Boykin Spaniel

Characteristics of Boykin Spaniel

Brief information

• Good-natured, likes to communicate and play;
• Smart, easy to learn;
• Universal hunter;
• Good for families with children.

Character

The Boykin Spaniel is a versatile hunter, capable of equally skillfully frightening birds at the right time, and bringing game from the most inaccessible areas. Of the six or eight different breeds that were used to create the Boykin Spaniel, at least three were Pointers, but not all representatives of this breed have the ability to point prey. This spaniel is responsible and never tries to get ahead of the hunter, while he is smart enough to make independent decisions if the situation requires it.

Initially, these dogs were used to hunt ducks and wild turkeys, but some Boykin Spaniels were even taken to deer. The small size of these dogs made it possible to take them with them in small boats, on which hunters rafted through the numerous reservoirs of South Carolina.

The progenitor of today’s breed, according to the official data of the breed club, was originally from the Atlantic coast. It was a small stray chocolate spaniel that lived on the streets of the provincial town of Spartanburg. Once he was adopted by the banker Alexander L. White, he named the dog Dumpy (literally “stocky”) and, noticing his hunting abilities, sent it to his friend, dog handler Lemuel Whitaker Boykin. Lemuel appreciated Dumpy’s talents and compact size and used him to develop a new breed that would be suitable for hunting in the humid and hot South Carolina. The Chesapeake Retriever , Springer and Cocker Spaniels, American Water Spaniel were also used in the development of the breed .and various breeds of pointers. It received its name in honor of its creator.

Behaviour

Like her ancestors, Boykin’s dog is friendly and quick-witted. These two qualities make her an excellent companion. She does not show aggression towards other animals and under no circumstances will attack a person. The desire to please the owners (and receive praise from them) strongly motivates the Boykin Spaniel, so he is easy to train. At the same time, these dogs are not jealous and calmly relate to other pets in the house.

Favorite games of this spaniel are searching for objects, fetching, hurdles. A good-natured disposition and a constant need for physical activity bring them closer to children of preschool and primary school age, so they quickly find a common language.

Boykin Spaniel Care

The coat of the Boykin Spaniel is thick and wavy, but requires less maintenance than it might seem at first glance. These pets need to be combed at least 2 times a month (if the animal is neutered or spayed, then more often). The coat of water dogs does not get dirty as much as the rest, so you can wash them once a month or as they get dirty. It is important to wipe the inside of the ear regularly to avoid inflammation. Of the diseases, like most hunting breeds, the Boykin Spaniel is prone to hip dysplasia, so it is important to regularly show the dog to the veterinarian.

Conditions of detention

The Boykin Spaniel will feel comfortable in any living conditions, the main thing is to take him out for long and active walks (for example, with a bicycle).

Boykin Spaniel – Video