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Boykins are medium-sized spaniels, larger and colored than cockers but more compact than springers. The identity of the breed is a beautiful solid-brown coat. The colors range from a rich liver to a luscious chocolate. Large, feathered ears hang close to the cheeks, closing the expression of kindred intelligence. Ready to work in the lakes and swamps of its native South Carolina, web-toed Boykins can swim like seals.
Over the years, Boykins was known only to Carolina waterfowl and wild turkey predators. But recently, the wider world has discovered that Boykin is just as delightful in the house as he is keen in the lake. “They are very cute dogs that are around the family,” says a longtime owner, “but there is an absolute tiger in the area.”
The Boykin Spaniel is one of a handful of AKC breeds developed in the 20th century. Boykin is a small South Carolina community, with a population of about 100 souls, the name of a founding resident, Samuel Whitaker “Whit” Boykin. As the Boykin Spaniel originates, around 1900 a man named Alexander White found a little brown spaniel outside the church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he attended services. White gave the young male spaniel the unstoppable name Dumpy. A fond sportsman, White took Dumpy out for hunting with his predators, and White’s delighted Dumpy showed great zest and penchant for water and kept himself with more birds than him.
White sent Dumpy for training to his hunting partner, the community patron White Boy, who was the region’s dominant dog man. Boykin became fascinated with the Brown Spaniel, who was skilled at flushing and retrieving wild turkeys as he was on a duck hunt. Boykin created a new breeding program around Dumpy, using breeds such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Cocker, the English Springer, and the American Water Spaniels. The result was that the excited Gundog we know today as Boykin Spaniel.
From the start of the breed, players working in the marshland of Carolina were told about the breed’s quickness, versatility and simple balanced gait. Boykin’s popularity was limited to the immediate area of his birth. Eventually, however, Boykin caught up with bird hunters around the country, especially on the East Coast. The key to the breed’s success is its unbridled energy in the region, its ability to work on land or lake, and a sweet, gentle way home.
South Carolinians have made Boykin Spaniel their official dog and celebrate Boykin Spaniel Day on 1 September. The Boykin gained full AKC recognition in 2009 by joining the elite assembly of the AKC’s “All-American” dog breeds.
The Boykin spaniel is medium in size, with an emphasis on its hunting abilities, featuring flushing and recapture, with moderate speed and agility. His pendulous ears, intelligent articulation, strong construction and a friendly wagging tail proclaimed him to be part of the Spaniel family.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time
Boykin’s medium-length, wavy coat requires only minimal maintenance. A weekly brushing will help remove dirt and loose hair and make it look its best, and an occasional bath will help keep it clean and smelling. As with all breeds, nails should be trimmed regularly, as prolonged nails can cause discomfort and problems with walking and walking.
The Boykin Spaniel is one of a handful of AKC breeds developed in the 20th century. Boykin is a small South Carolina community, with a population of about 100 souls, the name of a founding resident, Samuel Whitaker “Whit” Boykin. As the Boykin Spaniel originates, around 1900 a man named Alexander White found a little brown spaniel outside the church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he attended services. White gave the young male spaniel the unstoppable name Dumpy. A fond sportsman, White took Dumpy out for hunting with his predators, and White’s delighted Dumpy showed great zest and penchant for water and kept himself with more birds than him.
White sent Dumpy for training to his hunting partner, the community patron White Boy, who was the region’s dominant dog man. Boykin became fascinated with the Brown Spaniel, who was skilled at flushing and retrieving wild turkeys as he was on a duck hunt. Boykin created a new breeding program around Dumpy, using breeds such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Cocker, the English Springer, and the American Water Spaniels. The result was that the excited Gundog we know today as Boykin Spaniel.
From the start of the breed, players working in the marshland of Carolina were told about the breed’s quickness, versatility and simple balanced gait. Boykin’s popularity was limited to the immediate area of his birth. Eventually, however, Boykin caught up with bird hunters around the country, especially on the East Coast. The key to the breed’s success is its unbridled energy in the region, its ability to work on land or lake, and a sweet, gentle way home.
South Carolinians have made Boykin Spaniel their official dog and celebrate Boykin Spaniel Day on 1 September. The Boykin gained full AKC recognition in 2009 by joining the elite assembly of the AKC’s “All-American” dog breeds.
Boykin Spaniel is a strict, energetic and enthusiastic Hunting Dog, yet gentle and content in the home. An affectionate and fiercely loyal personality is a hallmark of the breed, and Boykins makes wonderful family pets. They snort at companionship, enjoying the company of children and other dogs. Early socialization and puppy training classes are recommended to help ensure that the Boykin grows into a well-adjusted, well-run companion. Intelligent and eager to please, Boykins is usually easy to train.
Boykins have moderate to high energy and require lots of exercise every day. They do best with active people, especially those seeking athletic companionship for activities such as hiking, running, or biking. Regular exercise will help keep Boykin healthy and happy. This can come in the form of long walks and playing sessions. The breed also practices mind and body by participating in obedience, tracking, agility, rally, field events and other activities that can be enjoyed by both dogs and owners.
Boykin Spaniels are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, and exercise-induced collapse. Boykin’s ears should be regularly checked for signs of infection and cleaned when necessary – this can be done with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution, which the dog breeder or veterinarian recommends Can. Teeth often need to be brushed, using toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: