SPANIEL BOYKIN
Let’s Talk Breed Education!
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Official Standard for the Boykin Spaniel General Appearance - The Boykin Spaniel was developed in South Carolina, USA as a medium-sized sporting dog with a docked tail. The breed is built to cover all types of ground conditions with agility and reasonable speed. Size and weight were essential in development of the breed as these hunting companions needed to be lighter and smaller than their larger sporting dog cousins to fit in the portable section boats of the time period. As a result, the Boykin Spaniel came to be known as “ the little brown dog that doesn ’ t rock the boat ” . Being a hunting dog, he should be exhibited in hard muscled working condition. His coat should not be so excessive as to hinder his work as an active flushing spaniel, but should be thick enough to protect him from heavy cover and weather. The Boykin Spaniel is primarily a working gun dog; structure and soundness are of great importance. Size, Proportion, Substance - The Boykin Spaniel is solidly built, with moderate bone, and smooth firm muscles. The ideal height measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder blades for dogs is 15½ to 18 inches at the withers; for bitches is 14 to 16½ inches at the withers. Any variance greater than 1 inch above or below the ideal height is a major fault. The minimum height ranges shall not apply to dogs or bitches under 12 months of age. Proportion is slightly longer than tall, never square. However, exact proportion is not as important as the dog being well-balanced and sound, capable of performing the breed ’ s intended function. Head - The head must be in proportion with the size of the dog. The expression is alert, eager, self-confident, attractive and intelligent. Eyes range from yellow to amber to varying shades of brown, set well apart, medium size and almond or oval shaped, and trusting. Protruding or bulging eyes is a major fault. Ears are pendulous and set slightly above or even with the line of the eye; ear set is higher when alert. The leather of the ear is thin and when pulled forward should almost reach the tip of the nose. The ears hang close to the cheeks and are flat. Skull is fairly broad, flat on top, and slightly rounded at the sides and back. The occiput bone is inconspicuous. The stop is moderate. When viewed from the side the nasal bone and the top of the skull form two parallel lines. Muzzle is approximately the same length as the skull, and is approximately ½ the width of the skull. The distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput is about the same length as occiput to the base of the neck. The nasal bone is straight with no inclination down or of snippiness. The nose is to be fully pigmented, dark liver in color with well opened nostrils. The lips are close fitting and clean, without excess skin or flews. Scissors is the preferred bite , level is acceptable. Pronounced or extreme overshot or undershot bites are major faults. Broken teeth should not count against the dog. Neck, Topline, Body - Neck is moderately long, muscular, slightly arched at the crest and gradually blends into sloping shoulders and never concave or ewe-necked. Back - The topline is straight, strong and essentially level and should remain solid and level in movement. Loins are short, strong with a slight tuck up. His body is sturdily constructed but not too compact and never square. The shoulders are sloping. The brisket is well developed but not barreled, extending to the elbow and not too broad or narrow as to interfere with movement. A ⅔ to ⅓ ribs to loin ratio is preferred. The croup slopes gently to the set of the tail, and the tail-set follows the natural line of the croup. The tail is docked to a length of 3 to 5 inches when fully mature. The tail ’ s carriage
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should be carried horizontally or slightly elevated and displays a characteristic lively, merry action, particularly when the dog is on game.
