing is guaranteed.

The BS is super intelligent, whether on the hunt, in training class, or just interacting with his family. He will take you by surprise at times because he’s so sharp.

This dog is great at endurance. He’ll stay the course and isn’t about to give up. He was a very successful hunter due to this trait but if it’s misdirected, you’ll have your hands full. Be sure to establish your authority as the pack leader when he is just a pup. He’s eager to please, eats up attention, and is highly trainable so that shouldn’t be a problem to get through to him.

Apartment life is not very well suited for this lively fellow. He is very flexible so, if he had to be in a small space dwelling, like an apartment or condo, he would do alright. It is certainly not ideal though. A large backyard with plenty of human interaction or a wide-open farm or ranch is much more his style. Wherever he goes, he needs lots and lots of socialization with his family. It’s best that he comes in at night but he does love the outdoors during the daytime.

The Boykin Spaniel can be a bit on the sensitive side. It’s important never to raise your voice with him or show disappointment. It would crush his spirit.

It is said that the Boykin is hellacious in the field but a Teddy Bear in the home. Nothing could be truer. He’s an athlete, in no uncertain terms and can swim like a fish. At the end of a busy hunting or outing day, he’ll want to curl up on the couch with you though.

Don’t expect this breed to guard your home unless a turkey or duck come to intrude. He’s way too friendly and too social for that. The most he’ll do is possibly bark when he hears someone approaching but even that is ify. He definitely aces all other callings so don’t hold it against him that he’s not an avid watchdog. He just can’t help it...he’s a lover.

Grooming

Boykins aren’t very high maintenance as far as grooming goes but he does need some. You’ll want to clip his coat regularly, especially if he’s outside a lot and for sure if he’s hunting because he’ll get into all sorts of things in the field. His coat is soft and therefore tends to collect burs, foxtails, and stickers. Some Boykin Spaniel owners spray a little cooking oil on their dogs to keep their coat from collecting “souvenirs” from the outdoors. The cooking oil also has been known to help prevent tangles and to make the coat easier to comb through.

Speaking of combing, you’ll want to comb or brush his hair a couple of times per week. If you don’t, it will easily become unruly and will be very difficult to brush through.

You can have your Boykin stripped or you can do it yourself but it isn’t pleasant for him to go through and clipping generally serves the same purpose. Slight shaping around his topline and head are a typical cut. Some have a topknot, much like the Llewellin Stetter. If your dog is in the field a lot, shaving him well is recommended so his coat doesn’t get so messy but be sure to leave it long enough that it protects his skin from briars and from the sun and cold. Shaving him too close and too often will likely cause his coat to grow back discolored.

Bathe him regularly but not too often. Every few months is fine because you don’t want to interfere with his protective coat. When shampooing him, use a dog-friendly shampoo with conditioning qualities. Make sure it’s hypoallergenic too. After shampooing and rinsing him well, fluff his coat back up with a towel.

Brushing the Boykin’s teeth is a must. He can be prone to dental disease and brushing his teeth with a doggie toothbrush and yummy dog-friendly flavored toothpaste will help prevent gum disease and plaque that can lead to tooth decay. Plus, it will help keep his breath fresh too.

You’ll definitely want to take care of this dog’s paws. Although he will probably be outside enough to wear his toenails down naturally, check them for splits, chips, and cracks. Also, between his toe pads are likely to get caked with mud and dirt. Under his nails may need mud and dirt cleaned out too.

This pup will need special care taken with his long, droopy ears. They hang long and tend to collect dirt, debris, and bacteria so he is apt to get ear infections. Keep them clean and dry. Check them often for any signs of redness, swelling, and irritation. If he is pawing at them, examine them closely. At the slightest indication that he may have an ear infection, take him into the vet clinic promptly. Untreated ear infections can warrant surgery and can even leave your dog deaf.

When grooming your Boykin, like when you brush or bathe him, be sure to check him out good by giving him a “once over”. He will likely be spending a lot of time outdoors and you’ll want to examine him for cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. Don’t think he will come to you with all his “boo-boos” because he probably won’t. He’s a rough-and-tumble dog that is used to just dealing with his woes so it’s up to you to find any and treat them or take him in to be treated at the vet if they are very bad.

