• Height (at the shoulders): 22 – 23 inches (56 – 58 cm)
• Weight: 60 – 70 pounds (27 – 32 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1915
• Shedding: constant shedder; light shedder; heavy shedder twice per year
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Flat Coated Retriever Dog Breed

There is nothing better than a dog that loves to hunt all day yet end the adventure with boundless affection for its family. The Flat Coated Retriever is such dog. With a sweet and exuberant personality, this breed is one of the most loving members of the sporting group.

Devoted, loyal and playful, the Flat Coated Retriever is the perfect family pet for those that enjoy spending lots of time outdoors, yet loves nothing more than quiet evenings in the house.

Regular, daily exercise is a requirement to keeping this breed happy. The Flat Coated Retriever also has a sensitive mindset which makes it very easy to train.

History of the Flat Coated Retriever

To get a grasp on the history of the Flat Coated Retriever we need to start at Newfoundland, during the 19th century, when retrieving was hugely popular with fisherman who needed trustworthy canines to help bring back fish and other objects from the water.

Cod fisheries used Labradors as the most common dog (not the same Labrador Retriever as we know of today). They also used various sized Newfoundland dogs. In time, technology advanced with its creation of firearms and hunters had the new ability to shoot from short distances and needed a dog that could retrieve the fallen foul.

The fisher dogs preferred were natural swimmers and retrievers so they were used to cross with British setters and pointers to further enhance the dog’s bird senses. The result is the Wavy Coated Retriever, which quickly grew in popularity in England and the United States.

Sometime toward the end of the 1800s, breeders crossed the Wavy Coated Retriever with breeds that had straighter hair on the coat because it was thought that the wavy coat was not as water repellent as straighter hair.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Flat Coated Retriever Care and Grooming

Sporting dogs need a ton of daily exercise and this requirement is no different with the Flat Coated Retriever. Always seeking the chance to hunt and jump into water, this breed is best suited for a family that enjoys plenty of outdoor action.

The coat of these dogs needs only a weekly brushing, and only minor trimming. This breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of the Flat Coated Retriever Breed

The average life expectancy of the Flat Coated Retriever is about twelve to fourteen years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed.

Minor health issues include:

• gastric torsion
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• hemangiosarcoma
• glaucoma
• osteosarcoma
• patellar luxation
• lymphosarcoma

Veterinarians recommend having the Flat Coated Retriever tested specifically for possible hip, knee and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): average about 18 inches (46 cm)
• Weight: 35 – 50 pounds (16 – 22.5 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1894
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; moderately active indoors; best with a large yard

Personality of the Field Spaniel

With high energy levels and equal amounts of playfulness, the Field Spaniel is one of the most friendly breed of dogs that a family can have and are noted as being extremely friendly towards and other pets.  They are easy to train and can be excellent watchdogs. Always willing to please, and enjoy having a job to do, a Field Spaniel would make any home a peaceful one.

History of the Field Spaniel Dog

The Field Spaniel is one dog breed that actually shares much of its early history with a similar breed called the English Cocker Spaniel.  Initially, the only difference between these two dogs was their size. The Field Spaniel was a bit larger due to its blood connection with Land Spaniels that weighed as much as 25 pounds heavier. These larger Spaniels were made up of the Sussex Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, and English Water Spaniels.

By the late 1800s, after they were recognized as their own separate breed, heavy breeding practices went into the Field Spaniel which resulted in a longer body, shorter legs, and heavier bones.  Such exaggerated breeding techniques caused this dog to lose its hunting abilities and although Field Spaniels were quite popular going into the early 1900s, they teetered on the brink of extinction soon after.

Fortunately, breeders started to cross the Field Spaniel with English Springer Spaniels in order to re-create the original breed. They were successful. Today’s modern Field Spaniel is not only a wonderful looking dog from the old days, they also regained their hunting abilities.

You can thank the following groups of people who undertook the challenge of re-creating the original Field Spaniel, dating back to the 1950s: Gormac Teal, Ronayne Regal, Elmbury Morwena of Rhiwlas, and Colombina of Teffont.

