Boykin Spaniel Health

All dogs have the genetic programming to develop health problems. Unfortunately, hip dysplasia and eye diseases are common problems in the breed. ALL breeding stock should be checked for these diseases with NO exceptions or excuses! Affected dogs should be removed from any breeding program to ensure improved health for the generations yet to be born. Diligent health screenings and only breeding "clear" dogs can reduce and eventually eliminate these diseases from the Boykin Spaniel bloodline.

Many responsible breeders continue to check their dogs for a wide array of disease to ensure no other health issues begin to creep into the gene pool. Visit the Health Page for more information on Boykin Spaniel Health.

What Boykin Spaniels Look Like

The Boykin Spaniel is a moderate dog in all ways. There are no extremes in their build or trappings and their form follows function. They are a breed originally developed as an obedient companion able to behave while riding to a hunt in a boat, but strong and quick to flush and retrieve. Gait is without wasted motion or interference.

The head is expressive with amber or yellow colored eyes that show enthusiasm and intelligence. Lips are close fitting without being heavy or flewed and the muzzle is balanced with the head. The ears are set on even with the top of the skull and reach the tip of the dog's nose when lightly pulled forward.

Boykins are always a solid color with an occasional tiny white spot on the fore-chest or toes.  Excessive white markings are to be avoided. The coat color variations have been described in many terms including liver, red, chocolate, or bronze. Longer hair on ears, coat and leg feathering may appear faded or "sun bleached".

Their variance types of coat or fur is one of the pleasures of the breed. Different lines carry different textures, lengths and trappings. Some coats may be smooth and flat while others are covered in loose curls or waves of fur. A few lines carry the gene for a close fitting, shorter haired coat. Since good breeders are breeding for hunting and companion attributes first and foremost the differences in the breed's coat are more celebrated because they are not seen as wrong or a fault. The loss of coat variances are often the first mark of a breed becoming "split" in the future with only one type of coat allowed for conformation or bench bred dogs.

Boykins have light feathering on the ears and limbs. Coat and feathering may become matted if not brushed regularly. Some individuals may have a "top knot" which is a tuft of long fur grooming from the very top of the head. Others make have thicker fur covering their entire body including down their legs.

Like all hunting and sporting breeds, the Boykin Spaniel has boundless energy and enthusiasm. They have a very high activity level and need to be given exercise for their body and mind daily. They are quick to bond with people and are attentive, devoted pets that prefer to be by their owners side at all times. Tails are docked. Dew claws are sometimes removed.

Boykin Spaniel Size

The Boykin is a small to medium sized spaniel. Their size was one of the traits that made them a desired hunting companion in the early 1900's. Small boats filled with hunters and gear did not leave room for a large retriever. The Boykin was big enough to bring back the turkeys and ducks, but small enough that they were not a burden.