Boykin Spaniel

Sporting Group

Also known as: Dumpy (original name of the founding male spaniel), Carolina Spaniel

Size Category:Medium
Height:♂ 15.5-18 inches♀ 14-16.5 inches
Weight:♂ 30-40 pounds♀ 25-35 pounds
Life Span:10-15 years
Compare Boykin Spaniel

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

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Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

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Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • ●Boykin Spaniel grooming: minimal maintenance for medium-length wavy coat
  • ●weekly brushing removes dirt and loose hair
  • ●occasional bath keeps clean-smelling
  • ●nails trimmed regularly to prevent discomfort and mobility issues
  • ●avoid over-trimming nails to maintain health
  • ●coat stays sleek with basic upkeep.

Colors & Markings

Colors

Liver

Health Information

Boykin Spaniels are typically robust, but responsible breeders prioritize health testing for conditions like hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, and exercise-induced collapse. Regular ear care is essential to prevent infections, using soft gauze and vet-recommended cleaning solutions. Daily teeth brushing with dog-specific toothpaste helps maintain oral health and prevents dental issues.

Recommended Health Tests

Patella EvaluationHip EvaluationOphthalmologist EvaluationExercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) - DNA TestCollie Eye Anomaly (CEA, CH) - DNA Test

📜 History

The Boykin Spaniel is one of the few AKC-recognized breeds developed entirely in the 20th century, originating from a small South Carolina community named Boykin. Around 1900, Alexander White discovered a brown spaniel pup near a Spartanburg church, later naming him Dumpy. Impressed by Dumpy’s natural hunting instincts—especially in water retrieval—White entrusted him to Whit Boykin, a local hunting expert. Boykin refined the breed by crossing Dumpy with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Cockers, English Springers, and American Water Spaniels, creating the energetic, versatile gundog known today. Hunters in South Carolina’s swampy regions quickly admired the Boykin’s endurance, adaptability, and smooth gait. Though initially confined to its birthplace, the breed gained national popularity among bird hunters, particularly on the East Coast, for its boundless field energy and gentle temperament at home. South Carolina officially designated the Boykin Spaniel as its state dog and celebrates Boykin Spaniel Day on September 1. The breed earned full AKC recognition in 2009, solidifying its place among America’s native dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Boykin Spaniel is generally excellent with children. They are typically patient and tolerant, making them great family pets. However, supervision with young children is always recommended.
The Boykin Spaniel sheds a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help keep loose hair under control.
Yes, the Boykin Spaniel is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.
The Boykin Spaniel requires moderate grooming. Brushing a couple of times a week should keep their coat in good condition.
The Boykin Spaniel can be a suitable choice for a first-time owner who is willing to do their research and dedicate time to training and care.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to Boykin Spaniel

Barbet

Barbet

8/10
80% Compatibility
American Water Spaniel

American Water Spaniel

8/10
80% Compatibility
Bracco Italiano

Bracco Italiano

6/10
60% Compatibility
Compare Boykin Spaniel with Barbet

Overview

About This Breed

The Boykin Spaniel is a friendly, eager, and lovable breed known for its affectionate nature and loyalty to family. Highly energetic and intelligent, they thrive on companionship and are both playful and adaptable, making them excellent family pets and athletic partners for active owners. Their gentle demeanor and enthusiasm for work balance well with their social and outgoing temperament.

🎭Temperament

FriendlyEnergeticCompanionableIntelligentEagerTrainable

Purpose

Hunting (water retrieves, flushing, and retrieving wild turkeys and ducks)

Breed for

Turkey retrieving

Best Suited For

Active families or individuals, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, running, or biking, and can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation

Ideal Owner Profile

The Boykin Spaniel is ideal for an active, engaged owner or family who can provide daily exercise, mental challenges, and enjoys an enthusiastic, affectionate, and versatile hunting companion that also excels as a loving household pet.

Training Difficulty

Moderate

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with managing their high energy levels and ensuring adequate mental stimulation, as well as regular grooming to maintain their medium-length, wavy coat.

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About Our Data

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