Although the Field Spaniel was introduced to the United States sometime during the latter part of the 1800s, there were no champion dogs from this breed between the years 1916 and 1966. In fact, there were almost no Field Spaniels to be found in America during this time. However, during the late 1960s, this dog started to become more popular but is still considered one of the rarest breeds in existence today.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1894 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Field Spaniel Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Although Field Spaniels are fairly active dogs and enjoy running around as much as possible, you can satisfy its energy requirements with a couple of brisk walks during the day. Most happy when sleeping inside with its family, Field Spaniels should also have plenty of time to roam free in a fenced-in yard.

Grooming will take solid brushing at least twice per week and the hair of the ears and foot pads should be trimmed up every few months.

Health Problems of the Field Spaniel

The average life expectancy of the Field Spaniel dog breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

Minor health issues include:

• hypothyroidism
• otitis externa

Veterinarians recommend having the Field Spaniel tested specifically for thyroid problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and heart murmurs.

Image courtesy of ccho via Flickr

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 19 – 21 inches (48 – 56 cm) ; bitches: 18 – 20 inches (46 – 51 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 45 – 55 pounds (20 – 25 kg)  ; bitches: 40 – 50 pounds (18 – 23 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1910
• Shedding: constant shedder; average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); relatively inactive indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the English Springer Spaniel

A bountiful hunter that also makes an excellent family companion, the English Springer Spaniel is a member of the sporting group. This dog never seems to run out of cheerful personality and can literally run and play for hours without getting tired.

Care must be taken that this dog does not get trapped inside of the house for too long at a time, for restlessness and frustration can set in quickly. It is most happy when roaming the land and playing with its owners. With an overly-friendly personality towards humans and other pets, the English Springer Spaniel makes the perfect family dog.

History of the English Springer Spaniel

As spaniel dogs became increasingly popular and specialized, the larger-sized land spaniels became proficient at flushing out game. Before guns became the hunter’s killing tool, the land spaniel would flush out its prey and the hunter would have nets ready to trap the animal. Also used were Greyhounds to further chase the animal should it escape the net trap.

The first mention of springers came about the late 1500s and sometime during the 1800s we can trace specifically-bred springer dogs which began to show up. One of the most popular known dogs came from the Duke of Norfolk, whose breed of dogs have heavily influenced the English Springer Spaniel that we see today.

The spaniels bred by the Duke of Norfolk were so popular at the time that the name of the breed was called Norfolk Spaniels. It wasn’t until the year 1900 that the name was changed to Springer Spaniel.

The history of this breed became further complicated by the fact that the smaller version of the dog, the Cocker Spaniel, and the larger Springer, were both the same breed but with different size variations. It wasn’t until 1902 did the Springer become recognized as a distinct breed by the English Kennel Club.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1910 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The English Springer Spaniel Care and Grooming

As mentioned in the beginning of this breed profile, the English Springer Spaniel cannot live happily without a lot of daily exercise. Therefore, owning one means that small apartment living is out of the question. It thrives on hunting so living on plenty of land for the dog to roam free is the ideal living situation.

As with most sporting dogs, the English Springer Spaniel can spend most of its time outside but prefers to sleep indoors at night with the rest of the family. Grooming requirements consist of weekly heavy brushing and clipping of the feet and ears about every two to three months.

Health Problems of the English Springer Spaniel

The average life expectancy of the English Spring Spaniel is about twelve to fourteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• otitis externa
• elbow dysplasia

Minor health issues include:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• phosphofructokinase deficiency
• retinal dysplasia

Veterinarians recommend having the English Springer Spaniel tested specifically for hip, elbow, knee and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 24 – 27 inches (61 – 69 cm) ; bitches: 23 – 26 inches (58 – 66 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 55 – 80 pounds (25 – 36 kg)  ; bitches: 45 – 70 pounds (20 – 32 kg
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1884
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the English Setter

The English Setter is a  particularly amiable breed of dog that is most often calm and relaxed, and make great house pets. Genetically, they were bred to hunt and cover miles upon miles of ground distance, therefore, physical exertion and running is a favorite pastime for the English Setter. This is one dog that cannot be kept indoors without exercise for too long at a time.

History of the English Setter Dog

Long before shotguns were used to kill birds when hunting, nets were used to catch the foul, which were helped by dogs that were trained to crouch whenever they pointed game. “Setters” as these dogs were called, were the foundation of today’s English Setter.

The English Setter is the oldest dog known from these groups. In fact, it is theorized that they date back well before the 15th century. Their function was to locate game and then remain still, practically frozen, until the game was taken away by hunters.

