Boykin Spaniel
- Height at the withers
- 36 to 46 cm
- Weight
- 11 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- South Carolina, United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized spaniel, energetic and versatile, specialized in flushing and retrieving, with a liver or chocolate brown coat, and very keen at work, especially in water. Known for its friendly temperament and stamina.
History and origins
Developed in the early 1900s in South Carolina by L. Whitaker Boykin. The foundation sire was a small stray spaniel-type dog named “Dumpy” who showed great hunting ability. The breed was created by crosses with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
- Eye problems (cataracts, retinal dysplasia)
- Patellar luxation
- Ear infections
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, silky coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Boykin Spaniel FAQ
How big does the Boykin Spaniel get?
The Boykin Spaniel stands 36 to 46 cm at the withers and weighs 11 to 18 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Boykin Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Boykin Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Boykin Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Boykin Spaniel good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Boykin Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and exercise-induced collapse.
