Boykin Spaniel
Also called: Little Brown Dog, Swamp Poodle
A small, tough, brown spaniel from South Carolina, bred to flush turkeys and doves and to retrieve from small boats and swamps.
- Type
- Flushing Spaniels
- Hunts
- Upland birds, Waterfowl
- Weight
- 25 to 40 pounds
- Height
- 14 to 18 inches at the shoulder
- Lifespan
- 10 to 15 years
- Coat
- Medium-length wavy solid liver to dark brown coat
- Energy
- High energy
- Cold and water
- Fair. A good swimmer, but small and not built for the coldest water.
What it is best at
- Flushing and retrieving doves, quail, and turkeys.
- Retrieving ducks from small boats and swamps.
- Hunters who want a compact, friendly dog.
Temperament
- Friendly, eager, and affectionate.
- Energetic and enthusiastic.
- Can be clingy and anxious when left alone.
Things to know before you get one
- Needs regular exercise and company.
- Ear infections and coat care are common.
- Small size limits it in heavy cover or cold water.
Training and exercise
Boykins are eager to please and quick learners. Use positive training, teach steadiness and a good recall, and give them plenty of retrieving. Early socialization helps with their friendly but sometimes excitable nature.
Common health concerns
- Hip dysplasia and eye conditions.
- Exercise-induced collapse and heart problems in some lines.
- Ear infections.
Ask breeders for health testing records, and talk to a veterinarian about screening, vaccines, and tick and heartworm prevention.
Often compared with
- English Cocker Spaniel: similar size, silkier coat, and a different breeding history.
Field notes
The Boykin was developed around Boykin, South Carolina, to ride in small boats and hunt turkeys in the swamp. It is the official state dog of South Carolina.
Related guides
This is a general breed profile, not veterinary or training advice. Dogs vary individually, so meet the parents and talk to experienced owners before you choose. Rules about hunting with dogs, releasing dogs on public land, and dog training seasons differ by state; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.