When it comes to dogs, are you a fan of the spaniel? Have you ever considered having one as a pet? Perhaps you are looking for a good hunting dog and believe a spaniel would be ideal.
According to the American Kennel Club, there are 15 recognized types of spaniels.
As dog owners became increasingly focused on having “purebred” dogs, breed standards were written, and the two types of spaniel dogs ended up splitting into the 15 recognized types we have today.
In this post, we will be looking at the Boykin Spaniel. One of the key ways to recognize which spaniel is which is by the length of their coats.
So, do Boykin Spaniels have long or short hair? Well, they are listed as having “medium-length” fur, but let’s compare the Boykin to a few other spaniels and learn how their coat compares, and also explore how to groom one and note issues to look for with this type of spaniel.
Boykin Spaniel Vs. Cocker Spaniel – What are the Differences?
There are several distinct differences between the Boykin Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. Neither type is necessarily superior to the other, but it is simply a matter of which one meets the needs of you and your family.
Boykin Spaniels, for example, tend to be better with children than the Cocker Spaniel. If you are looking for a pet for your kids, this might be a good choice.
They are also less likely to have separation anxiety or to fear strangers. They do, however, need more exercise and attention than the Cocker Spaniel, so if you have a busy lifestyle and won’t have much time for a dog, then the Boykin may not be for you.
But what about the fur? Do Boykins have shorter or longer fur than the Cocker Spaniels? Which type is easiest to groom, and which one is most likely to end up with matted fur?
The Boykin Spaniel’s coat is considered to be medium-length, while the Cocker Spaniel has medium to long hair. Maintenance for the Boykin’s coat is listed as minimal, while a Cocker Spaniel’s is high.
For example, a Boykin only needs a bath once a month, but a Cocker Spaniel needs weekly bathing.
Boykins also require brushing only 2 or 3 times a week, while the Cocker Spaniel needs it daily and has a greater tendency to become matted. The ears of the Cocker Spaniel are especially prone to matting and must be trimmed once a week, while the Boykin never requires ear trims.
Boykins shed their fur seasonally, while the Cocker Spaniel does so on occasion.
Boykins are also a bit curlier than the Cocker Spaniels. It would seem that while their hair length is pretty similar, the Boykin Spaniel is much easier to groom than a Cocker Spaniel and tends to have slightly shorter fur.
American Water Spaniel vs. Boykins – Who’s Easier to Groom?
At first glance, it can be difficult to tell the Boykin from the Water Spaniel. Both dogs are great swimmers, have a coat that is naturally oily for water resistance, and do well in wet climates – even in frigid temperatures.
The coat of the American Water Spaniel tends to be long and hangs down in curly waves. Their thick undercoat is great protection against the elements and they rarely ever shed.
A Boykin’s coat is medium length and may be curly, but it is also sometimes straight.
Some of them also have an undercoat, but as a rule, the Boykin Spaniel is a single-coat dog. This makes them a bit easier to groom than the Water Spaniel, but both are pretty low maintenance.
Grooming A Boykin Spaniel
While the medium length of the Boykin’s coat makes it easier to groom than the longer-haired Cocker Spaniel, there is still a bit of work involved.
Pet owners who live in warmer climates, such as the Southern United States, will most likely need to keep their Boykin’s fur shaved to at least half of its normal length to lessen shedding and help keep their Boykin cool.
Oval pin brushes work best for their weekly brushing, and slicker brushes or combs for matts. Any tangles or matts should be removed gently, and only canine shampoo should be used on these dogs.
The Puppy Cut is a great option of dog hairstyles for the Boykin if you opt for trimming their fur.
Keep in mind, however, that a Boykin should never be shaved clean. Their skin is very sensitive and the oils in their fur protect it from damage and infections.
Without their coat, a Boykin is more prone to being sunburned easily and having heat strokes. They will also have no protection against lower temperatures and will get cold very easily.
What if My Boykin Spaniel Sheds A Lot?
The medium-length fur of the Boykin Spaniel is not prone to heavy shedding if the dog is healthy. While some shedding will occur, a trip to the veterinarian may be needed if you notice that your pet is shedding excessively.
A Boykin either shedding in patches or excessively losing hair can be a sign of issues such as malnutrition, contact with chemical irritants, parasites, sunburn, food allergies, medications, bacteria, pregnancy, immune issues, cancer, too much licking, or issues of the kidney, thyroid, or liver.
While there is no need to panic, if your Boykin is losing too much hair, a vet visit can rule these issues out.
Conclusion
The Boykin Spaniel is a dog with a medium-length, curly coat that requires monthly shampoos and weekly brushing.
They are great with kids, highly energetic, intelligent, and easy to maintain. While they are more independent and can be left alone for a longer period of time than some dogs, they do need at least an hour of exercise every day.
We hope that this article has been informative for those who were wondering whether the Boykin Spaniel is a long-haired or short-haired dog. In truth, they have coats of medium length that tend to have flowing curls and protective oils.
Please feel free to look over our site for more posts about your furry friends!
