The Boykin Spaniel was first bred in the South Carolina Low Country in the early 1900’s. The breed’s use as a flushing spaniel was quickly coupled with its unique attributes that continue to this day to accommodate the region’s swamp hammocks. Size and weight were essential in development of the breed as these hunting companions needed to be lighter and smaller than their larger sporting dog cousins to fit in the compact section boats used by hunting guides of the time period. The Boykin Spaniel as a result, came to be known as “the little brown dog that doesn’t rock the boat” (Creel & Kelley, 1997). The breed is the official dog of the State of South Carolina.
The first Boykin Spaniel impression is a balanced, solid sporting dog. Care should be taken to examine for soundness of structure; a dog that can physically endure a day’s hunt in difficult terrain. The Boykin Spaniel is a practical breed used for hunting and as a family pet. A friendly temperament and correct physical structure are equally important. A well balanced dog, somewhat longer than tall. Size and substance are historically important. Care should be taken to balance the physical traits that ensure that this breed represents a working field breed along with the historical importance of their medium size.
Head: The head Boykin Spaniel must be proportionate with the size of the dog, not coarse, yet broad enough to do its job, which includes retrieving larger birds on land and in water. A correct scissors or level bite is essential, since improper dentition can adversely affect the dog's working ability. Boykin eyes are varying shades of golden brown, set well apart, medium size and oval in shape.
Neck, Topline, Body: The neck should be moderate and sturdy to balance an essentially level topline; without such structure a flushing spaniel will tire quickly or be unable to adequately retrieve game. The tail is docked to a length of 3-5 inches. Tail carriage should be horizontal or slightly elevated, with lively, merry action.
Temperament: Judges should be met with a friendly disposition. Shyness is to be severely penalized. The tail should never be clamped. Expression is one of intelligence and willingness to please with a touch of humor.
Coat and Color: The Boykin Spaniel is solid in color; rich liver, brown or dark chocolate. A small amount of white on the chest is permitted. Boykin Spaniels were formed from a complex variety of gun dogs, resulting in a varied coat length, thickness, degree of straightness or waviness and shades of brown. These differences are all correct. This is a low maintenance breed so trimming and scissoring should be kept to a minimum. Honest scarring on an individual dog should never be penalized. Active hunters may strip some trappings on the head, neck, body, and legs. However, for the safety and wellbeing of the dog, a sufficient amount of body coat should be left to protect against underbrush and weather. Some individual dogs may display lighter shading or “sun bleaching” on the ears; this should not be penalized.
Gait: The Boykin Spaniel dog should be judged in equal thirds: side gait, rear movement going away and front movement coming back; no single portion of the gait should take priority. The gait should present a picture of efficiency and endurance; good reach, a long forward stride and strong drive. Gait should never be clumsy. The handler should move the Boykin Spaniel on a loose lead. The Boykin Spaniel should move with an air of high spirits and controlled energy, as if ready to confidently take on whatever jobs its master asks of him.
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