Boykin Spaniel
South Carolina's state dog, versatile for dove, ducks, and upland birds
History & Origins
A Southern Original
The Boykin Spaniel is one of only two sporting breeds developed entirely in the United States (the other being the Chesapeake Bay Retriever). The breed originated in South Carolina in the early 1900s, specifically developed for the unique hunting conditions of the state's Wateree River Swamp region.
According to legend, the breed traces to a small stray spaniel-type dog found near a church in Spartanburg, South Carolina around 1900. The dog was given to L. Whitaker Boykin, a noted hunter who recognized the little dog's exceptional hunting ability and began developing a distinct breed.
Bred for the Swamp
Boykin and other South Carolina hunters crossed the foundation dog with various spaniel breeds - likely including Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and American Water Spaniels - as well as Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to develop a dog suited to the unique demands of Southern waterfowl and turkey hunting.
The breed was specifically developed to be small enough to ride in the small boats used to navigate the Wateree River's narrow waterways. Larger retrievers would tip these "section boats," making a compact but capable retriever essential.
Beyond size, Boykins needed to handle the hot, humid conditions of the South Carolina lowcountry, retrieve from both land and water, and flush wild turkeys - a unique combination of skills that defined the breed.
South Carolina's State Dog
In 1985, South Carolina designated the Boykin Spaniel as the official state dog - the first state to honor a breed in this way. The Boykin Spaniel Society was formed in 1977 to preserve the breed, and the AKC recognized Boykins in 2009.
Physical Characteristics
Size Standards
- Males: 15.5-18 inches, 30-40 pounds
- Females: 14-16.5 inches, 25-35 pounds
- Build: Compact, sturdy, medium-boned
- Proportion: Slightly longer than tall
Coat & Colors
- Type: Medium length, wavy to curly
- Undercoat: Short, dense for water protection
- Color: Rich liver (brown) - the only color
- Markings: Small white chest spot allowed
Distinctive Features
Head & Expression
- • Medium-length muzzle
- • Oval-shaped eyes, yellow to amber
- • Long, set-low ears
- • Intelligent, alert expression
- • Scissor or level bite
Body & Movement
- • Well-developed chest
- • Strong, muscular hindquarters
- • Docked tail (traditionally) or natural
- • Webbed feet for swimming
- • Effortless, ground-covering gait
Built for Southern Conditions
The Boykin's medium size is functional - large enough to retrieve ducks and handle pheasants, but compact enough for small boats and dense cover. Their liver coat provides camouflage in the tannin-stained waters of Southern swamps and rivers.
Temperament & Personality
The Versatile Companion
Boykin Spaniels are known for their friendly, eager temperament. They're enthusiastic workers in the field and affectionate companions at home - truly "two dogs in one." Their adaptability and even temperament make them suitable for both dedicated hunters and active families.
The breed's intelligence and desire to please make them highly trainable, though their energy requires an outlet. A bored Boykin will find ways to entertain itself, which may not align with their owner's preferences.
Positive Traits
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Excellent with children and families
- Friendly with other dogs
- Versatile and adaptable
- Enthusiastic without being hyperactive
Considerations
- High energy - needs daily exercise
- Can be stubborn if not properly motivated
- Strong prey drive
- May be reserved with strangers initially
- Needs mental stimulation
The Boykin Personality
Boykin owners often describe their dogs as having a unique combination of spaniel enthusiasm and retriever steadiness. They're known for their expressive faces and ability to communicate their feelings clearly. Many Boykins form particularly strong bonds with one family member while remaining friendly with everyone.
Training & Development
Training Philosophy
Boykins respond exceptionally well to positive training methods. They're intelligent and eager to please, but can be sensitive to harsh corrections. Building a strong relationship through consistent, reward-based training produces the best results.
The breed's versatility means they can be trained for multiple hunting applications - from dove fields to duck blinds to upland game. This adaptability is one of their greatest strengths, though it requires thoughtful training to develop each skill.
Puppy Foundation (8-16 weeks)
- • Extensive socialization - people, places, sounds
- • Introduction to water (Boykins typically love water)
- • Basic retrieve games with bumpers
- • Exposure to birds - wings and scent
- • Foundational obedience commands
Basic Training (4-8 months)
- • Force-free retrieve development
- • Introduction to gunfire (gradual exposure)
- • Basic water retrieves
- • Quartering pattern for upland work
- • Steadiness foundation
Advanced Training (8-18 months)
- • Blind retrieves and hand signals
- • Multiple marks in water and land
- • Steady to flush and shot
- • Work in various cover types
- • Introduction to hunting situations
Versatility Training
Boykins excel as all-around hunting dogs. Many owners train them for multiple applications: morning dove hunts, afternoon upland excursions, and duck hunting from boats or blinds. Start with one discipline and add others as the dog matures - trying to teach everything at once can confuse even a talented Boykin.
Health & Genetics
Health Overview
Boykin Spaniels are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 10-15 years. However, the breed's relatively small gene pool has led to some inherited conditions that responsible breeders work to eliminate through health testing.
