Written records of the earliest  generations do not exist, but it is believed that decedents of "Dumpy" were are reportedly crossed with other hunting breeds, such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniel, and the American Water Spaniel.

During the Depression, wealthy families from the Northern states vacationed and hunted in Camden during the winter. The little Spaniels endeared themselves as great family dogs and returned to the North with them in the springtime. The desirable personality traits as well as their impressive ability on a hunt helped to sustain the bloodlines through tough economic times.

On July 5, 1977 the Boykin Spaniel Society was established to further the breed. In 1985, the Boykin Spaniel became a United Kennel Club (UKC) breed in the Gun Dog group. In 1996 the AKC developed the Foundation Stock Service (AKC FSS) as a tool to help single breeds record their dogs and offspring. In July 2005, the AKC named the Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Association of America as the official parent club. In October 2005 the AKC approved the breed to go to the AKC Board in November 2005 for a vote to allow them to compete in AKC Companion Dog Events and Hunt tests.

Boykin have gained popularity over the recent decades to the point that they have been featured on national TV shows and graced the cover of several magazines. With the continuing success of Boykin Spaniels in hunt tests and trials as well as in other dog sports it is expected that their notoriety will continue to grow.