Forequarters - The Boykin Spaniel ’ s shoulders are sloping, clean and muscular. His legs medium in length, straight and well boned but not too short as to handicap for field work or so heavy as to appear clumsy. Pasterns are strong with no suggestion of weakness. Feet are round, compact, well-arched, of medium size with thick pads. Dewclaws should be removed. The toes closely grouped, webbed and well padded. Hindquarters - The Boykin Spaniel has well developed hips and thighs with moderate angulation at the stifle with the whole rear assembly showing strength and drive. Hindquarters are muscular and most importantly, in balance with the forequarters. Hocks well let down, pasterns relatively short, strong and parallel when viewed from the rear. Feet – see feet under forequarters. Coat - The coat can range from flat to slightly wavy to curly, with medium length. The Boykin Spaniel is typically a single coat breed but may have undercoat. Boykin Spaniels are considered a “ wash and wear ” dog easily going from the field to the ring. The ears, chest, legs and belly are equipped with light fringe or feathering. His coat may be trimmed, never shaved, to have a well- groomed appearance and to enhance the dog's natural lines. It is legitimate to trim about the head, throat, ears, tail and feet to give a smart, functional but natural appearance. Honorable field scars are acceptable. Color - The Boykin Spaniel color is a solid liver color - a deep reddish brown color that includes various shades of chocolate brown, from light to very dark. A small amount of white on the chest is permitted and no other white markings are allowed. Sun bleaching is acceptable. Gait - Movement is effortless with good reach from well laidback shoulders at an angle that permits a long stride that is in balance with the rear quarters for strong driving power with no wasted movement. Viewed from the rear the hocks should drive well under the body following on a line with the forelegs neither too widely nor closely spaced. As speed increases it is natural for the legs to fall to a center line of travel. Seen from the side it should exhibit a good, long forward stride with no side winding. In gait the tail is carried level to or above the back. Temperament - The Boykin Spaniel is friendly, a willing worker, intelligent and easy to train. The Boykin Spaniel thrives on human companionship and gets along well with other dogs and children. He shows great eagerness and energy for the hunt yet controllable in the field.
Faults - The foregoing description is that of the ideal Boykin Spaniel. Any deviation from the above described dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Approved January 8 th , 2019 Effective April 2 nd , 2019
THE
agile
BOYKIN
BY JEFF ENGELMANN, BOYKIN SPANIEL CLUB AND BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
T he joy of owning a Boykin Spaniel is strongest when both dog and owner work together to achieve a com- mon goal. The breed’s versatility is demonstrated by its participation in many activities, including hunt tests, working ability certification, conformation, rally, dock div- ing, scent work, obedience, and therapy work. This discussion will be on an activity that is enjoyable for both Boykin and handler alike—agility. Boykin Spaniels are ideal agility dogs. They are quick-thinking, resourceful, athletic, and eager-to-please. These innate characteris- tics of the breed are the key to success in the agility ring. The goal of agility is to navigate an obstacle course with- out error, as quickly as possible. A typical course con- sists of 13-20 obstacles, including jumps, weave poles, tun- nels, and contact obstacles (the “dog walk,” A-frame, and see-saw). The height of the jumps depends on the dog’s height at the withers; most Boykin Spaniels will jump 16 inches. Dogs earn points toward agility titles by successfully navigating the course within a specified time limit. There are several categories of agility competition, each with its own series of AKC titles. A good choice for beginners is Jumpers with Weaves (JWW) because the course consists only of jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. In Standard agility, the course contains every type of obstacle. In each category, competition progresses through four difficulty lev- els; Novice, Open, Excellent, and Masters. As the level increases, the courses get more complicated, have more obstacles, allow fewer faults, and require faster completion times. To get started in agility with your Boykin Spaniel, it is nec- essary to find an experienced mentor. Ideally, a mentor should have successfully competed in agility at the Excellent or Mas- ters (formerly “Excellent B”) level with more than one dog. Your mentor will offer advice and support, and help you find training
courses, agility equipment to borrow or purchase, and competi- tions to enter. Typically, training courses are offered by local dog training clubs or pet-oriented businesses. Beginner-level courses focus on teaching your dog individual obstacles, and upper-lev- el courses focus on sequencing multiple obstacles and preparing for competition. The following practical advice is offered from previous experi- ences in agility. Teach your dog the weave poles first and practice them often. Also, the see-saw will require a considerable amount of practice before you proceed from JWW to Standard courses. These two obstacles are the most difficult to learn. Once mastered, however, your dog will be on its way to a successful agility career. Importantly, there are non-competitive options for participa- tion in agility. This allows dogs and handlers/owners to benefit from the exercise, teamwork, and fun of agility without the pres- sure, travel, and expense of competition. The non-competitive approach is also helpful for deciding whether agility is a good fit for you and your dog. Your mentor will know about opportunities in your area and will be able to point you to websites where you can find local agility resources. The Boykin Spaniel is an agile breed. They are quick, alert, eager-to-please, and will succeed at anything they are asked to do. An excellent outlet for your Boykin’s talent may be to participate in agility. Whatever you choose to do with your Boykin Spaniel, remember that the most rewarding aspect of owning a Boykin Spaniel is the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with participating in an activity that you both enjoy.