The English Setter’s ancestors were probably the Large Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and the Spanish Pointer. Beginning around the year 1825, specific breeding for the production of the English Setter was started by a man named Edward Laverack. He continued to breed his Setters for well over 30 years. In fact, these are the dogs that created the base-line of all English Setters of today.

Other breeders continued to produce English Setters, but with specific emphasis on other functions. One such person was named Purcell Llewellin. He started with Setters that came straight from Edward Laverack and based his breeding entirely on field ability.

Mr. Llewellin mixed his Laverack Setters with outside English Setters which created some of the most outstanding field dogs of his time. Eventually these dogs were imported to the United States and has enjoyed steady growth as a popular household pet ever since.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1959.

The English Setter Dog Care and Grooming

As previously mentioned, upkeep for the English Setter requires intense daily physical stimulation. Lots of exercise each and every day is a requirement, at least one good hour of fast-paced running.

This dog is best to live indoors, but should be able to roam outside most of the day-time hours. Due to its long coat, the English Setter’s fur may prove to be difficult to keep clean and shiny. It needs regular brushing every two to three days, minimum.

Health Problems of the English Setter

The average life expectancy of the English Setter is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• hypothyroidism
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• deafness
• elbow dysplasia

Minor health issues include:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• OCD

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• epilepsy
• false pregnancies

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 15 – 17 inches (38 – 43 cm) ; bitches: 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 28 – 34 pounds (13 – 16 kg)  ; bitches: 26 – 32 pounds (12 – 15 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1946
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed

The English Cocker Spaniel is one of the most distinctive looking members of the sporting group. With its long, flowing coat and soft, loving eyes, this dog is a true hunter at heart. Interestingly enough, the English Cocker Spaniel is said to retain much more of its hunting nature than the American version.

This dog also requires a bit more exercise than its American counterpart. If one was to describe the English Cocker Spaniel in just a few words, those words would be sensitive, happy, devoted, demonstrative, inquisitive, and protective.

History of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed

Considered to be one of the most specialized groups of dogs, the spaniel family is the largest numbers of dogs in a single group that we know of today. The English Cocker Spaniel is a land spaniel. During the 1800s, the larger spaniels were used for springing game and the smaller versions were used to hunt woodcock.

Both the smaller version and the larger-sized spaniels were basically two variations of the same dog breed. It wasn’t until 1893 that the two sizes were officially considered to be separate breeds. The smaller version of the English Cocker Spaniel, which should weigh under twenty-five pounds, was designated the name Cocker Spaniel. And because both breeds share much of the same genetic makeup, they share much of the same hunting abilities and talents.

Then in 1901 the weight limit of the breed was terminated and the English Cocker Spaniel became hugely popular with the people of England. At the same time, American spaniel breeders had the desire to change the breed in ways that the traditional fans of the English Cocker Spaniel did not approve of. In 1936, the formation of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America came into existence.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1946 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The English Cocker Spaniel Breed Care and Grooming

Like all dogs in the sporting group, the English Cocker Spaniel requires lots of daily exercise. This could be a long daily walk, or a romp in the field. Ideally, they should have some time to play and run around in a safely enclosed area.

Grooming requirements include regular combing and brushing of their coats. Use a high quality brush like the Chris Christensen pin brush. Brush them about every three to four days. Once a month, clip around the head, eyes, and feet with a good dog clipper like the Andis Power Groom.

Pay special attention to their floppy ears since they can be prone to ear infections.

This breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of the English Cocker Spaniel Breed

The average life expectancy of the English Cocker Spaniel breed is about twelve to fifteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• patellar luxation
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)

Minor health issues include:

• familial nephropathy (kidney disease )
• cataracts
• hypothyroidism
• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• prone to ear infections
• gains weight easily

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• cardiomyopathy

Veterinarians recommend having the English Cocker Spaniel breed tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

• Height (at the shoulders): 25 – 27 inches (63 – 69 cm)
• Weight: 65 – 80 pounds (29 – 36 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 8 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1924
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; best with a large sized yard

Personality of the Curly Coated Retriever

This retriever is easy going, loyal, and eager to please its owner. They are proud dogs that are very intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They are also loving, gentle, and excellent with children.

It is not a breed that is recommended for everyone. They are slow to mature, usually reaching maturity somewhere around three years of age. They can be strong willed if they sense a weak owner.

