Originating from the swamps of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a canine with a true American history behind its heritage. Described as friendly, eager, and loveable, these dogs belong to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) herding group. They rank 75 out of the AKC’s 201 registered breeds.
Read on to learn more about this charming spaniel!
1. This Dog Hails from South Carolina
The Boykin Spaniel holds a bit of an interesting history. At the turn of the century in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a banker named Alexander L. White was walking to church from his home and a stray spaniel-type dog happened to follow him there. White fell in love with the dog and named it “Dumpy”. He then noticed that Dumpy had an affinity for retrieving, so he sent Dumpy to his hunting companion and friend Lemuel Whitaker Boykin. Boykin would then crossbreed some other dogs to create an ideal waterfowl hunting companion.
Various spaniels (including the Cocker Spaniel, the Springer Spaniel, and the English Spaniel) and other hunting breeds, including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, were used to form the foundation bloodlines that would eventually form the Boykin Spaniel. This breed would be named after Whit Boykin himself, and the Boykin family would eventually establish the Boykin Spaniel Society in 1977. This organization even maintains a studbook for the Boykin Spaniel and strives to recognize and celebrate this unique breed to this very day.
Today, the Boykin Spaniel holds important symbolism within the state of South Carolina itself. This breed is South Carolina’s state dog, and this canine even has its very own special day. In South Carolina, September 1st is considered Boykin Spaniel Day, which was established in 1984. The Boykin Spaniel only received recent recognition as a breed of its own by the American Kennel Club in 2009.
2. These Dogs Were Bred for Hunting
During this American dog’s inception, hunters in South Carolina wanted a dog that was ideal for pursuing waterfowl in swampy areas. This dog needed to be small enough to fit on a boat and efficiently retrieve bagged game in water.
The Boykin Spaniel is also used to hunt birds, such as turkeys and pheasants, in more upland areas. This breed is used for both retrieving and flushing fowl, allowing hunters to shoot their quarry down as they fly upward. Interestingly though, the Boykin Spaniel does not point.
As you will read in the next part, the Boykin Spaniel is also a great swimmer as it would need to navigate through aquatic areas to retrieve shot birds. Due to their smaller size, the Boykin Spaniel shouldn’t be used to navigate or retrieve in rougher bodies of water. Boykin Spaniels generally don’t get larger than 40 pounds and can struggle in tough currents.
3. The Boykin Spaniel is a Great Swimmer!
As the Boykin Spaniel was bred for life in the water, this breed enjoys a nice swim. It sports a water-resistant double coat that insulates the dog from the elements while submerged in water. The Boykin Spaniel also sports webbed feet, ideal for any water-loving dog.
However, swimming is a skill that needs to be taught. Usually, while the Boykin Spaniel relishes having fun in the water, others may need some time to adjust and learn how to swim. After all, just like every other dog breed, each Boykin Spaniel is different. While some learn quickly, others may need more patience. Teaching your dog to swim must be done with care, as rushing could make your dog fearful of swimming!
Start slowly by introducing your dog to shallow water. They may need assistance through a leash and/or a life vest. If your dog panics, take them out and calm them down. You can even use something small like a bathtub or a pool; ideally, a place with an easy slope and no current is best for teaching a dog how to swim.
4. Boykin Spaniels Help Locate Turtles!
There is an important conservation project run by veterinarians and scientists that involves surveying and researching the eastern box turtle. The research team, led by the University of Illinois’s Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, conducts health assessments on captured turtles while also mapping their locations. They examine the turtles for injuries, take blood samples, and test them for any possible diseases they may have.
In this case, Boykin Spaniels are specially trained to track down and retrieve the turtles without harming them. Box turtles aren’t known for being very easy animals to find, so Boykin Spaniels come in handy for locating and recording these reptiles. The dogs track the turtles down through scent, and when found they’ll retrieve the turtles gently just like they would with gunned birds!
