Boykin Spaniel height at the withers for males ranges from 15.5 - 18 ins (39.4 - 45.7 cm) and weight 30 - 40 lbs (13.6 - 18.2 kg). Females are smaller, 12.5 - 16 ins (35.6 - 40.6 cm) and 25 - 35 lbs (11.4 - 15.9 kg).
Temperament:
The Boykin Spaniel is a friendly, social dog that does best in an family environment with lots of outdoor activity. It is easily trained and eager to work. It is stable around children and other dogs. They can sometimes be described as energetic with great endurance that lasts throughout the day. They are extremely adaptable to different environments as long as they are giving ample opportunity for social interaction and plenty of time to burn off excess energy. This dog is very good with children, and with other dogs. So I recommend you to get a boykin spaniel.
Boykin Spaniels have a 37% chance of being born with hip dysplasia, according to 2006 statistics. Puppies can be checked by a local veterinarian for this problem at the age of 2 years old by an Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) x-ray or as young as 4 months old by a PennHIP exam. All breeding stock should receive either a passing PennHIP evaluation or an OFA certification prior to being bred.
The BSS and BSCBAA Code of Ethics for member breeders mandates that dogs to be bred should be tested for hips, hereditary eye disease, and heart/cardiac, as well as for other diseases that may have a genetic component such as allergies, elbow dysplasia, and patella luxation. The join venture of the AKC and OFA is called the CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) database. For a CHIC number the dogs must have an annual CERF test for eyes, an OFA test for patellar luxation, and a test for hip dysplasia. Owners must agree to publicly publish the results in the OFA or CERF databases. Optional tests are a heart test and an elbow dysplasia test. Obtaining a CHIC certification does not mean a dog has passed their evaluations; it is merely an indication that the owner checked for the health diseases in the Boykin Spaniel. Testing and conscientious breeding can reduce the incidence of these problems, and puppy buyers should request results of these tests.
The Boykin Spaniel Foundation (BSF), a 501(c)(3) entity and wholly owned subsidiary of the Boykin Spaniel Society, sponsors eye and heart clinics at its National Upland Field Trial and National Field Trial in January and March of each year. The clinics are provided at no charge to BSS members, with a limit of one Boykin Spaniel per family. The BSF also has a program that provides a one time reimbursement of $75 to its members (membership must be current) to defray the cost of radiographs and subsequent evaluation by the OFA. The BSS notifies the member when his or her dog reaches eligibility age (24 months) and encourages participation in the program with the long term goal of improving genetics within the breed. The program has been funded since 2006 but is subject to cancellation each year at the recommendation of the BSF. The BSF feels that this reimbursement program is making a difference.