There’s no need for extra foo-foo pampering with the Boykin Spaniel. He won’t need to be professionally groomed unless you choose to but this breed doesn’t usually have their nails painted and other fussing that Poodles and other curly headed dogs often get. But, he does require some grooming, especially since he has a curly coat that can mat and ears that hang low.

Feeding

Since this breed is a very active one, it is good to feed him a dog food that meets his needs, usually, one that is high in protein. It’s wise to speak to his vet and/or breeder to get recommendations on the type of food as well as the quantity and frequency of which to feed him. As a puppy, you’ll likely need to give him several meals throughout the day until his tummy can hold more and then, reduce the number of times you feed him.

Feeding your Boykin Spaniel a high-quality food is a must. Beware of the marketing tactics used by many dog food companies these days. A little research into dog foods is a good idea so you know what foods to avoid, like those who boast of by-products which are merely animal parts like hair and fingernails, as a rule. Buying organic is wise since that assures no chemicals were used in the process. Still, both organic and non-organic dog foods are recalled all the time. A vigil watch on recalls is always recommended.

If your dog is able to exercise all he was intended to, he’ll probably not gain extra weight unless he eats a good amount of treats or human food or if he consumes too much of his food. Do limit his snacks and his human food too. Make sure he gets ample exercise. If he still is overweight, speak to his vet right away. Obesity in dogs is dangerous. It can lead to serious medical issues like Diabetes, heart problems, digestive diseases and can place undue weight on joints and bones which cause pain and other problems. Obesity in dogs is every bit as dangerous as it is in humans.

As with all animals, it is imperative that fresh, clean water is always available. Especially when he’s outdoors, you’ll want to check to be sure he hasn’t tipped over his water bowl and that it isn’t too hot or frozen.

Exercise

This dog was born to run, hunt, swim, and to be very active throughout the day. You’ll want to be sure that he is or all sorts of problems will occur. He’ll never be healthy or happy without adequate exercise and for this breed, that’s a lot. If you are not able or willing to give him the encouragement and opportunities needed to fulfill this need, it is best to let him go to a home that can attend to his exercise requirements.

Be sure that you have established your leadership role prior to walking your dog. The Boykin Spaniel takes well to leadership but without it, he’ll be happy to be in charge and you’ll get a run for your money. He’s fast and strong and will want to walk much faster and longer than you probably are up for.

When taking him out, be the one who invites him for the walk. Have him walk alongside you or behind you but never in front of you and by all means, don’t let him take out after a bird or any other kind of creature.

This active pup needs a very minimum of 1 hour of formal walking per day. An hour and a half is actually more his style. It’s vital that he gets all his bounding energy out.

In between walks is a great time for some activities that will further release his energy and will serve to strengthen the bond between the two of you. He loves playing Frisbee. It reminds him of catching fowl. He’ll excel in a good game of Fetch too and should have no problem bringing the ball back to you since he’s pro at retrieving.

Don’t neglect to exercise the BS’s brain too. He’s very intelligent and uses his noggin a lot when on the hunt. Unless he is actively involved in hunting much of the time, you’ll want to create a like scenario for him so his mind doesn’t get bored. Brain game activities are available online and in hardback book form so you can find some activities that are perfect for him and his brain stimulation.

If you are going for a hike or swim, this dog wants to go with you. He’s even great swimming in swampy conditions. He believes he should go where you go. And, why not? He is very well behaved, social, and quite the athlete. He is a pro swimmer, an avid walker, and can endure a full day of hiking.

It cannot be stressed enough that the Boykin was created to be an active dog that thrives on endurance activities. He will never reach his maximum potential if he’s not allowed to stretch his physical being to the limit.

Training

The Boykin Spaniel is an excellent student. He was fashioned to take right to training lessons. He listens attentively and is smart enough to catch on quickly. He aims to please so that is a huge plus. He responds well to praise and pats so treats should be reserved for successfully completing the more challenging lessons.

Never scold him or show disappointment. He is quite sensitive and is sure to take it personally. He’ll be so wrapped up in fear that he’ll let you down, that he may have trouble concentrating on the lesson at hand.

