The Boykin Spaniel is a medium size all rounder hunting dog of spaniel type, originating in South Carolina where it has been declared the official state dog. The dog has an interesting history which suggests that it was found by a hunter called Alexender L. White, roaming around sometime during 1905-1910. The hunter liked the dog and took it home. When the dog showed its capabilities as a retriever, the hunter handed it over to another friend Whit Boykin who cross bred the dog with different breeds and consequently succeeded in developing a medium size compactly built dog that was par excellence in hunting ducks and turkeys. This dog became the foundation stock for the Boykin spaniel. Other ancestors are reported to be the Chesapeake Bay retriever, springer spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, and the American water spaniel. It fulfilled the long vacant place of a small rugged dog compactly built for boat travel and able to retrieve on land and water.
The dog has height between 15.5 to 17.5 inches and weight between 30-40 lbs. It has a spaniel type head, in proportion to body. Oval shaped eyes are different shades of brown and set well apart. Flat ears are set in line with eyes. The neck is muscular and slightly arched. The body is sturdily constructed but not too compact. Sloping shoulders, chest well-developed but not barrel, the back is strong, straight, and level except for a slight arch in the loin area. The legs are strong, of medium length and well boned, but not too short as to handicap for field work. The tail is docked. The coat is moderately long with straight or slightly curly hair. The coat color is a solid, rich liver (reddish brown) or dark chocolate allowing for a small, white spot on the chest.
This dog is recognized by AKC, UKC,CKC, NCR, APRI among many others.
