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Boykin Spaniel Dog Breed Introduction
Boykin Spaniel (popularly nicknamed Boykin), is a medium-sized spaniel dog breed originally developed for hunting wild turkeys and ducks in South Carolina, in the United States during the 20th century. It is popular for its solid-brown coat that ranges from a rich liver to a luscious chocolate. Boykins are versatile hunters working as retrievers and upland hunters that flush birds into flight. They are especially good with hunting doves and other upland games due to their stamina in hot weather and eagerness. A Boykin makes a great family pet since it sociable, friendly, and extremely stable around children and other dogs.
Boykin Spaniel History | Origin
The modern Boykin Spaniel was reportedly developed in the 20th century in South Carolina by crossing its precursor, Dumpy, with other spaniels and pointers. Dumpy was astray spaniel type of dog that took a liking to Alexander L. White, a banker while he was walking home to the First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC. Alexander took the dog home with him and gave him the name Dumpy. He later took out his retrievers together with Dumpy out for hunting.
During the hunt, Alexander discovered that Dumpy had some Aptitude for retrieving. Therefore, he sent Dumpy for training to his hunting partner and longtime friend Lemuel Whitaker Boykin who resided near Camden, SC. Lemuel was fascinated with Dumpy who turned out to be a skillful in duck hunting as well as flushing and retrieving wild turkeys. For this reason, he set up a new breeding program around Dumpy using crosses to such breeds as English Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, American Water spaniels, and cocker.
The offspring of the cross was an upbeat gundog known as the Boykin Spaniel named after Lemuel. For years, this breed was only used in the swampy wetlands in South Carolina until visiting hunters began to notice the spunky little water dog.
Boykin Spaniel Lifespan
According to AKC, Boykins have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Although some have a lifespan of 14 to 16 years.
Boykin Spaniel Grooming
Boykins shed at moderate levels all-year round. Weekly brushing is recommended using a slicker brush to remove dirt, loose hair, and promote new hair growth. However, during the heavy shedding season in Spring and/or fall, a Boykin should be brushed at least thrice a week to keep the shedding at manageable levels especially if it is double-coated.
This breed is relatively clean and needs an occasional bath every 6 to 8 weeks unless it rolls off into something stinky. Bath a Boykin using a canine mild shampoo and a conditioner to moisturize each individual hair strand. After a bath, thoroughly rinse off the grooming products from the skin using lukewarm water to prevent skin irritation. Wipe the eye corners daily using a clean damp washcloth or friendly canine wipes. Boykins nails should be clipped every 3 to 5 weeks to avoid splitting, cracking, and overgrowth.
Overly grown nails make walking and running painful for Boykins. Brush the teeth of Boykin at least twice a week if not daily using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. Clean the ears once a week using an ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess dirt, wax, or debris. While cleaning the ears, create a habit of checking out for odor, discharge, or redness which are signs of a dog suffering from dog’s infection.
Boykin Spaniel Grooming Styles
The grooming style of a Boykin depends on the function of the dog in the family. The medium-length coat should be trimmed to a short length especially if a Boykin is active outdoors to protect the soft coat from collecting briars and foxtails.
Boykin Spaniel Shedding
A Boykin has a flat to slightly wavy or curly coat that sheds all-year round at moderate levels and heavily when experiencing seasonal change in Spring and/or Fall especially for dogs that have an undercoat.
Boykin Spaniel Coat
Generally, Boykin Spaniels have single-layered coat without an undercoat that may be flat to slightly wavy to curly. However, some may have an undercoat. The coat is trimmed to enhance the dog’s natural lines and a well-groomed appearance. Working dogs are trimmed around the throat, head, feet, and tail to a functional, smart, but natural appearance.
Boykin Spaniel Hypoallergenic
A Boykin is not a hypoallergenic dog. This is because it sheds all-year round. Some Boykins have a double-coat that will shed heavily during Spring and/or fall. A shedding coat allows dander and hair to spread around the house aggravating allergies. Dog’s dander, urine, saliva, mucus, and fur contain a protein allergen that triggers allergic reactions.
Boykin Spaniel Training | Training Tips
Boykins are enthusiastic, energetic, and intelligent dogs that are easily trainable. They are eager to please which is a plus while training. To raise a well-mannered, adjusted, sociable, and friendly Boykin, start socialization training immediately the pup joins you home. This training normally starts from the age of 8 weeks while the dog is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the pup has already settled in its new home.
Socialize a Boykin by exposing it to a wide variety of people, animals, places, surfaces, smell, sight, experiences, and sounds such as lawn mowers, baby crying sounds, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, sirens, and whistles. Enrolling a Boykin in a puppy class will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes provide an opportunity for canines to interact in a controlled environment. Puppy classes not only enable owners to identify and correct bad behaviors but also have access to training information and assistance.
