Boykin Spaniel

Boykin Spaniel dog

Compact South Carolina hunting dog developed for retrieving from small boats.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Medium 25 - 40 lbs 14 - 18 inches 10 - 15 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a Boykin Spaniel? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Boykin Spaniel? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed tends to need plenty of regular physical activity.

The Boykin Spaniel is an American breed with unusually specific roots in South Carolina. Its story is traditionally traced to the early 1900s, when a small stray spaniel-type dog followed banker Alexander White home in Spartanburg. White kept the dog, named Dumpy, and later sent him to his hunting partner Whit Boykin for training. Dumpy proved to be a talented hunting dog, and Boykin developed a breeding program using him and other sporting dogs to create a compact retriever suited to local conditions. Hunters in South Carolina's Wateree River region often travelled in small sectional boats that could not comfortably carry a large retriever. The developing Boykin Spaniel was small enough for the boat but capable of flushing and retrieving wild turkeys and waterfowl in swamps and waterways. Several sporting breeds contributed to its development as the type became more consistent. South Carolina enthusiasts worked to preserve the breed, and the Boykin Spaniel Society was formed in 1977. South Carolina later named it the official state dog, and September 1 is recognized there as Boykin Spaniel Day. The American Kennel Club fully recognized the breed in 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Boykin Spaniel tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Boykin Spaniel generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Boykin Spaniel is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The Boykin Spaniel tends to need plenty of regular physical activity and mental stimulation.

The Boykin Spaniel is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Boykin Spaniel generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Boykin Spaniel may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Boykin Spaniel is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Boykin Spaniel generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.