These dogs make great companions for individuals and families who maintain an active lifestyle. They are good watchdogs and will guard and protect their families should the need arise.

They are excellent at hunting and make great waterfowl retrievers.

History of the Curly Coated Retriever

The Curly Coated Retriever is believed to be on of the oldest of all retriever breeds. Their history goes as far back as the early 18th Century England. However, where the breed actually came from is no quite known.

Some dog enthusiasts believe that the Curly Coated Retriever are descendants of crosses between a smaller Newfoundland type dog, Old English Water Dog, and the Irish Water Spaniel.

Later on, the Poodle was introduced into the mix. This is what is thought to have contributed to the distinct curly coat of this retriever.

By the mid 1800s, the breed became the most popular retriever in England. It was treasured for its ability to retrieve, as well as desired for being a trusted companion. It was one of the first dog breeds to enter the show ring in English dog shows.

They eventually made their way to New Zealand, Australia, and to the United States around 1907.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1924 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Curly Coated Retriever Care and Grooming

The Curly Coated Retriever is not meant to live in a small place like an apartment. They do much better when they ample space to run and play outdoors. These dogs have lot of energy and will require sufficient mental and physical stimulation. They require daily exercise. When possible, get them involved in activities that involves swimming or retrieving.

Their curly coats require little grooming and are pretty easy to maintain. Give them a bath when necessary. You may want to consider using a shampoo like the Chris Christensen White on White.

For this breed, combing and brushing the coat is not recommended. Doing so may cause the coat to become frizzy. If this happens all you need to do is to give the dog another bath and then allow their coat to air dry.

This breed is an average shedder and should be brushed regularly during its shedding seasons. Consider using a high quality brush like the Chris Christensen T Brush.

Health Problems of the Curly Coated Retriever

The average life expectancy of the Curly Coated Retriever is about eight to twelve years.

There are no major health concerns for this breed. These dogs are some of the healthiest you will encounter.

Minor health issues include:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• cataracts
• distichiasis
• epilepsy

Veterinarians recommend having the Curly Coated Retriever tested specifically for hip problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 15.5 inches (38 cm) ; bitches: 14.5 inches (36.8 cm)
• Weight: 15 – 30 pounds (7 – 14 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1878
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); fairly active indoors; small yard okay

Personality of the Cocker Spaniel Dog

The Cocker Spaniel is playful, very cheerful, and loves to please their owners. They make great family dogs and are great with children because of their gentle, sweet personality.

These dogs are as much at home as a gun dog as they are as a companion dog and household pet.

History of the Cocker Spaniel Dog

The Cocker Spaniel, the American breed, was bred from English Cocker Spaniels that were brought to the United States during the late 1800s. These English dogs were bred to be smaller in size, making them great for hunting quail and other small birds.

These new dogs were called American Cocker Spaniels to distinguish them from their English cousins. However, the AKC officially called them simply, the Cocker Spaniel.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Cocker Spaniel Dog Care and Grooming

These dogs require regular exercise. They have plenty of stamina so a long daily walk would be ideal.

Grooming a Cocker Spaniel takes some time and effort. Be prepared to groom them daily. They have very long hair with thick fur growing from head to toe. Brush them daily with a good quality Chris Christensen dog brush.

Consider having them professionally groomed at least monthly to keep their coat in good shape.

Pay special attention to their eyes and wipe under them as they tend to tear and can cause tear stains.

This breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of the Cocker Spaniel Dog

The average life expectancy of the Cocker Spaniel dog is about twelve to fifteen years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• cataracts
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• patellar luxation
• glaucoma

Minor health issues include:

• dog allergies
• cherry eye
• hypothyroidism
• cardiomyopathy
• urinary stones
• CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
• liver disease
• seborrhea
• entropion
• fructokinase deficiency

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): 16 – 20 inches (41 – 51 cm)
• Weight: 55 – 85 pounds (25 – 39 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1884
• Shedding: heavy shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in apartment (with sufficient exercise); very inactive indoors; small yard okay

Personality of the Clumber Spaniel Dog

These Spaniels are somewhat lazy and tend to be really quiet. In fact, many owners say that they often have to coax their dog into moving. This makes them popular among people living in the city. They are suitable for apartments as long as you give them enough exercise.