It’s a good idea to exercise him prior to the training class. This will help him to focus and to be settled down enough to learn. It’s also wise not to conduct class at an outdoor setting where birds, ducks, or turkeys abound as his hunting instincts may very well override his lesson time.

Potty training is the first lesson on the agenda. He is a breed that naturally wants to do his business outdoors and is rarely bothered by the elements. Just show him the designated spot he’s to “go” in and let him know how to alert you when he needs to go out. Even if he is going to be outdoors all or most of the time, you’ll still want to train him to be housebroken. You never know when a situation will arise when he’ll need to be indoors like extremely harsh weather or a medical condition.

Socialization comes easy for the Boykin. Still, you should initiate formal socialization early in his life. Expose him to as many people, places, and situations as possible. Take him around old and young alike. Have him interact with loud people and quiet folks. Be sure to socialize him with other dogs and let him encounter cats too but with extreme supervision. Bring him with you on a noisy outing and take him along to very quiet, peaceful places as well. The more you expose him to a variety of settings and situations, the richer his life will be because he’ll know firsthand how to behave.

Crate training is usually a good idea for the Boykin. He is likely to be very comfortable and secure in his abode as long as it’s not used for punishment but as a safe place to go and a good home base in which to learn the ropes from. There are books and websites that will tell you more about the art of crate training that is worth reading up on for helpful hints that will make it much easier and more effective as well.

Obedience training is for his safety and well-being as well as for yours and other people and pets he’ll encounter. You’ll need to teach him the basics like sit, come, and stay. Be sure he masters them upon command within a treat being in your hand. If he only obeys for a treat, it is you who is trained...not him. Be certain he obeys immediately so you know he will do so in the event of an emergency situation such as an aggressive dog coming down the street or even a car coming towards him.

Don’t stop at the basic commands. This dog is capable of much more than the basics. Commands in obedience were a large part of his heritage so push him to his true capacity. He won’t mind at all. He loves pleasing you and was made for taking kindly to training. His handler or owner gave him commands while on the hunt and he was disciplined to bring back fowl rather than gobbling them down so know that he is highly trainable and if there’s a problem encountered, it very well be with the trainer rather than the student. Brush up on training techniques and you’ll shine as bright as he will.

Lure course training is ideal for the BS. The course is one that mechanically reinvents his natural hunting and retrieving ground challenges. You can find a formal course to take him to train at or set up one on his own turf.

Agility training is another course this breed excels in. He is fast and smart so mastering it will not be a problem. It will help him release his bounding energy too, both physically and mentally. Again, he can go to a formal course or you can create one for him in his own backyard.

Brain training is a must for the Boykin. He’s too smart to let it go to waste. You’ll find brain training lessons online on websites and in eBooks or can pick up a hardback at a local bookstore. He will amaze you with his abilities and he’ll be quite proud of himself as well. He can work treat mazes and even excels in putting doggie puzzles in place. He’s great at learning his toys and treats by name to and he’s all about fetching them for you.

Trick training is just too fun with the Boykin Spaniel. He delights in doing fun tricks for you and for any other audience. He loves to show off his skills so be sure to teach him a wide variety of tricks he is sure to master in no time. He can shake, give high fives, and even learn shapes by name. He’s not so into dancing though so stick with the things he loves and he’ll be a star student.

The Boykin Spaniel must be trained. He was blueprinted for such a thing. If you are not willing or able to train him, if you are taking him into your life, you’ll need to incorporate the help of a professional if you wish for your dog to reach his full potential in life.

Health

Being the avid athlete that he is, when he’s able to exercise all that he pleases, the Boykin Spaniel is usually a very healthy dog for the most part. His life expectancy is usually from 10 to 12years, on average. Some live much longer though.

This breed is one that greedy breeders tend to nab and try to pass off unhealthy puppies for top dollar prices. Don’t fall into the trap. You want a healthy dog and don’t want to support their antics. Be sure you go through a reputable breeder with lots of verifiable references. Check the paperwork and tests out thoroughly. You owe it to yourself and to your pup to have the most assurance possible that he is in good shape from the get-go.

