Boykin Spaniel breed guide

A tough, energetic, enthusiastic hunting dog, the Boykin Spaniel is gentle and contented at home, with an affectionate, fiercely loyal personality that AKC calls a hallmark of the breed. It thrives on companionship and enjoys children and other dogs.

Boykin Spaniels live 10 to 15 years. Breeders screen for hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts and exercise-induced collapse.

Ears need checks for infection and cleaning when necessary with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution a breeder or veterinarian can recommend.

The medium-length wavy coat needs only minimal maintenance: a weekly brushing removes dirt and loose hair and an occasional bath keeps the dog clean-smelling. Nails should be trimmed regularly because overly long nails cause discomfort.

With moderate to high energy, Boykin Spaniels need lots of exercise every day and do best with active people who want a hiking, running or biking partner.

The Boykin Spaniel is among the handful of AKC breeds developed wholly in the 20th century, named for Boykin, a South Carolina community of about 100 people. Around 1900 a man named Alexander White found a little brown spaniel outside his church in Spartanburg and named him Dumpy.

White took Dumpy hunting with his retrievers and to his delight the dog showed great enthusiasm and instinct.