Always use positive reinforcement methods such as the use of treats, toys, playtime, petting, and verbal praise to enhance positive behaviors. Avoid use of harsh correction methods such as the use of choke collars, shoving, kicking, or beating. These methods strain the relationship between the owner and the pet. Keep the training sessions fun and challenging to avoid boredom.
Start teaching basic command words such as come, down, heel, stay, sit, leave it, etc. one at a time until the pet is well-acquainted before proceeding to the next command word. Pet parents are cautioned against issuing a command word to a Boykin while too excited or frustrated since it will not sound the same for your dog. Effectively housebreak Boykins by creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training.
A Crate is an invaluable tool while potty training. It allows the owner to monitor the pet for signs that it wants to eliminate outside such as whining, squatting, circling, restlessness, sniffing, and trying to lift a leg against the crate door. Get positive outcomes when potty training by taking a Boykin to the delegate toilet area immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, after naptime, following an exciting activity such as car ride, and before bedtime. After the age of 8 months, the potty breaks are every 6 to 8 hours. This is because the bladder and bowel muscles strengthens as the puppy matures.
Boykin Spaniel Temperament | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Trainable.
- Friendly.
- Sociable.
- Energetic.
- Gentle.
- Enthusiastic.
- Loyal.
- Affectionate.
- Versatile.
- Outgoing.
- Lively.
Boykin Spaniel Exercise
A Boykin Spaniel is an energetic breed that has moderate to high energy levels. It requires daily exercise in form of play sessions and long walks. A Boykin is a great partner for owners who are looking for an athletic partner for activities like biking, running, or hiking. This breed can also be physically and mentally stimulated by participating in rally, obedience, agility, tracking, and field events.
Boykin Spaniel Barking
A Boykin is not a barky breed. It only barks to alert the owner of unusual sounds.
Boykin Spaniel Height
A mature female Boykin has a height of 14 to 16.5 inches ( approx. 36 to 42 cm ) while its male counterpart has a height of 15.5 to 18 inches ( approx. 39 to 46 cm ).
Boykin Spaniel Weight
A male Boykin has a weight of 30 to 40 pounds ( approx. 14 to 18 kg ) while its female counterpart has a height of 25 to 35 pounds ( approx. 11 to 16 kg ).
Boykin Spaniel Size
A Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog. However, male Boykins are slightly bigger than female Boykins in terms of height and weight. A male Boykin has a height of 15.5 to 18 inches ( approx. 39 to 46 cm ) and a weight of 30 to 40 pounds ( approx. 14 to 18 kg ) while its female counterpart has a height of 14 to 16.5 inches ( approx. 36 to 42 cm ) and a weight of 25 to 35 pounds ( approx. 11 to 16 kg ).
Boykin Spaniel Ear Infection
Boykin Spaniels have pendulous ears that hang close to the cheeks. Drop shaped ears cover the ear canal protecting it against dirt or debris. However, they inhibit air circulation which may lead to moisture accumulation. Boykins are also water retrievers that should have their ears dried off after any water activity to avoid ear infection. Causes of ear infections in Boykins include moisture accumulation, excess dirt, wax, or debris, injury to the ear canal, yeast imbalance, ear mites, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, and excessive cleaning.
A Boykin is predisposed to three forms of ear infections, externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Although, externa ear canal is the most common. It causes inflammation to the cells located in the external ear. If left untreated, the inflammation spreads to the cells in the middle (media otitis) and inner ear canal (interna otitis).
These infections causes vestibular signs (such as dizziness, blurred vision, and dizziness), deafness, and facial paralysis. Signs that a Boykin manifests while suffering from an ear infection includes rubbing the affected ear against the surface, walking in circles, redness, head shaking, pain, scabs in the affected ear, itchiness, dark discharge, and odor.
Boykin Spaniel Health Issues
A Boykin is a relatively healthy breed that has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. However, it is affected by certain health issues including hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, patellar luxation, eye diseases such as Collie Eye Anomaly, cataracts pulmonary stenosis, skin issues, allergies, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, degenerative myelopathy, and ear infections.
Boykin Spaniel Names
A pet parent may decide to get a name for the Boykin Spaniel before it joins them home from the breeder or after the pup joins them to understand better the personality of a particular dog. Owners may get name inspirations from the origin of the dog, coat color, personality, celebrity Boykins, movies, songs, food, nature, or historical figures.
Regardless of where they get the inspiration, they should ensure the name chosen freely rolls off their tongue and will not make them embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places. Boykins and other dog breeds better understand a name that has vowels.
Avoid giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion. If a parent settles with a long name, he or she should ensure they find a cute nickname for the dog. If a Boykin shares a name with any family member or guest who frequent the home, it may result to unnecessary confusion.
Female Boykin Spaniel Names
- Callie.
- Macy.
- Zoe.
- Chloe.
- Mia.
- Ava.
- Ella.
- Hazel.
