faq.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Boykin Spaniels are a hardy, fun loving spaniel. This does not mean they are the prefect match for all people and families! Before you plan to add a Boykin or any dog to your family please take the time to read as much as you can about the breeds. Talking to as many owners and breeders as possible before making your decision final will ensure that you make the correct decision.

Below are some FAQs to help you get started on your search for answers on this wonderful sporting breed.

What kind of hunter are they best suited for? Boykin Spaniels are biddable flushing spaniels that are sound enough to hunt all day long, every day of the hunting season. They are excellent swimmers and able to deftly retrieve from the water. They have been used on all types of fowl with success.

What is their energy level? They are an energetic breed. They are a physically active spaniel designed for working all day in the field. Families that are seeking a sports companion will be pleased with the energy level and willingness they offer.

Are they courageous or passive in new or strange situations? Boykins are curious and intelligent. Young puppies instinctively hesitate but quickly determine the situation's safety and react accordingly. New and strange situations for socialized adult dogs are usually investigated without fear or hesitation.

How social are they with people? They are good with people and other dogs as long as they have been socialized properly.

How social are they with other dogs? Boykin Spaniels who have been exposed to other hunting dogs through their young life are friendly with other dogs. Like most dogs, those individuals who have been secluded from members of their own species might find more difficulty in adjusting to other canine company.

Are they good with children? They are very good with children. However, all breeds of dog should always be supervised when around young children.

Are the male dogs different in personality that the females? Like most breeds, Boykins personalities run the gamut in both sexes. The best judge of personality is the breeder who has spent countless hours watching the puppies together and should be able to identify the most quiet, most active, most stubborn or most exuberant individuals.

Do they bark a lot? Boykins are responsible barkers. They will bark an alert to an approaching person or a strange sound, but they should not bark unreasonably.

Do they dig the yard or chew a lot? If left on it's own for a length of time, the Boykin might find it's own amusement. Adolescent dogs have a lot of energy that needs an outlet and all dogs have a natural urge to chew; however the breed's tendency toward these habits is in the average range.

How big do they get? Boykins should be a moderately sized Spaniel, between 14-18 inches high at the withers (top of the shoulder). A large variety of breeds composed the original foundation stock of the breed's first registry which closed their stud books to new entries as recently as August 1980. Boykin Spaniels are medium size dogs.

How much do they shed? They are a moderate shedder. Shedding can be controlled with frequent brushing and proper grooming. See Grooming Guide.

How much grooming do they need? Boykin Spaniels should be groomed. Regular brushing will keep mats from forming and a groomer would be able to clip your dog's coat to eliminate the longer hair in sanitary areas and areas that frequently mat.

How much do they eat? A Boykin Spaniel eats approximately 2 cups of food per day depending on their exercise level and food quality.

How much do they cost? Many breeders go through great pains to eliminate unworthy specimens of the breed from their breeding program. They have an independent evaluation of the dog's hunting ability, as well as run the appropriate pre-breeding tests such as CERF, and multiple appropriate OFA exams (such as patellas and hips). A quality puppy usually comes from titled lines and parents, make sure that you ask to see a pedigree before your purchase. Puppies are often a case of getting what you pay for and while you might find an inexpensive one you are raising your chances of buying a puppy who may develop a genetic health disease later in life. A Boykin Spaniel quality puppy may range in price from $800 - $1500 depending on the quality of the litter and the pedigree.

What health problems do they have? Overall, this is a very healthy breed. The most common health problems are hip dysplasia and eye cataracts and bloodlines exhibiting patella luxation and skin problems. Spaniel ear problems are not uncommon in the breed; breeders and veterinarians can give puppy owners instructions to help keep ears healthy

What health certifications should the parents of the litter have had before being bred? All parents should receive an exam from their veterinarian prior to be considered for breeding. A general practicing vet can examine the Boykins for patella luxation, skin conditions and run blood work for a thyroid exam. After they have turned 2 years old they should be x-rayed to rule out hip dysplasia; alternately some specialized veterinarians offer PENN HIP at any age to rule out hip dysplasia. All Boykin Spaniels should receive a yearly CERF eye test. A Boykin Spaniel that is micro chipped, CERF tests, and files hip and patella information in the OFA database will receive a CHIC number.

The Boykin Spaniel Club
& Breeders Association of America, Inc.

Post Office Box 6265
Gastonia, NC 28056

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