Although the Boykin Spaniel is a hardworking hunting dog, they also make an excellent family companion. This dog breed is social, energetic, and naturally friendly. They love attention and get along well with children and other dogs.

Because they are a bird dog, they do have a high prey drive. They tend to do well with animals they have been raised with, but will need extra training and socialization around small pets in the household. They tend to be mellow and merry when they are at home and intensely hardworking and focused when out in the field working as a bird dog.

The Boykin Spaniel is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do best in larger homes with a fenced-in yard where they can run. But, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and affection.

They thrive on affection and attention and love spending time with their families, so they do not like to spend a lot of time alone. Boykin Spaniels do well in just about any climate, but, as with all dogs, are sensitive to extreme heat and cold.

As with all dog breeds, there are some health conditions to watch out for when you are looking for a Boykin Spaniel puppy. Some health conditions to be aware of in Boykin Spaniels can include hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, heart disease, elbow dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Boykin Spaniel puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. The Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Association of America recommends DNA tests for Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA, CH) and Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC), a hip evaluation, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a patella evaluation.

By talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances, you can help allay concerns you have about potential health issues. Transparency about their program, knowledge of the breed, and being able and willing to answer questions are some qualities to look for in a great dog breeder.

The Boykin Spaniel is a highly trainable dog breed. With high intelligence and an eagerness to please, Boykin Spaniels tend to pick up quickly on training and are generally a good fit for owners of any experience level. They form a strong, close bond with their families, so they are in tune with their people.

They respond best to training that is focused on positive methods and is kept fun and interesting. First-time dog owners looking to own a companion that also happens to be a high-energy hunting dog should consider puppy training classes or a trainer with experience with a sporting dog to help keep them focused during training and channel their energy.

Common coat colors in the Boykin Spaniel are chocolate, brown, and liver. Because there are a variety of breeds that make up the ancestry of this dog breed, there is some variance in the coat. A Boykin Spaniel’s coat can range from flat to moderately curly. It is usually medium length with a longer feathered look on the ears, feet, legs, belly, and chest.

Their coat is relatively low maintenance and requires only weekly brushing to keep it healthy and looking great. They also only need to be bathed occasionally as needed. A bristle brush, a pin or slicker brush, and a comb for gently working out tangles are good types of dog grooming brushes to have on hand to keep a Boykin Spaniel coat looking great.

In addition to coat care, you also need to take care of your Boykin Spaniel’s nails, ears, and teeth. Once or twice monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim. It’s important to keep their nails from growing too long as they can cause pain and discomfort during movement if they are not maintained properly.

The Boykin Spaniel has long, floppy ears, so they are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris, which can lead to ear infections. By checking your dog’s ears on a weekly basis and carefully cleaning them as needed, you can help keep your dog’s ears healthy.

Caring for your dog’s teeth is also important in order to prevent dental disease. The ideal dental care for dogs includes brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day and getting teeth cleaned at the vet when needed. On top of that, you can also use dental hygiene chews or treats and a specially-formulated dental care diet approved by your vet.

The Boykin Spaniel is a bird dog and gundog bred to work long days in the field. Although their energy can range from moderate to high, they require a lot of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy long walks anywhere with you and love to play.

In addition to their daily walks, they will also often enjoy going on a hike with you, running with you, and or even running alongside as you ride a bike. They might even enjoy swimming with you too! Another way to give your dog some extra exercise and give them a job to do is to train them for dog sports and compete.

The Boykin Spaniel tends to be a great fit for field events, rally, tracking, agility training, obedience trials, and more. Just make sure to keep activities low-impact until puppies finish growing to avoid damaging developing bones and joints.

A fully-grown Boykin Spaniel usually stands 14-18 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 25-40 pounds. Females tend to average 14-16.5 inches tall and weigh 25-35 pounds while males tend to average 15.5-18 inches tall and weigh 30-40 pounds.

Boykin Spaniels generally live for 10-15 years on average.

The Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina. There is even a day dedicated to them! September 1st is known as “Boykin Spaniel Day” in the area.