Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized spaniel breed, basically bred for hunting wild turkeys and ducks in the Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina (USA). Boykin Spaniel is a state dog of South Carolina, where it was discovered and further developed by predators in the 1900s. 1st September is the Boykin Spaniel’s Day in South Carolina.
Height and Weight
The normal height of males ranges from 15.5 to 17 inches (39 to 43 cm) at the withers and weight 14 to 18 kg (30 to 40 lb). The females are smaller with height 14 to 16.5 inches (36 to 42 cm) and weight 11 to 16 kg (25 to 35 lb).
Appearance
Boykin Spaniel is marginally larger than English Cocker Spaniel but weightier through the body width. The buyers must be aware of its size and weight in the puppy's lineage before selecting a breeder if the size is a factor in choice. Usually, its tail is docked at the age of 3 days, leaving one third in length. The eyes are attractive and bright. The color varieties from brilliant gold to a dark amber. A few months old puppy will have milky bluish-gold to amber eyes. The coat color of Boykin Spaniel comes in liver or chocolate (shades of brown).
The coat length and density differ largely due to a variety of breeds that create a new background of this breed. The coat is flat to soberly wavy with medium size, fine hair with light feathering appropriate on the legs, feet, ears, chest, and belly. The size is usually 1-2 inches all over the body.
The field varieties are frequently shaved and should not be penalized as long as it is of appropriate length to safeguard the skin. Inappropriate shaving will result in some coats growing back in with unnecessary staining, fading or graying. White patterns other than a white mark on the chest that is more than 60% of the width of the chest, disqualify puppies from being recorded with the Boykin Spaniel Society, although the AKC and UKC do not permit denial of registration for conformation reasons. White on the toes or chest is purely a cosmetic trait and will not affect the capability or health of the dog.
Hunting use
Boykin Spaniel is a multipurpose hunter, working as a retriever and upland hunter. Pointing is not in character with the Boykin's hunting style, but some complicate the integral characteristic of a ‘hesitant flush’ with pointing. Of the 6 or 8 different breeds used to produce the present breed, 3 are pointing breeds for this reason. Field Boykin Spaniels want to be 100% accurate when they flush the birds. As an obedient partner, they wait until their hunter is positioned for the shot. Their stamina in hot weather conditions and enthusiasm make them good for dove hunts, but also for pheasant and other upland games. Boykin Spaniels can be used in driving deer or tracing wounded game. Their small size makes them easy to transport in a canoe or other small boat.
Boykin Spaniel Temperament
Boykin Spaniel is a good family pet for his friendly and social nature. It is an easily trainable, eager to work, and very social dog with the children and other dogs. They can sometimes be defined as enthusiastic with great stamina. They are very adjustable in different environments if they are given full opportunity for social interaction and sufficient time to burn off extra energy reserves. They are not easily angered and tend to be excited to gratify and friendly, but they love attention.
Care
As with all dogs, Boykin Spaniels need regular exercise and grooming. Clipping the coat frequently is suggested particularly when the dog is in the field, as the soft coat collects foxtails and briars. Spraying the dog with cooking spray is also suggested to protect against tangles in the long fur.
History
The first Boykin Spaniel, or the forerunner of today's breed, was reportedly a small, stray spaniel type dog that helped a banker walking from his home to the First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina around the 1900s. Alexander L. White (1860-1942) adored the little dog and took it home. After the dog exhibited some talents for retrieving, Alexander L. White dispatched the dog called ‘Dumpy’ to his longtime friend and hunting companion Lemuel Whitaker Boykin near Camden, South Carolina.
Whitaker Boykin (1861–1932) conducted experiments with crossing different breeds, and the resulting dog is named after him. This breed is only one of two US-made breeds named for the family liable for their creation. In Boykin's hands, the little stray developed into an excellent turkey dog and waterfowl retriever. This dog became the foundation stock for the Boykin spaniel. The dogs had to be small enough to transport in small boats used by the predators in swamps.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, American Water Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and several pointing breeds were used in the development of the breed, according to Whit Boykin's grandson Dr. Baynard Boykin. The region in which the breed was recognized, around Camden, South Carolina, was a resort and hunting area. The breed was seen by visitors and so spread around the USA. In 1977, Boykin Spaniel Society® was formed by the Boykin family and started maintaining a studbook in 1979. The BSS studbook has been closed since 1980, meaning that only dogs from BSS listed parents may be recorded with the BSS. The Boykin Spaniel was documented by the UKC (United Kennel Club) in 1985. The UKC does not close its studbooks so dogs from the BSS or the AKC may be recorded into the UKC studbook at any time. In the 1990s, a group of fanciers established the Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association of America in order to achieve AKC recognition of the breed and to get access to the AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests held throughout the nation. In 2007, the Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association of America was acknowledged by the AKC as the parent club for the breed.
In January 2006, the breed qualified the Spaniel Hunt tests for official AKC designations. In July 2006, the Boykin Spaniel was eligible to get AKC names in AKC agility, tracing, rally and regular obedience.