Boykin Spaniel Puppies – Breed Information

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One of the well-established dog breeds that were totally developed only in the 20^th century, Boykin Spaniels are a treat to watch. Especially, Boykin refers to a warm South Carolina community that had a population of around 100, named after Lemuel Boykin.

As far as the story goes, Alexander White, a Good Samaritan brought home a brown spaniel left unattended outside a church in Spartanburg. He named him Dumpy.

Later, Dumpy accompanied Boykin on one of his hunting expeditions, and to his surprise, Dumpy was exceptional.  Especially, Dumpy proved his expertise at retrieving and flushing wild turkeys.

Eventually, Boykin developed a new breeding schedule and the final result- Boykin Spaniel Puppies as we all know today. Interestingly, South Carolina has not only declared it as their state dog but on September 1^st they celebrate it as the Boykin Spaniel Day.

Finally, in 2009, this breed was acknowledged by the American Kennel Club.

• Origin: South Carolina (America)
• Size: Medium
• Dog Breed Group: Sporting group
• Purebred: Yes
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Height: Male – 14-16.5 inches; Female – 15.5-18 inches
• Weight: Male- 30-40 lbs,  Female-25-35 lbs
• Coat Appearance: Double coated
• Coat Colors: Liver, chocolate
• Temperament: Lovable, eager, friendly
• Good With Children: Yes
• Intelligence Level: Moderate-high
• Good With Pets: Yes; early socialization advised
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Grooming: Moderate
• Shedding: Moderate (seasonal)
• Barking: Moderate, barks when necessary
• Suitable For Apartments: Moderate
• Need For Exercise: High
• Easy To Train: Yes
• Good For First Time Owners: Moderate
• Health Issues: Tick bites, ear problems, hip dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, cataract
• Litter Size: 5-7 puppies
• Average Price: $800-$1500 (US)

Boykin Spaniels are medium-sized dogs developed to manage tough terrains and easily swim in any water. They look sturdy with a small arch, strong straight back, nice chest, and sloping shoulders.

Boykins have heads totally proportionate to their body, lightly broad, and flat. Also, they have razor-sharp straight teeth moving like a scissor.

With eyes set wide apart and ranging from dark yellow to amber, Boykin spaniel Puppies look good in sparkling yellow eyes. Next, their ears are large enough to touch the nose; have wavy hair with a waterproof coat.

Boykin’s paws are built to swim in the water and they normally have docked tails.

Boykin Spaniel Colors

This double-coated dog has two coats, an outer coat, and an undercoat. Boykin Spaniels have medium-length, wavy to flat outer coats. The undercoat appears dense and short. Also, the belly, legs, chest, and ears contain feathering.

Boykin Spaniels are mostly in dark chocolate, brown, or rich liver. On the toes and chest, a small level of white is also seen.

Female Boykin Spaniels grow between 35.5 cms to 41 cms at shoulder level. Males can reach up to 39.3 cms to 45 cms in height. Males and females weigh around 30 – 40 lbs and 25 – 35 lbs respectively.

Boykin Spaniel Lifespan

Boykin Spaniels are generally healthy dogs and can have an average lifespan anywhere between 10 to 15 years. The life expectancy depends significantly on a balanced and healthy diet, good activity level, and a sound environment.

• First and foremost, the world would have missed the adorable breed, Boykin Spaniels, if not for South Carolinians. Cheerful, energetic, and calm Boykins remain very loyal to their owners. Boykin Spaniels also carry the unique traits of a spaniel; their personality and talents.
• With a brilliant ability to retrieve and flush, an affable wagging tail, cute hanging ears, and an eagerness to work, Boykin Spaniel Puppies have got all the looks of a charming dog. Normally very alert and bright, Boykins are adorably small in size, making them the best partner dog on all hunting and camping trails.
• Fiercely owner-friendly dogs, they are known to do well in all events ranging from Agility Trials, Rally Trials, Obedience Trials, Tracking Tests, Working Ability Certifications, Spaniel Field Trials, and Spaniel Hunt Test.
• Also, Boykins has the capability to serve as Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs. They also participate in various Conformation Shows. Known to move well with other dogs and children, active dogs like them need regular workouts.
• A versatile hunting dog, Boykins is loyal, smart, obedient, pleasant, and docile by nature.

This fleecy and woolly dog’s wavy medium-length fur needs very little grooming and maintenance. Once a week brushing will ensure that your Boykin Spaniel Puppies are free from debris, loose hair, and shedding.

Not to mention, occasional regular shampoo baths will make sure that he smells good.

Just like other breeds, trimming their nails at regular intervals can save your dog from walking problems or other discomfort.

Important tips to follow while feeding

• Do not serve more than two times a day.
• For dogs more than a year old, provide him with high-quality dog food.
• Boykin Spaniel puppies less than one year must be fed twice daily.
• Puppies that are between 3 – 6 months of age should be fed thrice a day.
• A Boykin Spaniel puppy in the age limit of 8 to 12 weeks requires 4 servings a day.

These dogs do better on good quality dog food, whether homemade or commercially bought.

Actually, any diet you choose for your dog should be based on his weight and nutritional intake. In other words, certain dog breeds gain weight effortlessly and you must use the treats only sparingly.

Above all, fresh clean water is a necessity.