Health Conditions to Screen For
Hip Dysplasia
Malformation of hip joint. Parents should be OFA or PennHIP evaluated.
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
Genetic condition causing collapse after intense exercise. DNA test available.
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
Inherited eye condition. DNA test available - present in Boykins due to ancestry.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
Progressive spinal cord disease. DNA test available.
Patellar Luxation
Dislocating kneecaps. Parents should be OFA patella evaluated.
Heart Conditions
Pulmonic stenosis occurs in the breed. Cardiac evaluation recommended.
Boykin Spaniel Society Health Protocol
The Boykin Spaniel Society maintains a health registry and recommends comprehensive testing including: hip evaluation, eye examination, EIC DNA test, and cardiac evaluation. Breeders committed to the breed's health will provide documentation of these tests for both parents.
Hunting Applications
The Ultimate Versatile Dog
Boykin Spaniels are true generalists, capable of handling nearly any hunting situation in the Southeast and beyond. Their moderate size, water ability, and flushing instincts combine to create a dog that can hunt from sunup to sundown on whatever game is in season.
Originally developed to flush wild turkeys and retrieve waterfowl from small boats, modern Boykins excel at dove, duck, pheasant, quail, and upland birds. Their size makes them particularly suited for hunters who need a dog that can do everything adequately rather than one thing perfectly.
Primary Applications
- Dove: Excellent retrievers for dove fields
- Ducks: Water retrieving from boats/blinds
- Upland: Quail, pheasant, woodcock
- Wild Turkey: Traditional flushing application
Hunting Strengths
- Exceptional water ability and enthusiasm
- Handles heat better than northern breeds
- Compact size for boats and thick cover
- All-day stamina and endurance
Working Style
Boykins hunt with spaniel enthusiasm - tails wagging, working close, and eager to find game. In upland cover, they quarter naturally within gun range, pushing through thick vegetation to flush birds. Their water work combines spaniel drive with retriever focus.
Unlike larger retrievers, Boykins excel in small spaces - they can work effectively from jon boats, kayaks, or cramped blinds. Their moderate prey drive means they stay focused on the handler rather than ranging too far.
Heat Tolerance
Developed in the hot, humid South Carolina lowcountry, Boykins handle heat better than many sporting breeds. They're excellent choices for early-season dove hunts and September teal when temperatures remain high. Always provide shade, water, and rest periods, but expect Boykins to work longer in warm conditions than heavier-coated northern breeds.
Care & Maintenance
Exercise Requirements
- 1-2 hours of active exercise daily
- Swimming is excellent exercise
- Retrieving games and field work
- Mental stimulation important
Grooming Needs
- Brush 2-3 times weekly
- Check and clean ears weekly
- Trim feathering as needed for hunting
- Bath after water work to remove debris
Living Requirements
Boykins adapt well to various living situations as long as their exercise needs are met. They're not apartment dogs in the traditional sense, but can live in smaller spaces with sufficient daily exercise. A securely fenced yard is ideal but not essential.
Ideal Environment
- • Active household with outdoor access
- • Opportunities for swimming and retrieving
- • Regular hunting or field training
- • Climate - tolerates heat well, handles cold moderately
- • Indoor living with the family (not kennel-only)
Ear Care
Like all spaniels, Boykins are prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. The breed's love of water makes this more of a concern. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, clean weekly, and keep the ear canal hair trimmed. Address any odor, discharge, or excessive head shaking promptly.
Finding Your Boykin Spaniel
Finding a Quality Breeder
The Boykin Spaniel Society is the primary breed organization and maintains breeder listings. While the breed originated in South Carolina, quality breeders can now be found throughout the United States. The breed's popularity has grown significantly since AKC recognition in 2009.
Due to the breed's relatively small gene pool, health testing is particularly important. Look for breeders who participate in the BSS health registry and can demonstrate several generations of health-tested dogs.
Breeder Questions
- Health testing documentation?
- Do you hunt with your dogs?
- BSS registration and participation?
- EIC and CEA DNA test results?
- Hunting titles or working history?
Red Flags
- No health testing documentation
- Breeding solely for color/appearance
- No BSS involvement
- Multiple litters always available
- Unwilling to show hunting ability
Resources
- Boykin Spaniel Society: Primary breed organization with breeder listings
- Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Association: Additional breeder network
- AKC Marketplace: AKC-registered breeders
- Boykin Spaniel Rescue: For those interested in adopting
Price Expectations
Boykin Spaniel puppies from health-tested, hunting parents typically range from $1,200-$2,000. The breed's increased popularity has made finding puppies easier, but quality breeding programs may still have waiting lists. Started dogs with basic training may cost $2,500-$4,000. Be wary of unusually low prices, which may indicate lack of health testing or poor breeding practices.
Ready to Hunt with a Boykin Spaniel?
Find hunting locations and guides to experience the boykin spaniel in action.
Browse Hunting Guides