At a glance the quick version
UKC and Wikipedia give 30-40 lb for males and 25-35 lb for females.
Coat and looks how to spot one
medium-length flat to wavy coat
A medium-length coat that can be flat or moderately curly, with light feathering on the legs; a shorter straight coat is also fine. The brown colour helps it blend in on a hunt.312
Personality what they are like
A happy, outgoing spaniel that is relaxed indoors and full of drive in the field. It is quick to learn, likes to please, and usually gets on well with people, children and other dogs when well socialised.4321
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Energetic; plan on at least about 40 minutes of exercise a day plus mental work. It loves swimming and retrieving.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Weekly brushing, with an occasional tidy-up trim to keep the coat neat.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete diet formulated for active medium-sized dogs at the right life stage.2
Company who they like around
Friendly with family, children and other dogs; early socialisation is recommended.21
The story where it all began
Around 1900 a small stray spaniel found in Spartanburg, South Carolina, was passed to hunter Whit Boykin near Camden. Boykin and his circle bred from this dog, later known as Dumpy, to create a compact retriever for turkey and waterfowl in the Wateree River swamps. Early crosses are thought to include Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Springer and Cocker Spaniel, and American Water Spaniel.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the official state dog of South Carolina, and 1 September is celebrated as Boykin Spaniel Day.1
- 2
It was bred small enough to share a light one-man boat with its hunter.2
- 3
The whole breed traces back to one stray spaniel, nicknamed Dumpy, found near a church in Spartanburg.3
- 4
It is one of only two American breeds named after the family that developed it.1
Recognised by the official bits
- AKC
- Sporting Group.4
- UKC
- Gun Dog Group; recognised 1985.3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Boykin Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Boykin Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, size, history, fun facts
- Hill's Pet: Boykin Spaniel hillspet.comused for lifespan, exercise, grooming, diet, temperament, fun facts
- UKC Boykin Spaniel ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, coat, colours, history
- AKC Boykin Spaniel akc.orgused for recognition, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.