The eastern box turtle is currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. It’s also listed as a species of special concern in its native states.
5. These Dogs Can Suffer Exercise-Induced Collapse
The Boykin Spaniel is generally a healthy breed, but this canine does have a few breed-specific health conditions. Most notably, the Boykin Spaniel is susceptible to an issue known as exercise-induced collapse. This disorder is caused by an autosomal recessive gene, and it causes your dog to collapse after a round of intensive exercise.
Exercise-induced collapse may be difficult to observe, but it often results in your dog collapsing and can be fatal if left untreated. Around 10% of Boykin Spaniels have this trait, and it is highly vital for ethical breeders to genetically screen their dogs for this gene, so they don’t pass it on to puppies.
The Boykin Spaniel should also be tested for other genetic issues, such as collie eye anomaly (though this breed isn’t a collie, other dogs can get this issue) and degenerative myopathy, which is highly fatal.
Boykin Spaniels can also be affected by other general issues that breeds can suffer, such as hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. Hip dysplasia occurs when your dog’s hip joints don’t grow properly, causing discomfort. Luxating patellas, or floating kneecaps, occur when your canine’s kneecaps pop out of place. While a treatment plan can be set up with your veterinarian, surgery may be needed in extreme cases.
Your dog should be examined annually by a veterinarian to ensure that early signs are targeted before they worsen. You should also schedule an appointment as soon as possible if your dog shows any signs of illness.
6. Boykin Spaniels Need Plenty of Exercise!
As a hunting breed, the Boykin Spaniel is a highly energetic breed that must be allowed to release extra steam. This dog requires about two hours of exercise a day, and this cannot be ignored. A bored Boykin Spaniel, like any other bored dog, is a destructive one. While long walks are appreciated, this canine can also make a great companion for hiking and running.
The Boykin Spaniel has a high prey drive and must always be kept on a leash to stop them from chasing small animals or fast-moving objects. Fun games, such as fetch and frisbee, are also enjoyed by your dog. A fun day at the lake or pool is also a great way for your Boykin Spaniel to move around.
Boykin Spaniels are also very adept dogs for breed-specific sporting competitions. As the Boykin Spaniel is a hunting dog at heart, activities such as retrieving, dock diving, and field/agility trials are all excellent ways for your dog to be both physically and mentally satisfied. While the Boykin Spaniel enjoys exercise, be aware of exercise-induced collapse as mentioned earlier.
7. These Dogs Require Some Grooming
The Boykin Spaniel’s grooming habits are relatively easy to satisfy, but this breed’s coat does require some attention. Brushing once or twice a week prevents matting and removes excess dead hair. Bathing should be done only occasionally, as overbathing can remove the natural oils that protect your spaniel’s coat. The fur on a Boykin Spaniel may vary; some have longer and curlier coats than others.
For maintenance reasons, the Boykin Spaniel’s double coat can be trimmed if needed (having a professional groomer do this is recommended), but it is NOT recommended to give your dog a full-on shave. Shaving a double-coated dog can damage your canine’s coat as it affects growth, and it will also impede your dog’s ability to properly thermoregulate. Shaving your Boykin Spaniel will not cool off your dog and can make them much more susceptible to overheating, along with protection against the elements.
As with all other dogs, the Boykin Spaniel’s ears should be cleaned frequently to prevent infection.
8. The Boykin Spaniel Is Great for Active Families
While the Boykin Spaniel is a dog meant to pursue wild turkeys and ducks, this fun-loving and intelligent canine is equally at home in an active household. The Boykin Spaniels are known to be affectionate toward children and their families, but as with all dogs, training and socialization should begin early in puppyhood. Owners with active lifestyles are highly recommended as these dogs need exercise to thrive. They’ll also make great companions for certain workouts, such as running and swimming!
As with any dog, always do your research before bringing a dog to its forever home, and always obtain your dog from a reputable breeder or rescue group.