Surprisingly, while the Clumber Spaniel is a member of the sporting group, they are actually very calm and laid back dogs. Most other sporting dogs are highly energetic and boisterous. These Spaniels are considered the most easy going of the sporting dogs, but don’t let that fool you. They are always ready for a good hunt and a long day in the field.

These dogs can get along with other dogs, cats, and other household pets as long as they are socialized with them properly.

History of the Clumber Spaniel Dog

The history of this breed goes back to the late 1700s. They are considered one of the oldest and stockiest of all the Spaniels.

The actual origin of the breed is unknown, but many Spaniel enthusiasts believe that they are descended from a mixture of the Alpine Spaniel and the Basset Hound. It is also believed that the St. Bernard dog may have contributed to the mix as well.

The breed got its name sometime around the French Revolution period. It is believed that the name “Clumber” came about because the Duc de Noailles of France transported his Spaniel kennels to Clumber Park, which was where the estate of the Duke of Newcastle was located.

Clumber Spaniels became quite popular among the English nobility. They like the dog’s slow disposition, keen hunting ability, and superb retrieving skills. During that time, only the nobility has access to these dogs, and they tried to keep it that way.

Sometime during the late 1800s, the breed was introduced to the United States of America where its popularity climbed quickly.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1884 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Clumber Spaniel Dog Care and Grooming

Like other sporting dogs, the Clumber Spaniel requires some form of exercise. These requirements can be met by providing the dog with a long walk or a relaxing hike if possible.

Grooming these dogs require some heavy brushing several times weekly with a good quality dog brush and a good comb, such as one of the Chris Christensen products. Pay special attention to the coat as it can develop dirty areas that will need to be cleaned. Give them a bath as often as necessary to keep the coat clean. Consider using the Chris Christensen Shampoo.

Clumber Spaniels do have a tendency to drool.

These dogs are heavy shedders.

Health Problems of the Clumber Spaniel Dog

The average life expectancy of the Clumber Spaniel dog is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• intervertebral disk disease

Minor health issues include:

• otitis externa
• entropion
• ectropion

Veterinarians recommend having the Clumber Spaniel dog tested specifically for hip, elbow, and eye problems.

Image courtesy of thebonecollector via Flickr

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): dogs: 23 – 26 inches (58 – 66 cm) ; bitches: 21 – 24 inches (53 – 61 cm)
• Weight: dogs: 65 – 80 pounds (29 – 36 kg)  ; bitches: 55 – 70 pounds (25 – 32 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – AKC recognized in 1878
• Shedding: average shedder
• Living Conditions: not recommended for apartments; relatively inactive indoors; best with average sized yard (minimum)

Personality of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an independent dog. They can be protective of their owners, and tend to be reserved around strangers. They are great watchdogs.

They are affectionate, friendly, and great with children. They can get along with cats that are already a part of the household, but may chase other cats.

These dogs are eager to learn new things and thrive on outdoor activity, especially the opportunity to be in the water.

History of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed

There is an interesting story behind the origin of this dog breed. The story says that in 1807 two Newfoundland puppies were rescued from a shipwrecked ship off the Maryland coast. One puppy was black and the other was red. They were handed over to rescuers who would take care of them.

The puppies were soon found to be highly skilled water retrievers. As their popularity grew, they were bred to other local retriever dogs, and other breeds such as the Bloodhound and the Irish Water Spaniel.

Over time, a distinct local breed stated to develop. The result was a dog that was capable of swimming in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay to retrieve duck and other waterfowl. Even up to today, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has the remarkable ability to mark a spot where a bird fell and get back to that exact spot from miles away.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a member of the Sporting Group.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed Care and Grooming

These dogs require daily exercise as they are rather large and active dogs. Take them on a daily walk or play active games such as fetching. If possible, they love to participate in water activities.

Grooming requirements include a weekly brushing of the dense, harsh, short-haired coat with a good dog grooming brush. These dogs tend to have an oily coat with a distinct smell. You may want to give them an occasional bath to get rid of the odor, but not too often or you will remove the natural oils from the coat.

This breed is an average shedder.

Health Problems of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed

The average life expectancy of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• gastric torsion

Minor health issues include:

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• hypothyroidism

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• 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.

Health Problems of the Boykin Spaniel Dog

The average life expectancy of the Boykin Spaniel dog is about fourteen to sixteen years.

Common health concerns for this breed are:

• CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia)
• cataracts

Minor health issues include:

• skin problems
• ear infections

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book: