Consider These 11 Factors Before Adopting a Boykin Spaniel

Share on:

Developed in the swamps of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a hunting dog specializing in retrieving game. It is a skilled swimmer and hunter with a friendly and energetic spirit.

In this article, we will explain the 11 things to consider before getting a Boykin Spaniel so you can make an educated decision about whether this breed is right for you.

Exercise

The Boykin Spaniel is a highly active breed. Developed to be a skilled hunting dog, it is well-known for its endurance and stamina. Therefore, it requires plenty of daily physical activity.

Boykin Spaniels enjoy all types of exercise including:

Walking
Jogging
Running
Hiking
Swimming

In addition to exercise, Boykin Spaniels need mental stimulation, which can be achieved via interactive games and puzzle toys.

If not challenged, both physically and mentally, the breed is prone to behavioral issues and destructiveness, usually in the form of excessive barking, chewing, and digging.

Ouch!

When unsure about the amount of physical activity your Boykin Spaniel needs, consult with a vet. The exercise needs differ based on age - young members of the breed should be more active than seniors.

Grooming Needs

One of the hallmarks of the Boykin Spaniel breed is the wavy or curly coat. The coat is thick and water-resistant as an adaptation to hunting in cold regions and wet environments.

To ensure a healthy and tangle-free coat, you need to practice regular brushing. By regular, we mean at least once a week, but preferably more often. For best results, use a slicker brush and a wide-tooth comb.

In addition to brushing and coat care, the Boykin Spaniel’s grooming needs also include:

Bathing
Nail trimming
Teeth brushing
Ear cleaning
Paw & pad care

Occasionally, you can practice visits to professional groomers. That way, it will be easier for you to maintain the coat between two sessions.

Training

Generally speaking, Boykin Spaniels are very intelligent and eager to please their owners. However, true to their hunting ancestry, some breed members can be independent thinkers.

Therefore, it is advisable to start with structured training from an early age. The first step is basic obedience training. It includes simple commands (sit, stay, down, come, heel) and should be started as soon as you get your pup home.

If you have the necessary time and skills, once these commands are mastered, you can proceed with advanced training - hunting, retrieving, and dog sports.

What approach should I use?

When training a Boykin Spaniel, use positive reinforcement techniques. The breed responds great to treats and praises. Also, you should keep the training sessions short and entertaining.

Socialization

Because of its hunting heritage, the Boykin Spaniel has a strong prey drive. In breed members kept as pets, the high prey drive is considered an issue.

To curb this behavior and teach your Boykin Spaniel how to live with others pets, it is essential that you practice early socialization - ideally when the puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old.

Socialization is also vital for raising a well-behaved and rounded Boykin Spaniel, and it includes early exposure to new situations, people, pets, and experiences.

For optimal results, keep the socialization process gradual and use positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praises.

Health Issues

The average lifespan of the Boykin Spaniel is between 14 and 16 years. While long-lived, the breed is still prone to certain medical conditions, such as:

Hip Dysplasia: A genetic condition in which the hip joint fails to develop properly, which causes pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis.
Eye Problems: Some of the most common eye diseases in this breed are glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and cataracts.
Ear Infections: The long, floppy ears of the Boykin Spaniel trap dirt and moisture, which increases the risk of infections.
Allergies: The breed is susceptible to allergies that manifest with irritation, itchiness, and recurring ear infections.
Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate hormone levels, causing weight gain, skin issues, and lethargy.
Epilepsy: Neurological condition with an unknown cause that results in seizures.
Cancer: All types of cancer are possible in this breed, but lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma are the most common.

Breed Traits

When looking into the Boykin Spaniel breed, you need to take into evaluation its key features, such as:

Hunting Instincts: As a hunting dog inclined to retrieve game, the breed requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.
Water Retrieving: Bred to retrieve from water, Boykin Spaniels have a dense and waterproof coat that protects them from cold weather.
Friendliness: Boykin Spaniels are friendly, sociable, and affectionate dogs. They love being included in family activities.
Trainability: Generally, the breed is easy to train because it is intelligent and eager to please.
Alertness: The Boykin Spaniel is naturally alert and will bark to notify the owner of potential danger. This makes it a great watchdog.
Adaptability: Boykin Spaniels are adaptable and can adjust to different living situations and conditions.

Size

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized dog. Members of the breed are usually between 14 and 18 inches tall at the withers and weigh around 25 to 40 pounds. Males are generally taller and heavier than females.

Both genders feature an athletic and sturdy build that allows them to be great hunters and successfully retrieve on land and water.

Despite the medium size, the Boykin Spaniel is enduring and has a go-all-day stamina. This means that your living arrangements should be spacious and enable the dog to roam freely.

In more practical terms, a Boykin Spaniel might not be the right choice if you live in a small apartment and have no access to an outdoor area. A big house with a fenced yard is the perfect option for this breed.

Family Compatibility

The Boykin Spaniel is an excellent family dog. The breed is known for its friendly and affectionate personality and enjoys spending time with its human family members.

Here are things to consider so you can decide if the breed is right for you:

Activity Level: The Boykin Spaniel is an active dog and enjoys outdoor activities. If your family prefers a sedentary lifestyle, you should consider another breed.
Children: Boykin Spaniels are very fond of children of all ages. However, you should supervise the interactions at first and teach the kids how to handle the dog.
Other Pets: If socialized from an early age, Boykin Spaniels can get along with all pets. However, unsocialized breed members have strong hunting instincts and should not be allowed to play with smaller pets.

Time Commitment

Being a Boykin Spaniel parent is a full-time job. Let’s take a closer look at some of the tasks you need to make time for if raising this breed:

Exercise: Considering the breed’s activity levels, you must spare 30 to 60 minutes daily for physical activities.
Training: The breed is relatively easy to train. However, if you do not have time for that, you should expect destructive behaviors.
Grooming: The dense and wavy coat requires frequent brushing to stay healthy, shiny, and free from mats and tangles.
Time Alone: As a highly social dog, the Boykin Spaniel does not handle alone time well and is prone to separation anxiety.
Health Care: For optimal health and well-being, Boykin Spaniels require regular and high-quality veterinary care.

Financial Responsibility

Raising a dog is also a financial commitment. Here is a breakdown of the main costs to keep in mind when getting a Boykin Spaniel:

Adoption/Purchase Cost: Regardless of whether you adopt or buy the dog, there will be some initial fees.
Dog Food: You must provide your Boykin Spaniel with high-quality dog food, which can be expensive (especially with reputable brands).
Pet Supplies: You will also need plenty of supplies (bowls, toys, leashes, collars, crates), and they are considered an ongoing expense.
Grooming: From time to time, you may have to take your Boykin Spaniel to a professional dog groomer.
Training: If lacking training experience, you will have to seek help from a professional canine trainer.
Medical Expenses: Routine veterinary care can be costly, depending on where you live.

Reputable Breeders

Last but not least, consider finding a reputable breeder in your area. It is vital that you get your Boykin Spaniel from a breeder that uses ethical breeding practices and prioritizes health over profit.

Reputable Boykin Spaniel breeders test both parents for genetic conditions (eye exams, hip & elbow dysplasia) and have health certificates to prove the tests.

Trustworthy breeders are also open about their breeding practices and may even interview you to see if you are the right fit for their dogs. They do not mind being asked questions and will let you meet both parents before deciding.

If you are unsure of how to find a good breeder, talk to other Boykin Spaniel owners. References from other pet parents can be quite helpful.

Conclusion

Before you get a Boykin Spaniel, make sure you understand its socialization and training needs, as well as have enough time for exercise and grooming.

You should also be aware of the financial aspect of raising a Boykin Spaniel and have a substantial budget for food, pet supplies, and medical expenses.

If these factors are not an issue, then the spirited and affectionate Boykin Spaniel is the right fit for you and your family.