There are conditions that this breed is prone to and many of those conditions are tested for with good breeders. So, again, do check paperwork and tests quite thoroughly and if a breeder refuses to show them to you or gets upset that you asked, a big red flag should go up.

While there are some genetic woes the Boykin is susceptible to, there’s not as many as some breeds have. His mix in heredity is a positive factor on his side. There are some medical conditions though that you should keep a watchful eye out for, that have roots both hereditarily and environmentally. Being aware of these can help you spot symptoms and signs early on so you can seek treatment immediately which is the best offense and defense.

Here are some medical issues he is prone to:

The Boykin Spaniel is especially apt to have Hip Dysplasia, unfortunately. The rate is alarmingly high. The numbers are getting better though. In the past 7 years, the rate is declining due to the attention that is being received in the matter. Both hereditary issues and environmental ones due to the strain his physical activity places on his body are to blame for his susceptibility to Hip Dysplasia.

Hip Dysplasia is a condition that entails an abnormal formation of the hip socket. The femur, or thigh bone, doesn’t fit properly into the socket. As the condition progresses, more trouble abounds. Eventually, the problem can cause crippling lameness, painful arthritis, and the inability to walk altogether. At first, it starts out minor and you may just notice a slight favoring of limbs when he’s walking or stiffness when he first gets up from lying down. But, it begins to progress and will become uncomfortable and later it may be quite painful and debilitating. At the first sign of trouble, take him into his vet to be seen. There is treatment available which may even involve surgery but the success rate is very good to at least lighten the problem. Even though larger dogs are more at risk for this problem, the Boykin has a very high chance of having it so don’t delay having him check out and treated if necessary.

Elbow Dysplasia is also not a stranger to the Boykin breed. It is the same as Hip Dysplasia except it is located in the elbow region rather than in the hip. You will note the same symptoms of limping and favoring a limb and eventually, the refusal or inability to exercise.

Heart Disease is another medical issue the Boykin is prone to. When the heart cannot live up to the demands of the body, the heart becomes overly stressed and the problems begin. Physical fatigue, depression, unwillingness to exercise, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, distended abdomen, difficulty sleeping, and difficulty getting comfortable are signs that may be slight initially but begin to grow stronger. Congestive Heart Failure is the progressed state of which there is no cure so be sure to have your dog treated if he has heart problems so the issue can be halted before it reaches such a state.

Eye problems tend to plague this breed. Boykins are prone to have Collie Eye Anomaly which is an inherited disease of the eye which involves a malformation of the eye and its components that are necessary for proper vision. The issue can lead to full or partial blindness. If you Boy is showing any signs of eye trouble, such as bumping into furniture, trees, or even you, be sure to have his eyes checked for this problem by his vet.

Thyroid Disease is yet another medical woe for the Boykin. There are two types, Hypothyroidism, and Hyperthyroidism which is common to people and to canines. The thyroid gland is in the neck of dogs. It regulates the temperature within the body and controls growth along with a myriad of other bodily duties. The most common issue that is seen in the disease is the inability to tolerate cold temperatures. Excessive shedding is also noted as a sign. Weight gain or loss, lack of energy, sleeping more than normal, and depression are other signs. He may be prone to get skin irritations and infections too and his skin may appear dry and flakey. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to have him formally checked by his vet. There is a blood test that will show if he has Thyroid Disease or not and there is treatment available. It is imperative to catch it early though so don’t hesitate to take him in at the first indication he may have this malady.

Inherited Degenerative Myelopathy is not uncommon in the Boykin Spaniel breed, unfortunately. This condition involves a diminishing flow of white matter in the spinal cord which is responsible for delivering messages to the limbs from the brain. Clumsiness, stumbling, failing to be able to balance or control limbs are key signs. If your pooch exhibits any of those problems, make sure to take him in for testing immediately. There is no cure for this problem although being aware of it will open doors to make his life better in many ways. There may be therapeutic exercises your vet will have you do with him and there is no set time of progression so his symptoms may remain mild for the rest of his life or they may get worse very rapidly. Loss of bladder control is something that may very likely take place if the problem worsens as the signal to the bladder and organs may become affected as well.