A version of this article originally appeared in the July 2013 issue of the AKC Gazette.
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2021 | 269
Boykins Will Capture Your Heart
BY BOYKIN SPANIEL CLUB & BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA & ROSLIN COPELAND
T he Boykin Spaniel is unique in that no other breed of canine can claim that he is a dog originally bred by South Carolina hunters. The hunt- ers needed a small, rugged, and compact dog to retrieve game on land and in water; for hunting wild turkeys and waterfowl in the Wateree River Swamp during the early 1900s. As a result, the Boykin Spaniel came to be known as “the little brown dog that doesn’t rock the boat.” The Boykin Spaniel now exquisitely adapts to the dove fields, the duck marshes, upland game CPR/ native grassland fields, and the homes and hearts of his present-day owners. Most individual Boykin Spaniels have a special, super-energized personality with a desire to please his “peeps,” a loving attitude, enthusiastic field ability, flex- ible agility, and reasonable speed; a combination of characteristics that few other dogs, if any, can match. A Boykin Spaniel is unmistakable—if you know what you are looking for. He is a dog that should exhibit a firmly muscled/working appearance, yet lighter and smaller than its larger Sporting dog counterparts. He is solidly built, with moderate bone. His size (to keep in line with the original/historic handlers) is keenly important; standard size is 15.5"-18" and approximately 40 lbs. for males, and 14"-16.5" and approximately 30 lbs. for females. He is a little brown dog with Spaniel-style flop ears that set even with his eyes or slightly higher when alert, a liver-colored (varying shades of brown) coat that may be bleached to reddish fringes by the sun, and some light feathering that helps to protect the dog in the field. The Boykin’s liver coat helps to to camouflage the dog as he hunts. His coat should not be in excess so as to hamper him as an active, working dog, but it should be thick enough to protect him in heavy cover and weather. The Boykin Spaniel Club & Breeders Association of America’s Offi- cial Breed Standard statement about the hair: “The coat can range from flat to slightly wavy to curly, with medium length. Boykin Spaniels are considered a ‘wash and wear’ dog, easily going from the field to the ring. His coat may be trimmed, never shaved, to have a well-groomed appearance and to enhance the dog’s natural lines. It is legitimate to trim about the head, throat, ears, tail, and feet to give a smart, functional but natural appearance.” Also, historic legends claim that the docked tail came about as a man-made modification to keep a long twitching tail from rattling leaves in a turkey blind, and to help keep from rocking the small boat in the swamp. The Boykin Spaniel’s eyes range from yel- low to amber to varying shades of brown, and are almond- or oval-shaped. Of course, protruding or bulging eyes are considered unfavorable. Early ancestors of the Boykin are reported to be the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, and the American Water Spaniel. Overall, the Boykin Spaniel is an active, working dog; temperament, struc- ture, and soundness are vitally important to breeders, owners, and enthusiasts of the Boykin Spaniel breed. “Form to Function” is key when evaluating a Boykin; symmetry, gait, attitude, and purpose are more important than any one part. The Boykin Spaniel is an amazingly versatile and compact gundog. They are athletic, tenacious, and enthusiastic, yet loving, gentle, and affectionate at home. The Boykins have abilities for flushing, tracking, scent work, and retrieving as a hunting dog, but also for learning quickly to accomplish just about any task or function they are taught. They rapidly adapt to new environments when intro- duced properly. They are remarkably versatile dogs and great companions for all seasons and all tasks. Be careful, the Boykin Spaniel will swiftly capture your heart and you might not be able to go home without one!
