Boykin Spaniel

A small retrieving dog was needed to canvas the Wateree River in South Carolina around the turn of the 20th century. Breeders wanted a smaller dog that could fit into a one-man boat, and L.W. “Whit” Boykin and his relatives crossbred the dogs to create the Boykin Spaniel around 1905. They used Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and American Water Spaniels to create the smaller Boykin Spaniel. The dogs were lauded for their versatility and their ability to flush. They’ve been called “the dog who doesn’t rock the boat,” alluding to their size and abilities. The Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina.

Merry and intelligent, the Boykin Spaniel needs an active and energetic owner. They are easy to train and are happy to do it, so owners who can invest time in their mental well-being through obedience will be good partners. They love to be outdoors and involved in family life.

The Boykin Spaniel breed has moderate to high energy levels and loves to exercise. They love to be with active owners, especially out running, hiking, biking, and swimming. They do well with challenging play sessions, obedience training, tracking, agility, and other dog sports.

The Boykin Spaniel doesn’t require a lot of indoor space, but they do need a fenced-in yard for free running and training. If not, a variety of walking routes will work for them. They don’t have high-maintenance grooming needs but they do need baths if they are out in the countryside, which might require a dedicated space.

The Boykin Spaniel dog’s hair is wavy and medium-length, requiring only a weekly brushing. Baths can happen when the dog is dirty.

Enthusiastic and hardy, the Boykin Spaniel thrives on human companionship. They like training to please their owners and are intelligent, making them fairly easy to train. Early and consistent socialization can give the dog confidence.

Boykin Spaniels can make well-mannered family pets for families with older children or no children. They love being involved in family activities and are good companions so long as their needs are met.

The cost of a Boykin Spaniel from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.