The Boykin Spaniel is medium in size, sturdy, and a typical spaniel. They are, first and foremost, hunting dogs with proven retrieving and flushing abilities characterized by boundless intelligence. Boykin Spaniels show a great desire to please. They are a strong swimmer, taking to the water easily, and are valuable for water retrieving as well as field retrieving. The Boykin Spaniel is peaceful, obedient, and loyal. They are known for being good with children and are friendly family pets. They are generally good-natured and affectionate, wagging their stub of a tail to move their whole bodies. Their hunting aptitude is excellent, and they have served hunting families since the early 1900s. They are usually chocolate brown with an enthusiastic expression. Boykin Spaniels have great endurance and make excellent pets for the country home.
- Size: 14-18 inches tall and 25-40 pounds
- Colors: Solid, rich, liver (reddish brown or dark chocolate). They range from solid liver to dark brown, allowing a small white spot on the chest.
- Coat: The coat can be flat, wavy, or very curly. The coat is waterproof as well, and they have a light feathering all over. The coat is medium-length. Their ears are exceptionally curly.
- Temperament: Boykins are friendly with an admirable disposition. They have no hostility toward other dogs or people in normal situations. Excessive timidity or hyperactivity is not seen with the Boykin character. They retain excellent hunting and retrieving skills as well as a sweet, docile temperament, and they want to please and be obedient. They swim well and have great endurance.
- With Children: Great with children, like their cousins the Cocker.
- With Pets: Usually get along well with everyone.
History of Boykin Spaniels
The ancestry of the Boykin Spaniel involved Springer Spaniels, American Water Spaniels, Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and a stray, unidentified male spaniel. In the year 1911, a man named Alexander White was coming home from church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and found a stray brown spaniel. He decided to take it home and use it as the family pet. The dog had very good hunting abilities and was sent to White’s hunting partner, L. Whitaker Boykin. With Boykin’s training, the dog was developed into an excellent waterfowl and turkey retriever. Boykin bred the stray with other female cockers that had similar aptitudes, eventually breeding those dogs with the aforementioned breeds and thus producing the Boykin Spaniel.
The Boykin Spaniel was apparently “just right” size to hop into boats used on the Wateree River Swamp and did well to keep quiet hunting in the brush on the ground. The place in which Boykin resided was ideal for a northerner’s vacation, therefore, puppies were sold there, and the breed spread from that point. The Boykin Spaniel is now the South Carolina state dog, and fans of the breed have created the Boykin Spaniel Society. The Boykin Spaniel is still used today to retrieve a hunt all along the Atlantic coastline.
Boykin Puppies Currently Available
Testimonials
-
Bought our Boykin from him almost two years ago. Best dog we could have hoped for. No health issues, very smart, loving and tons of personality.
Dewey Lee
-
Finn is a very intelligent Boykin and natural flusher. I took him on my first Pheasant hunt at the age of 2 with only obedience training under his belt and he made me look like a pro!
Preston Fittro
-
I am on my second Boykin with Carey and as usual, we could not be more pleased. We will be buying them from him as long as he’s breeding. He is very easy to communicate with and really goes out of his way to help you pick a dog that fits your lifestyle. They are always very happy and healthy dogs and if you are looking for someone who holds to the breed standard Mr. Knowles is your man and worth the drive, short or long! Highly, HIGHLY recommend!
Aaron Akins
-
Got our amazing Boykin Spaniel from him. Amazing customer service. I was impressed with the health guarantee that came with our pup. But he breeds such high quality pets I’m sure it won’t be needed. Thanks Carey!
Julie Le Blanc
-
Great place! We drove all the way from NC to get a Boykin from Carey. He was so easy to communicate with, and had all the information on our Otis and his parents that we needed. Otis is 1.5 years old now. He is so smart and loving…the most loyal playful dog you could ask for. We love him!
Jordan Braswell
-
My wife and I had a Chocolate Lab for 12 years, and after having to put him down my wife said she would like a smaller breed. I had heard of the Boykin breed from a friend and decided that would suit us well. After searching the internet I got a hold of Mr. Knowles, and shortly after talking with him I knew he was the one I would like to deal with.
I can’t say enough about my dog “Nita.” She absolutely loves my family, is a great retriever, and loves to please. She is a great hunter and learns very fast. Without a doubt a great choice for pet or hunting.
Mr. Knowles was a joy to work with and bent over backwards to help me. Thank you to Mr. Knowles for introducing us to Boykin’s, and for being so helpful.
Ben and Bridget, North Carolina
★★★★★