Images of Impact: Boykin Spaniels in Their Elements

Boykin Spaniels are a hardy, versatile, fun-loving spaniel. This does not mean they are the perfect match for all people and families! Before you plan to add a Boykin or any dog to your family, please take the time to read as much as you can about the breeds. Do your research! You will find a lot of helpful information on this website and particularly this page. Talking to as many owners and breeders as possible before making your decision final will ensure that you make the correct decision.  Whether you go to a breeder or a rescue group, you should be prepared to ask a lot of questions about the puppy or dog you hope to acquire.

Below are some FAQs to help you get started on your search for answers on this wonderful sporting breed, the Boykin Spaniel. 

Boykin Spaniels are biddable flushing spaniels in upland hunting that are sound enough to hunt all day long, every day of the hunting season. They are excellent swimmers and able to deftly retrieve from the water. Their history indicates original turkey hunters, and duck hunters. They have been used on all types of fowl with success. They have been known to hunt sheds, golf balls, turtles, drugs & explosive material and just about anything. They may be taught to hunt up whatever you like, but their love & natural instincts are for the birds! 

They are an energetic breed. They are a physically active spaniel designed for working all day in the field.  Families that are seeking a sports companion will be pleased with the energy level and willingness they offer.  

Boykins are curious and intelligent. Young puppies instinctively hesitate but quickly determine the situation's safety and react accordingly. New and strange situations for socialized adult dogs are usually investigated without fear or hesitation. Socialization at a young age is key. 

They are good with people and other dogs as long as they have been socialized properly. They love and prefer to be around people. They are a friendly breed and are eager for attention. 

Boykin Spaniels who have been exposed to other hunting dogs through their young life are friendly with other dogs. Like most dogs, those individuals who have been secluded from members of their own species might find more difficulty in adjusting to other canine company. They have been known to steal the show in the field and want all the spoils. 

They are very good with children.  However, all breeds of dog should always be supervised when around young children.  

Like most breeds, Boykins personalities run the gamut in both sexes. The best judge of personality is the breeder who has spent countless hours watching the puppies together and should be able to identify the most quiet, most active, most stubborn or most exuberant individuals. As a general statement, females tend to be busy and independent and males lean to being lovable and less independent but again both genders may have varying degrees of these traits. Personalities develop through their environment. 

Boykins are responsible barkers. They will bark an alert to an approaching person or a strange sound, but they should not bark unreasonably.  

If left on their own for a length of time, the Boykin might find their own amusement. It will also depend on weather; they may dig to lay in dirt for coolness. They are a sporting breed and may be mouthy. Adolescent dogs have a lot of energy that needs an outlet, and all sporting dogs have a natural urge to chew; however, the breed's tendency toward these habits is in the average range.  

Boykins should be a moderately sized Spaniel, between 14-18 inches high at the withers (top of the shoulder). Average weight is between 30-45. See the Breed Standard for more detail information.  Boykin Spaniels are considered a medium size dog.  

They are a moderate shedder. Shedding can be controlled with frequent brushing and proper grooming. 

Boykin Spaniels should be groomed but are consider a wash and wear dog. Regular brushing will keep mats from forming. Very little clipping of hair but clipping your dog's coat to eliminate the longer hair in sanitary areas, feet and areas that frequently mat is a wise choice.   

Many responsible breeders go through great pains to eliminate unworthy specimens of the breed from their breeding program. They have an independent  evaluation of the dog's hunting ability, as well as run the appropriate pre-breeding tests such as multiple appropriate OFA exams ( eyes, patellas and hips) and EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) testing and a large panel of Genetic Testing of Sire & Dam.  A quality puppy usually comes from titled lines and parents, make sure that you ask to the pedigree and lineage before your purchase. Puppies are often a case of getting what you pay for and while you might find an inexpensive one you are raising your chances of buying a puppy who may develop a genetic health disease later in life. You will find the cost to buy a Boykin Spaniel varies greatly and depends on many factors such as the Breeder's reputation, Breeder's years devoted to the breed, lineage of the sire/dam, breed popularity (supply & demand), training and socialization efforts. Look for Preservationist Breeders (ones that are purposeful breeders, only selecting sire/dam on generations of documented health tested individuals and only breeding the dogs with well-adjusted character and hunting instincts that represent the Boykin’s heritage. Also look for AKC Breeder of Merits and Breeders that have demonstrated the Boykin’s many talents, abilities and performances through multiple generations of titles. A Quality Boykin Spaniel may range in price from $2000 upwards to premium price of $4500 for a quality “show dog”, quality “performance dog” with AKC registration & titles. Price also depending on the quality of the litter, the quality of the pedigree and the quality of the Breeder. Expect to pay a premium price for full breeding rights. We do not recommend the “backyard breeder” nor the “puppy mill breeder”. Also, trained Boykins will cost much more, depending on type of training, level, length of training and age of dog. Be very careful and do your homework or you will end up with a breeder who lacks knowledge or worse one who doesn’t really care about the quality! 

