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Breed profile

Boykin Spaniel

South Carolina's little brown duck dog. Friendly, biddable and happiest in or near water.

Close portrait of a liver-brown Boykin Spaniel with wavy ears, mouth open
The Boykin's rich brown coat and friendly face.Photo: Flatscaster at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Weight
11–18 kg24–40 lb
Height
36–46 cm14–18 in
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
Group
Gundog / Sporting
Origin
United States
Popularity
#64 USNot ranked in UK · 2025

Known for: Family dogsGood with other dogsEasy to train

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Friendly, Eager to please, Energetic, Sociable.

Health problems to know about

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Exercise-induced collapse
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Patellar luxation
  • Ear infections

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

An hour or more of exercise a day, ideally with swimming or retrieving. Brush weekly and check the ears often.

A good fit for

Active families, hunters, owners who want a sociable dog that is easy to train.

Probably not ideal for

Sedentary homes, people out all day.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Boykin Spaniel
  2. PetMD (vet-reviewed): Boykin Spaniel
  3. Wikipedia: Boykin Spaniel

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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Italy's curly-coated truffle hunter. Keen nose, keen brain, and a habit of digging that owners with lawns should take seriously.

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A rare, gentle English spaniel, longer and calmer than a Cocker, with a sensitive, devoted nature.

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