- Delilah.
- Roxie.
- Lacey.
- Grace, etc.
Boykin Spaniel Colors
Boykins have a solid liver color that may include various shades of chocolate brown from light to very dark. Although, white markings are allowed on the chest only.
Male Boykin Spaniel Names
- Brando.
- Poncho.
- Ninja.
- Nemo.
- Lazarus.
- Obi.
- Caesar.
- Lemuel.
- Norris.
- Trevor.
- Aladdin.
- Hogan, etc.
Boykin Spaniel Food
The amount of food that Boykins feed on depend on their age, activity level, metabolism, size, and body build. Boykin puppies tend to have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults and seniors. Therefore, pups eat small portions of food 3 or 4 times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Boykins feed on a total of two meals in a day for the rest of their lives.
A Boykin Spaniel may feed on a raw diet, home made, dry food, or wet food depending on the budget of the owner and the time of preparation needed. Regardless of the food that the pet eats, owners should ensure that a Boykin feed on the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Fresh water should be available for your pooch at all times.
If the pet is feeding on dry or wet commercial food, owners should ensure that the first three listed ingredients are proteins from a known source. Commercial food should neither have meat by-products, fillers, preservatives, chemicals, additives, nor generic meat products. Feed a Boykin with formulated dry or wet food for medium-sized puppies, adults, and seniors depending on its age. Check the physique of your pooch to tell whether it is underweight or overweight.
The dog is underweight if the ribs are visible. However, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, a Boykin Spaniel has an ideal weight. Although, if the ribs cannot be felt after pressing, the dog is overweight and should be exercised. Owners who want to switch to another pet food should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing old food with new food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food decreases as the amount of the new food increases until the Boykin is only feeding on the new food.
Apart from Boykin Spaniels, other dog breeds include:
Boykin Spaniel Neck Size
An adult Boykin has a neck size of 13 to 18 inches ( approx. 33 to 46 cm ).
Boykin Spaniel Allergies
A Boykin is prone to various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – A Boykin may suffer from skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies that affect the skin. This breed is also predisposed to some skin conditions that may be linked to endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism that causes hair loss increased dark pigmentation, and dull coat.
Food allergies – Rarely, a Boykin suffers from a food allergy that causes an immune response. A true food allergy is normally accompanied with a wide range of symptoms varying from skin issues ( hives, sores, crusting lesions, pruritus, and dermatitis) as well as gastrointestinal stress such vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. Apart from food allergies, a Boykin may also suffer from food intolerance. This is the gradual response to an offending ingredient in the diet of the dog. Some of the ingredients that cause food intolerance in Boykins include preservatives, chemicals, fillers, additives, corn, wheat, soy, beef, lamb, chicken, fish, pork, chicken, turkey, etc.
Contact allergies – This allergy causes inflammation to the skin of a Boykin once the allergen comes in contact with the skin. Some of the contact allergens that affect Boykins include lawn chemicals, carpet cleaning detergents, grooming products, latex, medication, bed linens, and plastics.
Environmental allergies – One of the environmental allergies that affects Boykins include flea. This insect usually bites underneath the tail and on the back legs causing flea allergy dermatitis. This allergy makes the dog to scratch excessively until the skin around the bite area is raw. Apart from fleas, other environmental allergens that affect Boykins include ragweed, mites, grass, pollen, dust and dust mites, trees, and house molds. Symptoms of environmental allergies include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, and itchiness on various body parts including paws, face, ears, feet, around the eyes, muzzle, groin, and between the toes.
Boykin Spaniel Tail
The tail of a Boykin is docked when the puppy is 3 days old leaving 1/3 length.
Are Boykin Spaniels Hypoallergenic
No. Boykin Spaniels shed at moderate levels all-year round. Some Boykins have an undercoat and will shed heavily during Spring and/0r fall. A moulting coat releases dander and hair into the environment which aggravates allergies.
Are Boykin Spaniels Good Family Dogs
Yes. Boykin Spaniels are lively, friendly, sociable, and extremely stable round children and other canines.
Are Boykin Spaniels Easy To Train
Yes. Boykin Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please which makes them easily trainable.
Are Boykin Spaniels Smart
Yes. A Boykin Spaniel is smart, energetic, and highly trainable.
Are Boykin Spaniels Aggressive
No. Boykins are neither aggressive nor fearful. Well-socialized Boykin Spaniels are lively, friendly, affectionate, and sociable dogs.
Boykin Spaniel Quick Facts
- A Boykin is the state dog of South Carolina, in the United States. South Carolinians celebrate every September 1 as Boykin Spaniel Day since 1984.
- Boykin Spaniels have a high stamina for hot weather which makes them great for upland game especially dove hunting.
- This breed is named after Lemuel Whitaker Boykin who created the modern Boykin by crossing various breeds with a stray spaniel dog type, Dumpy.