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Boykin Spaniels By Leslie Kern Boykin Spaniel
My love affair with the Boykin Spaniel was by no means planned. In fact, prior to moving to South Carolina in 1989, I knew nothing of the brown dog that is affectionately known as “the little dog that doesn’t rock the boat”. I grew up in Oyster Bay, a small village on the north shore of Long Island, New York. As a child, our home was filled with animals of all shapes and sizes…dogs, cats, gerbils, birds, and chickens. My parents bred Labs. A line they referred to as “Swedish Labs”. My brother, John and I would accompany them as they hunted pheasant on many of the estates that were located in Nassau County’s “Gold Coast”. In October of 1989, as my husband Beau and I awaited the arrival of our sec- ond son, Charleston was undergoing one of the most devastating storms of the cen- tury, Hurricane Hugo. With a tremen- dous need of help to rebuild Charleston and a strong desire to assist, we were Carolina bound. For the first several years in the South, we were busy raising our two sons, Kyle and Ben and had very little exposure to Boykins. We had a Yellow Lab, Chelsea, and a Cocker/Springer mix, Libby. Two young children and two young dogs were more than enough! It wasn’t until a few years later we attended our first Southeastern Wildlife Exposition that we discovered the state’s best kept secret! Boykin Spaniels were everywhere! They were walking, running, catching Frisbees, playing ball, riding in the back of pick-up trucks, side by side their owners and being held in the arms of children. Remarkably, if an owner was standing still, the dog was always at his side. The Boykin Spaniel Society, formed in 1977, the original registry for the breed had a tent with several ‘little brown dogs’ and their owners available to meet and greet and answer questions. Designated the official dog of the state of South
the fifth???
My first Boykin, CH Tugtown Bellini Belle SHR, aka “Bella” came to me in a most unusual manner. In February 2005, while training my Brittany for AKC Hunt Test competi- tion, my trainer arrived at the field and handed me the most precious lit- tle brown puppy. My heart immedi- ately melted…followed by “Oh no….I can’t possibly bring her home”. While my husband was raised with dogs and loves them, he had for some time made his limitations known. By this time we already had four dogs; an aging Lab, a Cocker/Springer mix with the energy level of a RoadRunner, a Brittany and an English Setter, deaf since birth. One more might just push him over the edge. I brought Bella home and explained to him that I was asked to “socialize” her for a short time as its owner was out of the country. I believe he knew at that moment, much to his sur- prise, sweet little “Bella” was indeed dog number five.
Carolina since 1985, many of the Boykins sported brightly colored “fashion” collars and leads, camouflage vests, blaze orange collars, and some proudly worn scarves displaying the South Carolina flag. There were Boykins, young and old, males and females, as well as a litter of the most pre- cious puppies I had ever seen. Some of these sturdy, compact dogs were curly coated, while others had wavy or flat coats. All were brown …or as stated on dog registrations, “liver, brown or dark chocolate”. The most amazing attribute each of them possessed was the same look in its eyes that you just couldn’t walk away without your heart skipping a beat or two. Throughout the weekend there was dog demonstrations where Boykins dis- played their natural retrieving abilities as trainers sent them on single, double and blind retrieves. Beau and I watched with complete fascination as this little dog per- formed these tasks with a tremendously keen sense of focus, discipline, drive, pre- cision and perfection! Their ultimate goal for each dog of course, was to receive the reward, “good job” and hopefully, another retrieve! Each one of them approached his task as if his life depended on it! “Wow”! Just where had this little brown dog been all our lives? This was one dog I was definitely interested in…it just wasn’t the right time. The right time….hmm…well, when you already have four dogs, when is the “right time” to get
We kept Bella for six weeks introduc- ing her to our four much larger dogs, our friends, their dogs and children, taking her to dog parks, hunt tests and training events. Everyone who met her, fell in instantly in love.…people and dogs alike! When the end of that first six weeks came, Bella went to friends who had Gordon Setters and two Boykins and stayed another six weeks. When she came back, as my husband predicted, she stayed. It was destiny…Bella’s and mine. Realizing, of course, that we knew lit-
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Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels
By Leslie Kern
tle about Boykins, I talked with owners, breeders and trainers. I soon discovered that Bella had all of the desired qualities folks look for in a Boykin. She was full of energy, drive and determination, an enthusiastic worker, eager to please and easy to train, very intelligent and extreme- ly friendly, a perfect companion and a beauty. At the time, AKC did not recog- nize the breed for either Conformation or Competition events, but I soon discovered ‘it was in the works’. While I waited, we trained for UKC field events and she achieved her “SHR” Started Hunting Retriever. Shortly after we embarked upon our first Show Ring experience.
