History of the Breed
There are varying yarns of the history of this wonderful breed. The
one that we in South Carolina like to tell says that a little brown dog
followed a banker home from church in Spartanburg, SC. Then the folks up
North like to refer to the Boykin as an American Water Spaniel with a docked
tail. And then the folks of Sweden will argue that the little brown dog who
followed the banker home was actually a Wachtelhund that most probably had
escaped from cargo on a train in Spartanburg, SC in the 1920's. When you see
pictures of the Wachtelhund it does cause you to pause and say hummm... Their
history relates that this coursing dog was originally bred by monks and priests
and perhaps the church had a familiar feeling to the poor little lost
dog.
No one really knows for sure, but we do know that the little brown
dog has been honed into a fine, compact gun dog that loves people. South
Carolina lays claim to the development of the breed and the Boykin became the
State Dog in 1985. The Boykin Spaniel is truly the all purpose dog of the 21st
Century.
 The Boykin is a dedicated
hunter and companion. This devoted, intelligent dog is as bold as he is
beautiful. He has the ability to think rings around his less knowledgeable
owners. Like all sporting dogs, the Boykin does need a job to do, whether it's
in the field, agility ring or obedience ring. His happy personality and compact
size makes him an outstanding hunting companion and family
member.
There is definite controversy
over the correct size of the Boykin Spaniel. Hopefully, breeders will make
every attempt to keep this all-purpose hunting dog small in conformation so
that it can continue in the niche it was bred to fill... a retriever that is
small enough not to rock the poke boats. Personally, I feel the larger the
Boykin, the less his ability to work swiftly and efficiently in the field.
Those who breed a larger Boykin maintain that correct structure will assure the
Boykin is able to do what is necessary in the field regardless of size. It's
only an opinion and we all have one :-)
Buying the Perfect
Puppy
There are various ways to obtain a Boykin
Spaniel. If you are looking for a companion, please consider the older dog in
need of re-homing, as well as, puppies available from reputable
breeders.
Do you really want a puppy?
Remember that the Boykin Spaniel is a sporting dog. He is quite capable of
working in the field all day and does not necessarily make a very good
couch potato. With plenty of exercise, the Boykin does very well in the house;
however, he does need some sort of job to do. Hunting, conformation, agility,
hospital or geriatric therapy are all appropriate outlets for this spark plug
of a dog. |
Puppy Breath...
Find a way to bottle it
and you
could be a millionaire! |
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Milk Wagon
!!!!! |
Buy from a Breeder
Never purchase a puppy from a retail outlet, pet
store or raffle. The registries can give you a list of reputable breeders who
have signed a code of ethics with their registry or club. (ex. United Kennel
Club, American Kennel Club Foundation Stock. The Internet can also be a source
for locating puppies.
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Check out the Kennel
When possible, go to the breeder's home to see the
housing conditions of the puppies and adults. You should be able to see the dam
of the puppies, but not necessarily the sire. Many good breeders breed out of
their own line. It's not unusual for the sire to live hundreds of miles away.
Do ask to see a photo of him and a copy of his pedigree.
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Check Health Certificates
Make sure the sire and dam have their Health
Certificates in order. This must include hip x-rays to exclude hip dysplasia
and CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) for eyes to assure they
are clear of congenital eye defects. While there is currently no test for
epilepsy, do check to see if the breeder's stock is free from this problem.
However, if the sire or dam has not been OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals)
evaluated and CERF tested... walk away. Only buy from breeders who
breed responsibly. A good breeder evaluates the risks of hip dysplasia and eye
problems via such testing.
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Be patient
Take your time! Finding a good, healthy Boykin puppy
does not happen overnight. Go to hunt tests and field trials. Contact area
breeders. Visit prospective breeders. Reputable breeders will be happy to give
you all the information you need to make an informed decision. But remember...
quality breeders will have a waiting list for their puppies and it's not
unusual for a buyer to have to wait several months or even a year for one of
these quality puppies. But potential owners don't mind waiting for a Hollow
Creek puppy, because they know that Hollow Creek breeds for quality, not
quantity. Buy with your head and not with your heart.
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Expect to be Interviewed by
the Breeder
A good and caring breeder will have
as many questions for you as you have for her/him. Much time, money and a lot
of hard work will go into a well-bred litter. A quality breeder will be very
concerned where any of their puppies are placed. Be prepared to answer some
personal questions. If a breeder only cares about selling the pup... walk away.
I believe that if a breeder isn't overly concerned about the pup's future home
and family... then how could they have cared about what they bred? You should
feel as though you are going through an adoption process, just as you would
when adopting a human baby.
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Rescue
Providing a good home for a needy Boykin Spaniel is a great option.
While some of these dogs may have been abused and mistreated, others land in
the caring hands of Boykin Rescue for many other reasons. Divorce,
illness, death and many other misfortunes can land an otherwise healthy dog
into the very capable and loving hands of the Boykin Rescue
Volunteers.
If you don't want to go
through puppy-hood, obtaining an adult dog through rescue is a wonderful
option.
Generally, these dogs,
whether rescued from the pound or turned into rescue by owners, are immediately
evaluated by a veterinarian, updated on their immunizations, spayed or neutered
and placed into a foster home where their house manners, socialization and
general training are evaluated and worked on, if needed.
The mission of rescue is to
re-home the dog in a permanent situation. The care and well being of the
rescued Boykin is of major importance when a new home is considered. You will
be required to complete an application for adoption and be interviewed
regarding your ability to provide a loving home. Generally a placement requires
a nominal fee. These monies contribute to offset some of the medical and
feeding the dogs require prior to placement. Rescue funding comes from
donations and contributions from caring people. The workers themselves are
volunteers on all levels. No one receives compensation except for loving doggy
kisses and adoring looks from amber eyes. Such rewards are priceless. |
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