The Boykin Spaniel was developed here in the United States, and is in fact the state dog of South Carolina. This retrieving and flushing spaniel is not only prized for his enthusiasm in the field, but also his devoted nature and loyalty. These friendly dogs are small, yet athletic. They are quite capable of putting in long hours while out hunting or doing other work. They were bred to be compact enough to fit on a boat, if needed, and in fact they are built to retrieve both in the water and on land. Because of their past history, most Boykins love the water! Boykin Spaniels are adaptable to many different living situations, but most have a hard time adapting to apartment life without a ton of exercise.
Boykins love spending time with the family and are happiest when they are able to do so. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, they do not become better hunting dogs if they are kept in kennels with minimal human contact. When left alone by themselves day-in and day-out, some can get frustrated or bored and may be more prone to chew or other destructive tendencies. The same is true when they aren’t given enough exercise. The Boykin Spaniel is a high-level dog when it comes to energy. He is not a couch potato breed and needs an owner or a family that is just as athletic as he is! Ideally he will go on frequent hikes, jogs and water activities with his owner several times a week.
Boykin Spaniels are generally easy to train as long as the owner puts in the time to do so. They are both intelligent and curious – traits that lend themselves well to training. They also love attention, and obedience can definitely fulfill this need! If using food to train, keep in mind that these little brown dogs are prone to packing on the pounds with ease. It may be helpful to use the dog’s own food for training treats, or substitute fatty treats with something healthy and low-calorie. Once the dog is trained in basic obedience, their boundless energy lends well to competitions in other arenas such as flyball, hunt tests, agility or rally.
While most Boykins are healthy dogs, it is important to only buy from a reputable breeder who health-test their dog before breeding. Health issues that come up more frequently in this breed include Exercise-Induced Collapse, Cataracts, Degenerative Myelopathy and Hip Dysplasia. One is much more likely to end up with a healthy dog if a person avoids pet shops and backyard breeders, and instead goes to a knowledgeable responsible breeder. When healthy, Boykins are quite hardy and will likely live from 10-15 years of age. 
Most Boykins get along well with other dogs as long as they were socialized early. They love to play! In fact, many owners have multiple Boykin Spaniels that all live together harmoniously. They also tend to get along well with children, although supervision is recommended with very young children. Some Boykins get fed up easily when/if they are treated roughly, so they might not be best in a house with a toddler. With well-behaved children or adults, however, they are infinitely pleasant and social. Most are friendly even to strangers, as well as to cats!
Boykin Spaniels will bark when someone comes to the door although they are not generally considered to be nuisance barkers. If someone were to break in, they might say hello but aren’t likely to defend the house. They are not known for their protective abilities, but instead are beloved for their hunting and athletic abilities (which they demonstrate often with enthusiasm and wild abandon).
The wavy coat of the Boykin tends to shed quite a bit so they do need to be brushed on a weekly basis (if not 2-3 times a week). If the dog is used for hunting, they should also be checked for ticks after each hunting expedition – the dark coat can hide these pesky critters! Furthermore, the ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Pendulous ears that have a lot of hair (like most spaniels have) are more likely to get infected if not checked and cleaned on schedule. Bathe when needed and keep the nails clipped, and that all will serve to keep the Boykin clean and happy.
