Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel, recognized as South Carolina's state dog, is a medium-sized retriever known for its agility and endurance. This breed features powerful jaws and a coat of medium length that sheds water, typically in liver or solid brown shades. Their big, feathered ears give them a thoughtful appearance. Smaller than other Spaniel types, they were developed to comfortably fit in a small boat for one person. They move gracefully and are calm inside the house as long as they receive enough exercise and mental challenges.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Liver or brown
Lifespan
11 to 13 years
Height
14 to 18 inches
Type
Spaniel
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
25 to 40 pounds
Family

Personality

Cheerful and enthusiastic, the Boykin Spaniel is a breed that thrives on family outings, particularly in nature. They are keen learners and simple to train, which makes them a great choice for new pet owners who enjoy being active. Boykin Spaniels are friendly with other dogs and animals, tend to be quiet, and behave well indoors as long as they receive plenty of physical activity.

History

In the early 1900s, there was a need for a small retrieving dog to explore the Wateree River in South Carolina. Breeders aimed to develop a compact dog that could easily fit in a one-person boat. L.W. “Whit” Boykin and his family began mixing different breeds to create what we now know as the Boykin Spaniel around 1905. They combined Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and American Water Spaniels to achieve this smaller breed. These dogs were praised for their adaptability and skill in flushing game. They earned the nickname “the dog who doesn’t rock the boat,” highlighting their size and talents. The Boykin Spaniel is recognized as the official state dog of South Carolina.

Ideal Owner

Cheerful and smart, the Boykin Spaniel thrives with a lively and active owner. They learn quickly and enjoy training, making them great companions for those who can dedicate time to their mental health through obedience activities. These dogs love spending time outside and being part of family activities.

Exercise Needs

Boykin Spaniels are energetic dogs that enjoy staying active. They thrive with owners who like to engage in activities like running, hiking, biking, and swimming. These dogs excel in fun playtime, obedience training, tracking, agility, and various dog sports.

Space Requirements

The Boykin Spaniel doesn’t need much room inside the house, but they do require a secure yard where they can run and train freely. If a yard isn’t available, they can enjoy different walking paths. Their grooming isn’t too demanding, but they will need baths after spending time outdoors, so having a special area for that is helpful.

Training

The Boykin Spaniel is a lively and strong breed that enjoys being around people. They are eager to learn and want to make their owners happy, which makes training them relatively simple. Providing social experiences from a young age helps boost their confidence.

Grooming

The Boykin Spaniel has wavy fur that is of medium length, needing just a brush once a week. You can give it a bath when it gets dirty.

Suitability for Family Life

Boykin Spaniels can be great family pets, especially for those with older kids or no kids at all. They enjoy participating in family events and are friendly companions, provided their needs are taken care of.

Did You know?

The state dog of South Carolina is the Boykin Spaniel.

Similar Breeds

American Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel

Need to Know

Dog suitable for beginner owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Medium dog
Requires frequent grooming
Quiet dog
Generally friendly with other dogs