Boykin Spaniel

Common nicknames

Boykin, Swamp Poodle, LBD (Little Brown Dog)

Origin

United States

Traits
Weight	Male	30–40 lb (14–18 kg)
	Female	25–35 lb (11–16 kg)
Height	Male	15.5–18 in (39–46 cm)
	Female	14–16.5 in (36–42 cm)
Coat	Medium length, straight to moderately curly.
Color	Solid, rich liver or dark chocolate.

Classification / standards
AKC	Sporting	standard
UKC	Gun Dog	standard

Notes

State dog of South Carolina

Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

Traits
Weight	Male	30–40 lb (14–18 kg)
	Female	25–35 lb (11–16 kg)
Height	Male	15.5–18 in (39–46 cm)
	Female	14–16.5 in (36–42 cm)
Coat	Medium length, straight to moderately curly.
Color	Solid, rich liver or dark chocolate.

Classification / standards
AKC	Sporting	standard
UKC	Gun Dog	standard

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of dog, a Spaniel bred for hunting wild turkeys and ducks in the Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina, in the United States. It is the state dog of South Carolina, where it was discovered and further developed by hunters in the 1900s. 1 September is Boykin Spaniel Day in South Carolina.

The Boykin Spaniel is only slightly larger than the English Cocker Spaniel but much heavier through the body width. Height at the withers for males ranges from 15.5 - 17 ins (39.4 - 43.18 cm) and weight 30 - 40 lbs (13.6 - 18.2 kg). Females are smaller, 14 - 16.5 ins (35 - 41.91 cm) and 25 - 35 lbs (11.4 - 15.9 kg). Although against the true form and function of the breed, some field trial breeders are increasing their line's size to be competitive against other retriever breeds. Buyers should be aware of the size and weight in the puppy's pedigree before choosing a breeder if size is a factor in their choice of dog. Traditionally, its tail is docked at the age of three days, leaving 1/3 length. Eyes are engaging and bright. The color ranges from brilliant gold to a dark amber. Puppies will have milky bluish-gold to amber eyes until a few months old. The coat color comes in liver or chocolate (shades of brown.)

This is a southern water spaniel bred to only adapt to the warmer climate of the southeastern USA. Coat length and density vary widely due to the variety of breeds that make up the recent background of this breed. Any coat type is acceptable, with some being almost curly like an American Water Spaniel to some with very straight fur like a Field Spaniel. Length is normally 1-2 inches throughout the body. A few bloodlines throw shorter, straight coats much like a Labrador Retriever. Feathering on the ears, chest, through the tuck-up and along the legs can be very little to moderate in density and length. Feathering may take on a sun-bleached golden to tawny color especially on the ears and should not be penalized. Groomed dogs should have a minimal of stripping or clipping, with slight shaping around the head and topline. Some individuals have a topknot like a Llewellin Setter. Field types are often shaved down and should not be penalized as long as it is of appropriate length to protect the skin. Improper shaving will result in some coats growing back in with excessive discoloration, fading or graying. White markings other than a mark on the chest, or a white mark on the chest that is more than 60% of the width of the chest, disqualify puppies from being registered with the Boykin Spaniel Society, although the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club do not allow denial of registration for conformation reasons. White on the toes or chest is purely a cosmetic trait and will not affect the ability or health of the dog.

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Wikipedia