Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel has a balanced and calm character. It is a family dog; it does not single out one owner but loves everyone separately. Spaniel has a positive attitude to children; the main thing is to monitor the process of communication. The pet rarely shows aggression; it is difficult to take him out of temper.

Breed Photos

Origin History

The Boykin Spaniel breed was bred in America. The founder of this young breed was L. V. Vit Boykin. He was given a puppy whose breed was unknown. Some said it was a Field Spaniel; others said it was a Cocker. The characteristic feature of this dog was a rich brown color.

Vit Boykin spent a lot of time hunting and specially trained dogs for this activity. The gifted dog began to show wonderful qualities while hunting. So Boykin was inspired by the idea of breeding the breed. He used various spaniels for breeding a separate species. These were the American Water Spaniel, Springer Spaniel, and Cocker Spaniel. In 1977, the Boykin Spaniel Amateur Association was formed.

Appearance

The head of the Boykin Spaniel is proportional to the body. The eyes are oval and of medium size. It can be any shade of brown. The ears are thin and floppy. The dog’s teeth are strong, and the bite is scissor-shaped. The neck is of medium length. The back is straight, and the loin is short. The chest is well developed. Legs with good bone, but not too heavy, otherwise the dog may seem clumsy. One of the Boykin Spaniel characteristics is the presence of fringes on the ears, chest, legs, and belly. The coat is straight or slightly wavy, medium length. The color is monochromatic, red-brown, dark chocolate or brown is acceptable. White socks and a spot on the chest may be present.

Character

The Boykin Spaniel has a balanced and calm character. It is a family dog; it does not single out one owner but loves everyone separately. Spaniel has a positive attitude to children; the main thing is to monitor the process of communication. The pet rarely shows aggression; it is difficult to take him out of temper.

The Boykin Spaniel easily adapts to all conditions. You can have this breed even in an apartment, as long as it gets enough exercise. It is a quiet dog that does not create unnecessary noise and is not too picky about food.

Long walks and games outside are what the spaniel loves most in the world. This dog often has a hunting instinct. Therefore, it is worth teaching the dog the “near” command from childhood and familiarizing him with his environment. A stray cat or squirrel can provoke the dog into a long chase.

This breed is wonderful at hunting birds and working as a team with the owner.

His gut always guides the Boykin Spaniel. The dog has a special love for the water, so bathing in a body of water will be a real gift for him.

The pet reacts indifferently to strangers, but the spaniel will not allow it if a person tries to pet the dog. The Boykin Spaniel is friendly to other dogs and rarely shows aggression. However, if an unfamiliar animal enters the spaniel’s territory – it will begin to defend its possessions. Therefore, the pet will make a good guardian.

Care

The elegant wavy hair of the Boykin Spaniel does not require any special care. The dog needs to be combed out once in two months. The coat repels dirt, so you do not need to wash it often, only when it gets dirty. Constant bathing can destroy the natural protective layer and cause skin irritation. To avoid inflammation of the ears, you should wipe the inside of them. Nails should be trimmed once a month.

Any environment is good for the Boykin Spaniel. The main condition is regular walks and being out in the fresh air.

Training

The balanced nervous system and obedience of the Boykin Spaniel help in his education. From childhood, the puppy should be taught basic rules and behavior on the street. The spaniel should not pull the leash.

He learns commands quickly because of his intelligence. Do not force your spaniel to follow commands if he is tired. It is better to use reward tactics than to yell at your pet to get results. Socialization at an early age will help the dog become fully functioning. If you limit your spaniel’s socialization to only people, he may have developmental problems in the future. To bring out the dog’s full potential, it is worth teaching the dog to swim. It will be an excellent alternative to regular warm-season walks.

Common Diseases

The Boykin Spaniel has good immunity. It is worth visiting a specialist once a year for preventive care. Representatives of the breed suffer from skin and eye problems. After a walk, it is worth inspecting the pet’s coat for parasites.

The Boykin Spaniel is prone to these diseases:

• cataract;
• hip dysplasia;
• knee dislocation;
• mitral valve disease.

Nutrition

From an early age, the Boykin Spaniel should eat light food. For example, lean meats, porridges, vegetables, or soups. It is not necessary to overfeed the pet; this can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Supplement his food with vitamins and minerals. It is better to feed your dog twice a day at the same time. Water should be readily available for the pet and can be taken on long walks.