Foods For Your Boykin Spaniel

• Apples
• Rice (Brown or White)
• Yogurt
• Bananas
• Turkey
• Commercial Grain-free Dry Dog Food
• Oatmeal
• Peanut butter
• Eggs
• Vegetable pulp
• Whole Meat (cooked) like chicken, beef, and lamb
• Spinach leaves
• Sweet potatoes
• Cheese
• Fish

“Do not Eat” Foods

• Garlic
• Chocolates
• Foods with additives
• Caffeinated items like coffee
• Onion
• Dairy foods
• Almonds
• Alcohol
• Grapes and Raisins

Boykins are eager, athletic, and tough hunting dogs. Moreover, they are contented and soft in their surroundings.

An adorable and exceptionally loyal character is their specialty, and friendliness is their strength. In particular, these dogs survive on enjoying companionship with other pets and small children.

Very smart and bright, Boykins is perfect for easy training schedules.

Finally, puppy training classes and early socialization will make sure that they grow into well-behaved companions in the future.

Exercise

These dogs have bounds and bounds of energy and normally need tons of exercise or activities. They are at their best when moving along with people who are into biking, running, and hiking.

Especially, a regular exercise schedule will keep them happy and healthy.

Also, Boykin Spaniels are good at field events, rallies, agility, tracking, and obedience activities where both the owner and dog enjoy.

The State dog of SC (South Carolina) is the Boykin Spaniel. These South Carolina dogs are unique and joyful hunters as such.

Because of their exceptional intelligence, Boykins has quickly evolved as fast and smart thinking dogs.

Boykin Spaniel Dog Day

The name of the very first Boykin Spaniel was “Dumpy”. These dog breeds are AKC’s 163^rd breed.

Not to mention, every year September first is known as the official Boykin Spaniel Dog Day.

Above all, these dogs are so small that the dog owner can carry both the duck and dog simultaneously.

A good quality Boykin usually costs somewhere between USD 800 to USD 1500 based on the pedigree and litter quality. Many reputable breeders would pass through tiresome efforts to remove unworthy puppies.

Also, a healthy puppy comes from different parents and lines and always remembers to check the pedigree and vaccination details before buying.

Good breeders always maintain and keep good control of the environment, pedigree, and healthy litters.

To know the availability of Boykin Spaniel puppies around your neighborhood in America, click here.

A Boykin Spaniel can suffer from any or all of the health problems given here-

1. Hip Dysplasia

In general, hip joints in dogs resemble ball & socket mechanisms. But, in dogs suffering this condition, this hip joint shows signs of wear and tear thereby causing severe trauma.

Main Causes of Hip Dysplasia

Genetic conditions are one of the main culprits for hip dysplasia. Moreover, these factors are further acted upon by unnecessary growth, weight, and poor diet.

Therefore, owners who suspect this condition should immediately contact their vet and decide upon the next course of action.

Treatment for hip dysplasia

First, your family vet will conduct certain tests and then decide the next course of action. For example- they include a physical test and urinalysis.

Also, inflammation if any can be found out in other tests. In order to treat fluid build-ups and physical factors, your doctor will inquire about your dog’s ancestry.

In addition, corrective surgeries like pelvic osteotomy, FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy), or hip replacement are carried out ineligible cases.

2. Cataracts

Just like people, even dogs are also susceptible to cataracts. In this case, the dog’s vision gets affected and cataracts might occur.

A cataract refers to the condition where the lens becomes opaque. Moreover, cataracts are different from nuclear sclerosis and lenticular disorders when the eye lens turns bluish in look. But, in these cases, the vision remains intact.

In general, cataracts can cause blindness and vision erosion.

Causes of Cataracts in Dogs

Genetic factors are one of the most well-known factors that cause cataracts. Some of the other causes include exposure to a toxin, radiation, hypocalcemia, uveitis, aging, eye trauma, and diabetes mellitus.

Treatment for Cataracts

The one and only option to treat a cataract is surgery. However, pets suffering from chronic illness are not suitable for cataract surgeries.

3. Phacoemulsification

Using ultrasonic frequencies, the dog’s eye lens or lenses are emulsified. Next, the emulsified lenses are now removed through a process called aspiration.

In conclusion, cataract operations are very low-risk operations and contain a maximum success rate. After surgery, your vet will suggest a cone for your dog.

Also, oral antibiotics and pain medicines will be prescribed.

4. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

A genetic disorder that also affects other breeds including Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and also Labrador retriever, this illness exhibits itself during a high strenuous training schedule.

The affected dog might lose its leg, front, and rear. The EIC could cause mild or severe problems depending on the severity of the problem.

5. Ear Problems

Due to their fluffy ears, Boykin Spaniels are prone to ear infections. Being a water dog, you should pay attention to their ears every now and then.

6. Tick Bites

Ticks are not just irritating but very dangerous as well. Moreover, when the days get warmer and longer, individuals spend ample time with their dogs outside.

And your dog can also contract tick just like that which will result in tick fever subsequently. Therefore, check your dog without fail and call your vet in case of an emergency.

Read Also: Tips To Completely Eradicate Ticks

Does A Boykin Spaniel Shed?

Boykin Spaniels have medium-length wavy hair and shed moderately. However, regular grooming will conserve the shedding to a minimum level. Also, everyday brushing keeps the coat clean and matt-free.

At What Age Is a Boykin Spaniel Full Grown?

Boykins usually reach adulthood and are fully grown by 18 to 24 months of age. This medium size dog will settle at around 14 to 18 inches of height and weigh around 25 to 45 pounds.

How Much Does A Boykin Spaniel Cost?

Before buying a Boykin spaniel, enquire about the pedigree and the health certificate from the breeder. The price of a Boykin Spaniel puppy can be between $700 to $1400 in America. The price depends on the credibility of the breeders and the litter’s health.