Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina's state dog — a compact, liver-coloured spaniel developed in the early 20th century specifically for hunting turkey and waterfowl in the swamps and rivers of South Carolina.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United States
Lifespan
10–15 years
Weight
14–18 kg (30–40 lbs)
Height
38–46 cm (15–18 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality food appropriate for an active gun dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina's state dog — a compact, liver-coloured spaniel developed in the early 20th century specifically for hunting turkey and waterfowl in the swamps and rivers of South Carolina. The founding dog — a stray found on a church doorstep — was given to hunter Lemuel Whitaker Boykin, who developed the breed over several decades. The Boykin was designed to be small enough to fit in a canoe without tipping it (the previous use of retrieving dogs in South Carolina's swampy waterways). The rich chocolate coat and amber eyes give it a distinctly beautiful appearance.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
A compact, medium-sized spaniel with a rich, warm liver (chocolate) coat that can be wavy or curly. The colour is consistently a warm, rich chocolate — lighter than very dark Labradors. Amber or yellow eyes complement the chocolate coat. Overall impression is of a cheerful, compact, handsome working dog.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Friendly, energetic, and eager to please — the Boykin has an exceptional family temperament. One of the most trainable spaniel breeds. Enthusiastic swimmer. Excellent with children and other dogs.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 32°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
excessive energy, barking, destructive behaviour, mouthing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours exercise daily including swimming. Brushing 2–3 times weekly. Ear cleaning weekly. Excels in spaniel field events, hunt tests, and dock diving.
Nutrition Notes
EIC (exercise-induced collapse) in some lines — avoid overexertion in heat. Generally healthy. Omega-3 for coat. Joint supplements for hunting dogs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
EIC — DNA test available. Hip dysplasia. Patellar luxation. Eye problems. Heart disease in some lines. Designed to fit in a canoe (small enough for boats). South Carolina state dog. September 1 = Boykin Spaniel Day. 14-16 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
700 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip dysplasia. Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) — DNA test available. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) — DNA test available. Pulmonic stenosis (congenital heart defect). Skin conditions.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Primarily American (South Carolina origin). Chocolate/liver brown only. India: unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Boykin Spaniel was designed to fit in a canoe — hunters in the swampy waterways of South Carolina needed a retriever small enough to ride in a canoe without destabilising it. The standard size of the Boykin reflects this specific practical requirement.
The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina's state dog — and September 1st is officially "Boykin Spaniel Day" in South Carolina, declared by the state legislature in honour of the breed's 100th anniversary.
