Whether you already have a pet dog or plan to add one soon to your family, you must have absolute clarity about these decisions. It’s better to drop a thought even if a single family member has an issue with adopting a pet. Otherwise, it will be an incomplete experience. You will not enjoy your time with your lovely dog, which hankers after your attention and affection. So, prepare the environment, making it dog-proof. Be ready to change your lifestyle to accommodate your pet’s exercising, playing, and training schedules. There will be some unavoidable expenses, too. Are you willing or comfortable with bearing them? Once you have sorted out these areas in your mind, you can focus on the type of canine that will fit into your life.
Are you considering a specific dog breed? Is it Boykin Spaniel? Regardless of what you know, these dogs are a great addition to families and possess excellent hunting powers. Their smartness, loyalty, energy, and pleasing nature can play a trick on you. However, it’s better to crate train pups for their safety. They tend to be mischievous and often get themselves into trouble. Did you know this about them? Let’s check Behind the Breed: Boykin Spaniel for an overview of welcoming one of them into your home and deciding if this breed is the right choice for you.
- The origin of Boykin Spaniel
Beginning with their roots is essential to understand their instincts and responses. These dogs came from South Carolina’s Boykin town, where less than 200 people lived. You can trace their existence to 1900 when someone called Alexander White found a little brown dog outside Spartanburg’s church and christened him Dumpy. Alexander noticed that his sporting traits were similar to those of retrievers and decided to send him for training with Whit Boykin. Impressed by the dog’s capabilities, Boykin started cross-breeding with other spaniels, such as English springer spaniels, cocker spaniels, etc., marking the birth of the Boykin spaniel. Boykin kept them for decades, enjoying their energy, friendliness, sweet nature, enthusiasm, and hunting and retrieving skills. Gradually, the breed started getting attention for its athleticism and personality.
Their popularity made them part of the all-American dog roster, and they are celebrated in the state every first of September.
- Boykin Spaniel’s characteristics
Their origin must have given you a sense of their personality traits. However, you need to know them well, especially when one can be a part of your family soon. A decision to have a Boykin means bringing home a bundle of enthusiasm, which is also intelligent and agile. It means training one will be easier. These dogs can be comfortable on any terrain and swim, too. Their distinguishing physical features include a brown body ranging from dark chocolate to reddish-brown. Most of them are solid brown, but a few can have white spots on the chest. They can quickly adjust to any environment and scenario. Hence, you don’t have to worry about kids at home. They don’t bark at strangers like other dogs but remain on guard to protect their families.
Make them exercise well. If you like biking, running, and hiking, your job will be easy with this dog. Field events and agility exercises keep them mentally stimulated. A medium-sized male dog will be about 15 1/2 to 18 inches in height, while the female counterpart can measure 14 to 16 1/2 inches. Males weigh about 30 to 40 pounds, and females are usually 25 to 35 pounds. These hunting dogs enjoy proportionate physical symmetry from shoulders to tails in height and length. However, they are typically lean and robust builds. You can notice their traits of vigilance and intelligence in their brown or yellow eyes. These dogs usually have slightly curly to straight coats with tail sizes ranging from 2 1/2 to 3 inches.
- Care Plan for Boykin Spaniel
You can divide this into diet & nutrition, exercise, training, and grooming. You have to spend a lot of time on your dog’s wellbeing. Hence, these aspects are essential to understand before you get your Boykin home.
- Diet & nutrition
They may require two cups of food or two meals a day. If they look overweight, you must visit the vet for consultation. They can suggest balanced nutrition for your dog’s needs. However, these dogs survive on rich protein food for their athletic and lean body. But overfeeding can harm them. It’s better to make them exercise well.
- Exercising
If you think walking him around your apartment block is enough, think again. These high-energy dogs require at least one or two hours of physical activity for their health. That’s why you feel lucky when you go on a hiking, running, or biking expedition. Your furry friend can accompany you. They can also swim, as mentioned. Those who live in apartments must keep them engaged in activities and take them outdoors. Agility sports, nose work, and obedience training can stimulate them. Plus, you can help them mingle with kids and other animals in your house under your supervision.
- Training
Luckily, Boykins are great at learning new skills and tricks. Their pleasing nature makes them train well so that you give them attention. However, they also need positive reinforcement and treats. You can train them when they are eight weeks old to help them grow as well-mannered buddies.
- Grooming
Another area where you can feel relaxed is their grooming requirements. Their medium-length fur is simple to maintain and immune from tangling and matting issues. Comb it gently and check it for ticks after you two return home. However, it’s necessary to bathe and brush them regularly. Their ears need extra care due to their long fur.
- Common health risks for Boykin Spaniels
Although they live for about ten to fifteen years, Boykins can be susceptible to diseases. Learning about those conditions can help you provide proper care for your pup or adult dog. The dog breed can be vulnerable to juvenile cataracts, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), etc. All these can impair their vision. Before buying or adopting a pet, ensure it has been tested for these conditions and its parents. Due to intense workouts, they can experience exercise-induced collapse. Preventative measures like adequate hydration and well-regulated exercise sessions can be effective. Some can be prone to genetic ailments like hip dysplasia. This deformity may begin when they grow up, and improper food and exercise habits can worsen it. So, possible treatments may include weight loss surgery, lifestyle modifications, etc.
Boykin Spaniels can also suffer from lameness and pain due to a dislocated kneecap. This condition is called patellar luxation and can be fixed with surgery or medication. Even hereditary spinal diseases can afflict them. It’s called degenerative myelopathy and has no direct treatment. But it can improve when treating your dog for arthritis or hip dysplasia. A healthy diet, exercises like swimming, and other suitable things can also help.
- Boykin Spaniel FAQs
You can continue researching your dog before getting it home to ensure you know enough about him and will keep him happy. When your pet is happy, his happiness will radiate through the house and its members, making the indoor environment cheerful and optimistic. Here are some facts about the specific dog breed to give you a quick sense of how it fits into your lifestyle.
- Are Boykins good for your family?
- Yes. These dogs interact and play well with kids, especially with whom they grow together. An active family will be thankful for choosing him. These dogs can be over-enthusiastic, but your love and gentle approach can help. It will be good to socialize them from their early years with other dogs, kids, etc.
- Do Boykins bark rampantly?
- If you know Redbone Coonhounds and other hunting breeds, they bark too much. But Boykin Spaniels are not like them. They bark after sensing a suspicious sound or movement. They will also do this to alert householders about suspected intrusion.
- How much do Boykins shed?
- These brown dogs usually shed moderate amounts of fur. That’s why you can maintain them hassle-free. Brushing their coat weekly can be enough to keep it mess-free. However, anyone with allergies should reconsider getting one since their coats are not hypoallergenic.
- Why would you want to include one in your family or not?
- Their energy, athleticism, and friendly traits make them adorable. But you must spend time on their health and keep them adequately active. Families with young kids know they are the best dog breeds around. They are also excellent work dogs due to their hunting past. Training is also a breeze. However, not giving them time can make them bored quickly. Also, their high need for physical and mental stimulation may be a barrier for some families.
Consider every scenario before bringing a Boykin Spaniel or some other breed of dog home. These innocent creatures thrive on your affection and support. If you are unable to care for your dog and leave it, issues like stress and anxiety can impact him. The dog may have to wait for a new, safe home. So, please be considerate and make the right decision.