Cushing’s Disease is caused by too much secretion and not enough absorbance of the hormone cortisol which has to do with steroids. Cortisol is beneficial to the body during times of stress but can be harmful when it is not needed to “fight or flight” as is nature’s course during true stress situations. The problem causes too much of the hormone to be stored up within the adrenal glands which sit right on top of the kidneys and therefore brings on a large array of symptoms including excessive eating and drinking, a distinct potbelly, and loss of hair. This problem also makes for undue susceptibility to infections and other diseases. Your dog’s vet can conduct tests to determine if he does have this medical woe if symptoms are noticed. There are actually two different types of Cushing’s Disease but both can be tested for. Treatment may be discussed if he tests positive.

Exercise Induced Collapse is seen in the Boykin Spaniel. Much has to do with his natural instinct to push his body to the limit and beyond. The problem is also genetic in nature. The issue occurs due to a disorder that brings about loss of muscle control after an extended period of extreme exercise. The symptoms are usually evident between 5 months and 3 years of age if he has the disease. That is also the time that training is being implemented so do keep a watchful eye on your Boy during training sessions that involve a lot of work. Episodes usually take place within 5 to 25 minutes after the exercise in which time he may begin to rock back and forth and then his hind limbs may become so weak they cannot support him. He will collapse then and will not be able to move. The attacks generally last anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes. While some dogs have died during an attack, it is not common but it very alarming for both your dog and you, should he fall into a collapse. Of course, you will want to call his vet immediately and get him in as soon as possible for testing and for recommendations on treatment.

Patella Luxation is a medical problem that occurs when his patella, or kneecap, becomes dislocated from the groove within his patella, or kneecap, due to an abnormal fit. The issue is hereditary in nature most of the time but can be totally caused and also worsened by environmental factors such as running on rough terrain. The problem starts out mild, characterized by limping or favoring of a leg. But it can become debilitating and quite painful. His vet can perform x-rays which will reveal if he has this problem and treatment can be discussed if he does.

Field accidents are one of the most common maladies of the Boykin, for obvious reasons. He’s a real go-getter and nothing will stop him when he is hunting or retrieving. He will tangle with burs, bushes, barbed wire fences, or anything else that comes in his way. Sometimes broken bones or extremely serious lacerations are involved. Seeking treatment immediately is imperative. You’ll want to check him at least once a week to be sure he’s not sporting any wounds without you noticing. He’s tough and is good at keeping them private.

While there is indeed a long list of woes to watch for medically when it comes to the Boykin, there is no indication that yours will get any of them. Keeping a watchful eye out for the problems will help ensure he has the best chance for a successful recovery should he encounter any of them and hopefully he will live a full and happy life.

Is the Boykin Spaniel the Right Dog for Me?

The Boykin Spaniel is a gorgeous dog. He is near perfect in many ways. He’s a delight to be around because he’s so very friendly and eager to please. He loves deeply and is flexible as well.

He was designed to be the ultimate fowl hunting and retrieving dog and he certainly met the challenge and has gone over and above to become a prized member of the family with a good nature and the eagerness to fit right in.

One thing about this breed is that he is active. It is in his blood and that fact cannot and should not be changed. He must be exercised and has to have an active lifestyle. If bringing into your life means he’ll get to hunt, that is perfect. The Boykin Spaniel is one of the best hunters, flushers, and retrievers in existence. He will ever disappoint.

If he won’t be hunting, however, it is optimal if you are active. He certainly is! He is a great companion for biking, hiking, swimming, and practically any other activity that’s physical.

In the event that you are not active, it may not be the best idea to own a Boykin. He will never be at his best without pushing his limit physically most every day. He’ll be bored, unhealthy, and won’t be happy either. Never even think of sticking him in a fenced yard to be alone much of the time. He simply won’t have it. He’s a social guy and must be around his humans to thrive.

If you are active and are willing to tend to his physical and intellectual needs by helping him thrive by being very physical on a daily basis, this handsome hunter will make a wonderful addition to your family. He’s sure to fetch so much happiness, your heart will be swamped with love.