Whether it’s their glittering golden eyes, their intelligence, or their bubbly, friendly personalities, Boykin Spaniels are a breed that stirs the hearts of many.
If you recently moved to the South Carolina area, you may have seen one of these lovable pooches out and about. Not only are they incredibly sweet, but they have an interesting history, too!
Originally bred in South Carolina in the early 1900s, Boykin Spaniel puppies were first bred as a hunting dog and are still used today by hunters all over the South.
Interested in learning more about this breed? Here’s a look at their unique history and why they remain one of the most popular breeds in South Carolina today.
The Boykin Spaniel: At a Glance
The Boykin Spaniel is a small- to medium-sized dog with a sturdy, muscular build. They have a short, glossy coat that can come in shades of brown, liver, and black and white.
Their ears are long and thin, their eyes are almond-shaped and golden or dark amber in color, and they have a distinctive tail that curls up over their back.
Boykins can range from 13 to 18 inches in height and typically weigh anywhere from 25 to 35 pounds. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them great family dogs with basic training.
It should come as no surprise that the Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina. After all, you’ll see them everywhere in the Palmetto State! Their bright and engaging eyes, combined with their loving and loyal personalities, have made them a fan-favorite in the area.
From dock diving to agility competitions, Boykin Spaniels love to perform and show off their athleticism. Whether you’re looking for a companion, an agility partner, or just a good old-fashioned hunting dog, the Boykin Spaniel is sure to be your perfect match.
Where Did the Boykin Spaniel Come From?
The Boykin Spaniel is believed to have originated in Spartanburg, South Carolina, near the turn of the 20th century. It’s said that a man by the name of Alexander L. White was walking to the church when he encountered a small brown dog scrounging for food.
He took the dog in and named him Dumpy, and when Dumpy started showing aptitude for retrieving, White sent him to his hunting partner and friend Lemuel Whitaker “Whit” Boykin. Boykin experimented with breeding the dog and eventually created what we now recognize as the Boykin Spaniel.
According to Whit Boykin’s grandson, Boykin used pointing breeds, such as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and American Water Spaniel, to create the breed.
These dogs were bred to be small enough for a hunter to carry in their boat yet strong enough to withstand the cold water and retrieve game. The traits of the Boykin Spaniel remain similar to this day—the breed is a smaller and more agile version of their pointing cousins.
The Boykin Spaniel is known for being an excellent duck hunter, but they are also great at hunting wild turkeys and deer. They can also be taught to retrieve upland game birds as well.
Interestingly, the Boykin Spaniel is among the only two American-made dog breeds that were named after the family that bred them.
Since the area in which the Boykin Spaniel was developed, around Camden in South Carolina, was a hunting area and resort, many of the people who visited the resorts began to take the breed back home with them, and it quickly became a favorite in the region.
Today, Boykin Spaniels are bred all over the world, making them a popular breed beyond just South Carolina.
When Did the UKC Recognize the Boykin Spaniel?
The United Kennel Club (UKC) officially recognized the Boykin Spaniel in 1985, making them the first organization to do so.
Since then, the Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association of America (BSCBAA) was formed to preserve and protect the breed. The organization works to ensure that Boykins are bred with the same qualities as when they were first developed and also promotes responsible ownership of the breed.
The BSCBAA has even created a Breed Standard to make sure that all dogs registered by them meet their guidelines. It’s this dedication to preserving the integrity of the breed that makes it so popular today.
What Makes the Boykin Spaniel So Special?
There are many qualities that make the Boykin Spaniel special, but some of the most notable ones include their intelligence, trainability, and friendliness.
Boykins are incredibly loyal to their families and love being around people. They are eager to learn and do well in obedience, agility, and other performance activities.
These dogs love being active and need daily exercise, but their small stature makes them great for city living or apartment buildings.
The Boykin Spaniel is also known for its naturally good-natured temperament — they make excellent therapy and emotional support dogs.
Finally, the Boykin Spaniel is a great choice for those looking for a hunting dog. They are built to fit in small boats and have an excellent noses that can quickly detect game in water or on land.
Overall, the Boykin Spaniel is an all-around great breed that will bring a lot of joy to your family!
The Present of the Boykin Spaniel
Today, the Boykin Spaniel is an extremely popular breed in South Carolina and beyond. With their friendly temperament, intelligence, and loyal nature, they make great family companions.
In April 1984, the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Commission endorsed the Boykin Spaniel as the official state dog of South Carolina. This acted to honor the importance of this breed in South Carolina’s history and culture.
The same year on September 1, the Governor of South Carolina declared the day to be Boykin Spaniel Day in the state of South Carolina.
In addition, many organizations dedicated to the Boykin Spaniel, such as the Boykin Spaniel Club and Breeders Association of America, have emerged over the years to promote responsible ownership and preservation of this beloved breed.
In 2009, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially fully recognized the Boykin Spaniel. This recognition has helped bring even more visibility to this breed and allowed them to join the exclusive assembly of AKC-recognized “all-American” breeds.
What the Future Holds for the Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel of today is truly a testament to the work and dedication of the breeders who have invested in the breed.
The future of the Boykin Spaniel looks bright as more and more people become aware of this beloved pup. With its friendly, trainable personality and excellent hunting abilities, it’s no wonder why this breed is so popular in South Carolina and beyond!
Described by fanciers as “wash and wear” dogs due to their low-maintenance grooming needs, the Boykin Spaniel is an excellent choice for those looking for a loyal and loving companion.
With the support of organizations like the BSCBAA that focus on preserving this breed’s integrity, we can look forward to enjoying many years with these wonderful pups in our lives.
Since the Boykin Spaniels have a lifespan of 12-14 years, it’s safe to assume that the Boykin Spaniel will continue to be a beloved pup for many years to come.
Wrapping Up
The history of the Boykin Spaniel is rich and remarkable. From its humble beginnings as a sturdy hunting dog in South Carolina to its proud recognition as the state’s official dog, this breed has come a long way.
With their friendly personalities and trainability, it comes as no surprise that they are a popular choice for those looking for loyal companions. So, if you’re seeking a pup that will bring lots of joy to your life, the Boykin Spaniel is an excellent option!
