|
The Canine Chronicles Directory
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is a medium size, sturdy, typical spaniel. The head is spaniel
in shape with a fairly broad skull that is flat on top and slightly rounded at the
sides and back. The jaws are strong enough to allow the dog to efficiently carry
game. The upper lip covers the lower jaw. The nose has well-opened nostrils and
is liver in color. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The oval-shaped eyes
are set well apart and come in various shades of yellow or brown. The ears are slightly
above the eye level and lie close to the head. The neck is muscular and moderately
long. The chest is well-developed and the back is strong, straight and level. The
tail is generally docked to result in a 2? to 3 inch tail at maturity. The coat
of this breed is flat to moderately curly. Light feathering on the legs is acceptable.
The coat comes in solid, rich liver or dark chocolate. A small white spot on the
chest is permissible. The Boykin is larger than the Cocker Spaniel with smaller
higher-set ears.
|
|
Temperament
|
The Boykin is pleasant, docile and very obedient. They are friendly, willing and
easy to train. They thrive on human companionship and get along well with other
dogs and children. When they look at you with those yellow/amber eyes, they seem
to be saying, "What do you want me to do next?" This breed is an outstanding swimmer;
however, make sure to dry them off after they get wet. Most owners agree that each
of these dogs has their own unique personality and that their field ability is seldom
matched by other breeds. They have a fine nose and make excellent hunters. Their
sense of smell can often lead them on a trail far away from home.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Male Height: 15-18" ; Weight: 30-40 lbs.
Female Height: 14-16" ; Weight: 25-35 lbs.
|
|
Health Problems
|
They are prone to Spaniel ear infections, hip dysplasia, eye problems and a few
have had heart and skin problems.
|
|
Living Conditions
|
The Boykin will do okay living in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised.
|
|
Exercise
|
This breed is a working dog and requires lots of daily exercise which includes a
long and brisk walk. This highly-driven breed is energetic and needs a "job" to
do to burn off their excess energy. They can become very destructive if their exercise
needs are not met.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
About 14-16 years
|
|
Grooming
|
This breed's coat only needs to be brushed every few days. Make sure their ears
are dried after swimming to prevent ear infections.
|
|
Origin
|
Sometime after the turn of the 20th century, Alexander White of Spartanburg, SC
found a little brown spaniel-type dog wandering around after church service. After
discovering that the little stray had great hunting ability, he gave the dog to
his hunting partner, L. Whitaker Boykin. The little male dog was named Dumpy and
the breed evolved from this one dog. They also have crosses with American Water
Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Pointers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. This breed
is very popular with bird hunters in the Southern United States and is the official
state dog of South Carolina. The Boykin Spaniel has been included in the AKC Foundation
Stock Service® for many years. They are now included in the AKC Miscellaneous
Class and are recognized by the UKC and the FCI.
|
|
Group
|
AKC Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
|