Boykin Spaniel
Overview
The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina's bird dog and was developed by the hunters in the region to work on land, lake, or swamp yet be loving family dogs. Because they are a hunting breed, they have what's called a soft mouth (meaning they do not bite down on things in their mouth). There is even a pack of Boykin Spaniels trained to locate box turtles in Tennessee to better study them and advocate for habitat preservation. These dogs have become so beloved in South Carolina that the Boykin was made into their official state dog and is celebrated on September 1st every year as Boykin Spaniel Day! These compact pups (22 - 35 lbs) remain relatively rare outside of their home state but are gaining more popularity among sporting folk on the eEast cCoast due to their energy in the field, versatility on land and in the water, as well as their great temperament at home. Their beautiful, curly coats only come in various shades of liver, and the texture can range from wavy hairs to silky curled locks. Their beautiful amber eyes and liver coat make for a truly stunning spaniel! Weekly brushing should keep your Boykin's coat looking great.
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for
Glandular Disorders:
any breed may develop a glandular disorder but Boykin Spaniels may be more prone to developing a condition like Addison's disease (deficiency in adrenal hormones).
Recommendations for Glandular Disorders in :
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for
Hypothyroidism:
is an underactive thyroid gland. Symptoms include chronic ear infections, bacterial skin infections, hair loss, lethargy, and depression.
Recommendations for Hypothyroidism in :
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for
Liver disease:
may develop as a result of aging, genetics, or infection. The liver filters anything your Boykin Spaniel puts into their mouth so keeping this organ healthy is essential for your pup’s health.
Recommendations for Liver disease in :
Boykin Spaniel Personality
Boykin Spaniels are very responsive to training, but they can be a little high strung so early socialization with other dogs, people, and experiences are essential to developing well-rounded working pups. They will work tirelessly in hot temperatures but may not be the best choice in cold weather. Overall, the Boykin Spaniel is a dog that gets along with everyone! Even other pets! The Boykin Spaniel might be the pooch for you if you want a strong, compact pup that will work alongside you without rocking the boat!