progress and a chapter not yet finished. I soon discovered how much appreciation and admiration I have for the professional trainer and recognize that we all have our limitations. The year 2008 arrived and with it the introduction of the breed into Miscellaneous Class. I was planning Bella’s first litter. The year prior was spent searching through records and mak- ing visits to choose what I believed would be the perfect match for Bella. I was determined to produce offspring that would be a positive contribution to the breed, or not proceed at all. During her pregnancy, I entered her in two local AKC shows. She won Best of Opposites. On April 17, 2008, Bella’s eight pups came into this world and jump started my heart. When her labor suddenly stopped, I knew something was terribly wrong. There was not a puppy, but the placenta was presenting and in a split second, I reacted. Driving in my pajamas to the Vet’s office, Dr. Karen Spencer, assisted by several Vets, their assistants, and myself, delivered eight healthy pups by c-section
With Bella’s popularity came a lengthy list of ‘hopeful’ puppy owners. This list was about 35 strong! With much consid- eration the final seven were chosen. It was paramount each would be placed in a home where its well-being and future would be ensured. Today there are seven out of eight pups in original homes. I have pick of the litter, “Jesse” and “Jake” who at a year old came back to live with us. He was a hand full, and it simply was in his best interest. With Bella’s coat back in shape and two gorgeous progeny we headed to the show ring. In no time, Bella, Jesse and Jake were finished Champions. Bella has retired and is enjoy-
That is what really started the ball rolling. “Bella of the Balla” we call her. Where there is Bella, there is a ball. It’s either in her mouth or by her side while she sleeps. She’ll retrieve until we fall…for certainly she will not! Bella took her first show by storm! At just six months of age, she beat several Champions and Grand Champions for Best of Breed, and a Group Four placement. The crowd went wild and in minutes, we were surrounded by Boykins and their owners congratulating us! Now, that’s great sportsmanship, I was hooked! I am forever grateful to those who welcomed us that day to the show ring. If it were not for their guidance and support those early days, we wouldn’t have taken the next step! AKC…here we come! In July of 2006, Boykins were welcomed to participate in Flushing Spaniel Hunt Tests. After train- ing and several hunts, and hundreds of miles down the road, Bella completed three of the four necessary passes towards her Junior Hunter. This is a work in
ing plantation life in Beaufort. “Jake”, aka CH Thornhill’s Carolina Scribe is a “Special” with Dennis and Katey Brown and has enjoyed much success! In his first four months he was and remains the Top Group Placing Boykin! Sister, “Jesse”, aka GCH CH Thornhill’s Ring That Jezebelle has been busy herself, earning Best of Breed at Eukanuba! As anyone who has taken this journey years before me and those who will years after me knows, it is just that…a Journey and it’s been great fun! I am tremen- dously grateful to all the Handlers, Judges and my fellow Boykin owners who have supported us along the way. From the very beginning I have believed that win some, lose some, EVERY BOYKIN WILL HAVE ITS DAY! A special thanks to my husband, Beau and sons, Kyle and Ben and my many friends for their love and support of my dream. And, mostly to Bella, my little brown dog who stole my heart… I’ll love you forever! ■
within an hour. By afternoon, Mama Bella was home in her handmade whelp- ing box..compliments of Beau…with her 8 pups resting comfortably. The days that followed were absolutely amazing. I rarely left her side. Bella had to be monitored closely. I had to be certain she was get- ting the nutrition she needed to produce enough milk for this very active litter. The pups had to be nursed in groups as they outnumbered her teats. In addition, each pup had to be weighed twice a day. In a few short days all was well and on schedule.
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