Boykin Spaniel

Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog breed that loves water and is friendly. These dogs can be easily identified by their luscious brown eyes, honey-gold eyes and webbed toes that help swim.
Origin
The Boykin Spaniel originates from the state of South Carolina in the United States of America. The breed became the official state dog of South Carolina, but it is also popular among other southern states. They are well-known for their hunting skills, but they also make good companion dogs for a family and hunters. The Boykin Spaniel was officially recognized by AKC (American Kennel Club) in December 2009. The breed was originated by a bit of spaniel mix named dumpy, but several other spaniel breeds were also involved in the evolution of the species.
Size
The male Boykin Spaniel has a shoulder height of 15-17 inches and weighs around 30-40 pounds, whereas a female Boykin spaniel reaches a height of 14-16 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 25-35 pounds. It has a sturdy body with sloping shoulders, a well-developed chest, and a solid and straight back.
Coat
The Boykin Spaniel has a wavy or curly waterproof coat; however, a smooth one is also acceptable. The breed can be seen in brown, chocolate, or liver shades. The white colour of the chest greater than 60% of the width of the chest or white colour on toes is a disqualification and not registered by the Boykin Spaniel Society, but AKC and UKC do not deny it.
Temperament
The Boykin Spaniel is a calm, loving, and intelligent dog. Its keen sense of smell and high endurance makes its excellent hunting and guard dog. The breed’s love for water and its ability to swim exemplifies its ability to hunt and retrieve. Its high hunting instinct may get him into trouble if following a scent in an unsafe area. The Boykin Spaniel is an obedient breed eager to please its owner. It gets along well with children and enjoys spending time with them. They are social and friendly dogs that make good family companions. It is adaptable to different environments as long as it gets sufficient exercise to burn the excess energy. Early socialization and exposure to surroundings are necessary for your pup to become a well-rounded dog. They may become destructive if left alone or not given proper exercise.
Care
The Boykin Spaniel is a working dog, so it requires a lot of exercises daily to stay fit and mentally stimulated. They are the happiest when given a job to do. They need at least half-hour to one hour walk with some play sessions to stay healthy. They require regular brushing to prevent matting in their curly coat. Clean their eyes and ears regularly, trim their nails and brush their teeth daily to prevent dental problems.
Health
The Boykin Spaniel has a lifespan of 14-16 years. It is prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, juvenile cataracts, and exercise-induced collapse. Take your pet for regular health check-ups to detect the early signs of diseases. Make sure to get the health clearance when you get the breed home.