Boykin Spaniel Dog Breed Profile

Quick Stats for the Boykin Spaniel Dog

Height (at the shoulders): 15 – 18 inches (38 – 46 cm)
Weight: 25 – 40 pounds (11 – 18 kg)
Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years
AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 2009
Shedding: moderate shedder
Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); okay with a small yard

Personality of the Boykin Spaniel Dog

The Boykin Spaniel is intelligent, docile, obedient, and loyal. They make excellent pets and enjoy being around children and other dogs.

They are excellent swimmers and love the water. However, they are prone to ear infections so be sure to dry their ears properly after they are done swimming.

These dogs were bred to be hunting dogs and have a highly developed sense of smell. They will chase after a scent so keep them on leash when taking them for a walk.

History of the Boykin Spaniel Dog

The Boykin Spaniel is the only dog that was originally bred in South Carolina. It is actually the official dog of the State of South Carolina. The breed was originally developed to hunt wild turkeys in the Wateree River Swamp during the early 1900s.

One popular story of how the breed came about has been passed down through the years. The story goes that sometime in the early 20th Century, Alexander White found a small stray dog wandering around his church in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He took the dog home with him and soon discovered that the dog was a great hunter, having a great bird sense.

He then gave the dog to his hunting partner, L. Whitaker Boykin from the Boykin community just outside Camden, South Carolina, for further training. Boykin then trained the dog to become an excellent turkey dog and waterfowl retriever.

The dog was refined over time by crossings with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel dog, and the American Water Spaniel.

In July 2005, the AKC named the Boykin Spaniel Club of Breeders Association of America as the official parent club.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 2009 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Boykin Spaniel Dog Care and Grooming

Boykins require lots of daily exercise since they are working dogs. You should at least take them on a long, brisk walk. They can be destructive if not provided with sufficient exercise.

To avoid matting of the coat, brush them every couple of days with a good dog brush.

The breed is a moderate shedder.