Overall, this is a very healthy breed. The most common health problems are hip dysplasia, juvenile eye cataracts, some bloodlines exhibiting patella luxation and skin problems and EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse). With constructive and thorough educated breeding, many of the earlier problems (hip dysplasia, juvenile eye cataracts & patellla luxation) have dissipated, and superior breeders continue to be diligent and forever watchful of new genetic problems. There has recently been an interest in the genetic gene of DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) and is a part of the genetic panel for Boykin Spaniels. Also, more research is ongoing for LDD (Lumbosacral Disc Disease) & IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), please review our health page for more details. Spaniel ear problems are not uncommon in the breed; breeders and veterinarians can give dog owners instructions to help keep ears healthy.   

Boykin Spaniels are fun loving and playful dogs for most of their lives. They may vary with their progression of maturity, but most settle into adulthood around 2-4 years of age. 

Boykin Spaniels are similar to other spaniel breeds concerning lifespan. If they have lived a normal life and in a normal healthy environment, they live approximately 12-15 years of age. There have been known to be a few that have lived as long as 17 years. 

Boykin Spaniels are highly intelligent and can learn relatively quickly. However, it does take time and dedication when training. Boykin Spaniels have a natural ability and desire to learn, but you must make the commitment to invest the time and patience it takes to train a Boykin Spaniel to his full potential. If you desire a good “started” dog for hunting purposes or a finished, polished dog for hunting events and/or competition, then a professional trainer is the way to go. If going professional, it is recommended that you get involved with a trainer that has training days, sessions, classes where you are directly involved with the training of your Boykin Spaniel. Please, as like with anything else, do your research first. It would be best to have a trainer that has had experience with training Boykin Spaniels. 

Buy your puppy from a respected and responsible breeder. This cannot be stressed enough! Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the Boykin Spaniel breed. Responsible breeders work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for Boykin Spaniels. Before you make your final selection of a breeder, screen the breeder and ask plenty of questions concerning their Boykin Spaniels, their breeding program and their health checks. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your expected puppy if not both. Visit the breeder’s home or facilities and see how the breeder’s dogs interact with the breeder and yourself. Also, observe the cleanliness of the facilities and whelping area. The responsible breeder will also be screening you, looking for the best home for each puppy. Do your research and ask the breeder all the appropriate questions concerning the Boykin Spaniels. Also, ask if they are a member of the BSCBAA (AKC parent club of the Boykin Spaniels); which is governed by a Code of Ethics, some may claim membership but are not (please feel free to verify at this link: Contact the BSCBAA). See our Breeder Directory List. 

BSCBAA - AKC Boykin Spaniels is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that provides support and have accepted the responsibility of stewardship of the Boykin Spaniel breed.  We are a membership of proud owners, dedicated breeders and enthusiastic friends of the Boykin Spaniels that have made a commitment to preserve the working and hunting instincts of the breed and the breed standard. 

First, become a member of the BSCBAA by visiting our membership page. There are many ways to get involved with BSCBAA - AKC Boykin Spaniels, such as volunteering, making a donation, or attending one of our many fun events. Please search our website for more information.

BSCBAA - AKC Boykin Spaniels offers a variety of services, including educating breeders, judges and the public of the breed history, function and health issues through seminars, presentations, Meet the Breed, hosting conformation events & other AKC events that demonstrate the versality of the breed, and supporting health research.  

First, you may join the BSCBAA as an associate member without sponsors. Please fill out the membership form and contact the BSCBAA at contact@theboykinspanielclub.com. If you want to be more involved which requires sponsors, we will have some loyal members interview you.