The Boykin Spaniel | The Dog That Doesn’t Rock the Boat | South Carolina Hunting Legend

Описание: Meet the Boykin Spaniel—South Carolina’s beloved state dog and a compact, powerhouse gundog bred in the Wateree River Swamp to hunt wild turkey and ducks. From the stray-turned-founder discovered by Alexander L. White to Whit Boykin’s breeding program near Camden, this versatile retriever-flusher became an American original known for boat-friendly size, eager cooperation, and family-friendly temperament.
What you’ll learn:

Origins & legend: The Boykin story (White’s stray → Whit Boykin’s breeding), development for swamp hunts, and official recognition in South Carolina (Boykin Spaniel Day on Sept 1). Eligible for AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests since 2006; full AKC recognition followed.
Field style: Close-working retriever and upland flusher (famously a “hesitant flush” for a clean shot); excels with ducks, dove, pheasant; nicknamed “the dog that doesn’t rock the boat.”
Look & size: Males ~15.5–17 in, 30–40 lb; females ~14–16.5 in, 25–35 lb. Rich liver/chocolate coat—smooth to wavy/curly—with feathering on ears/chest/legs. Eye color ranges gold to dark amber (pups may show bluish‑gold).
Temperament: Social, biddable, and people‑oriented; loyal and adaptable in active family homes; thrives on daily exercise, water work, and training games.
Training & exercise: Positive reinforcement; short, upbeat sessions; vary retrieves, blind searches, and water entries. Great for hunt tests, agility, obedience, tracking.
Grooming: Regular brushing (burr/foxtail checks), light trimming around head/feet/feathers, occasional bath, ear care after swims, nails/teeth—keep the coat field‑ready.
Health & testing: Screen hips (historically high dysplasia rates but improving), eyes and heart. Discuss Exercise‑Induced Collapse (EIC)—about 10% carry the gene; ask breeders for DNA results and manage heat/intense exertion. Routine vet care keeps these athletes in top form.
Who they suit:
Active owners, hunters, or outdoorsy families wanting a friendly, trainable, boat‑savvy companion that loves water, retrieves, and togetherness.

Chapters (add your timestamps after editing):
0:00 Intro
0:35 Origin Story: White & Whit Boykin
2:15 Field Style: Upland + Water
3:40 Size, Coat & Colors
4:40 Temperament & Family Life
6:00 Training & Exercise Essentials
7:30 Grooming & Ear Care
8:20 Health: Hips, Eyes, Heart, EIC
9:40 Is the Boykin Right for You?
10:30 Wrap & FAQs

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