The Boykin Spaniel was first bred by duck and wild turkey hunters in the Wateree River Swamp in South Carolina in the 1900s. The breed was designed to be a compact and tough hunter’s companion, ideally suited for boat travel and who could retrieve both on land and in water.
Today, the Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina’s official state dog. The modern-day Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, tenacious, and highly trainable dog.
In terms of size, Boykins are larger than Cocker Spaniels and smaller than Springer Spaniels with an average height of 14-18 inches and an average weight of 25-40 pounds. This breed’s life expectancy is 10-15 years, so South Carolina families and individuals thinking of brining home a Boykin puppy can look forward to many years of loving companionship.
Boykins make great family pets, given that they are good with young children and other dogs. This breed hits the sweet spot between being independent and clingy. Boykin Spaniels can tolerate being alone for short periods of time and retain a streak of independence but are an affectionate and sweet breed that likes to be with family members.
South Carolina folks who enjoy hunting or spending time on the water should definitely consider the Boykin Spaniel as a pet because this dog is ideally suited to such a lifestyle. Many Boykin owners describe their dogs as “tigers in the field.”
The good news is that the Boykin’s rich brown coat is low-maintenance and typically only requires a weekly brushing.
However, laidback individuals and families in South Carolina should know that Boykin Spaniels have moderate to high exercise needs, so you do need to commit to giving these dogs plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Fun activities that involve the owner are the Boykin’s favorite type of exercise.
While energetic and rugged in the field, Boykins are gentle, intelligent, and eager to please at home and thrive in the company of children.
If you can’t wait to bring home a Boykin puppy, check out the listings for reputable breeders in South Carolina and beyond on Puppy Hero. We have pre-screened all the breeders listed on our site to ensure you bring a happy, healthy Boykin Spaniel puppy home.
Neal Oldford is from South Carolina and breeds Boykin Spaniels. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Make sure you are not only choosing the right breed for you, but also that you’re getting it from the right individual.
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Jason Morris is from South Carolina and breeds Boykin Spaniels. My wife Jessie and I love our babies they are just as much family as the true youngins. We love the experience of the whole puppy stages. Isabel was my first boykin spaniel and she was a birthday gift. she is spoiled rotten and loves her family. The first litter we had i was scared and nervous, but soon to find out this was my new passion, it is an amazing experience. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders.
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Born in our home and kept in our home until ready to go home with you. Call us for photos of our little sweeties.
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Roy Thompson is from South Carolina and breeds Boykin Spaniels. He is a member of The Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association of American (BSCBAA), the official AKC parent club of the Boykin Spaniel. Bred with H.E.A.R.T. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Make sure you are not only choosing the right breed for you, but also that you’re getting it from the right individual.
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Kathy Googe is from South Carolina and breeds French Bulldogs. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Make sure you are not only choosing the right breed for you, but also that you’re getting it from the right individual.
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