Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel, also the State dog of South Carolina, is from the Spaniel family, but makes a heck of a retriever in a small package.
The Boykin Spaniel has a very cool history, with the first dog being found in Spartanburg, SC in 1911. It wasn’t until the 1990’s that Boykins were permitted to participate in AKC events.
Boykin’s are a small dog when compared to the labs and chessies of the retriever world. They stand around 16 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Traditionally the tail is docked, and it’s coat is either chocolate or liver.
Like most of the other dogs discussed, Boykins may be born with hip dysplasia. From what I have researched, there are not many Boykins who have an excellent rating form OFA.
Boykins make great family pets, and often times are the retriever of choice for duck hunters who are in school and living in an apartment or share a house with a number of folks. Becasue of their smaller size they are an easier dog to make room for in the house. Many folks who hunt alone with only a small boat like the Boykin as well, again it’s smaller size is a bonus for these folks.
Boykin’s can handle ducks and geese, despite the fact the goose may look bigger than the dog. I have never hunted with a Boykin, but I have been around a pile of them running hunt tests. I am a big dog kind of guy; I like a dog in the 70-100 pound range, but if I had to downsize, a Boykin would be the dog I would choose. They are loving and playful but can also get the birds picked up.
For more info on Boykins check out: http://www.boykinspanielclub.org/
Boykins can be great dogs, but MAN! Don’t forget the spaniel part of the name. Talk about an animal that will bounce off the walls…
I’ve had the pleasure of following one for bobwhites a couple years ago, though, and I could definitely see how their afficianados get so attached.
December 18th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
[...] Boykin Spaniel [...]
December 19th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
You said that they are spaniels BUT they make good retrievers. I think you should have they are spaniels SO they make great retrievers. I hunt field-bred springers and field-bred cockers. I to primarily upland hunting for valley quail and pheasants where these dogs excel, but I have taken even the cocker out in the duck boat. While a 30 lb dog will not take the cold like a lab and may not be as good a dog for a long retrieve in truly cold water, they are a good 90% solution. Take a look at the field-bred cocker. If you want, I have pic’s of them in the field.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
BTW: that is the Field-Bred English Cocker.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:10 pm