 
1988 SC Duck Stamp
by Jim Killen
by the SC
Migatoryflow/ Committe
THE
BOYKIN SPANIEL
| The Boykin Spaniel was
first bred by South Carolina hunters during the 1900's to provide the ideal dog
for hunting ducks and wild turkeys in the Wateree River Swamp. Hunters on South
Carolina's Wateree River needed a small rugged dog compactly built for boat
travel and able to retrieve on land and water. learn more>> |
The Boykin Spaniel Society
P. O. Box
2047
Camden, SC 29020
(803) 425-1032
Email
Us
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"THE
BOYKIN SPANIEL... THE DOG THAT FITS "
THE BOYKIN
SPANIEL... THE DOG THAT FITS "
by Millie Latimer
Reprinted with
permission of Chiridion Wild Wings, Inc., publisher of SPANIELS IN THE
FIELD, and the author, Millie Latimer. Visit our Website
Spaniels In The Field |
LOOK OUT WORLD, a Boykin Spaniel
may soon be spotted, hunting in a field near you. What used to be the best kept
secret, south of the Mason-Dixon Line, for well over 70 years, has now crossed
over and can be found in all states of the US, Canada and other foreign
countries.
What makes this little brown, flop-eared spaniel with the
bright amber eyes so desirable? The Boykin Spaniel is like your favorite pair
of hunting boots. He’s comfortable and he fits well. He fits in the front
seat of your pickup packed with hunting gear in the bottom of a one-man sneak
boat and at home in your easy chair, preferably in your lap. Now don’t let
this little guy’s size fool you. Though the Boykin Spaniel ranges from
151/2 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder, 30-40 pounds, he’s a welterweight
among hunting breeds.
Discovered and further developed by South
Carolina hunters for hunters, what started out to be a compact dog for the
blinds hunting wild turkey and ducks along the swamplands of the Wateree River
in South Carolina soon bounded over and was christened the King of the
Dovefields. A star was born.
If you are not familiar with a Boykin
Spaniel, upon sight you are mysteriously drawn by his "come pet me"
personality. If you own one, you are forever taken in by his undying loyalty
and compassion to please you both in the home and in the field.
The
Boykin Spaniel comes fully equipped with the stamina, desire, intelligence and
natural hunting instincts, brought forth through electively breeding such dogs
as the Chesapeake, Cocker, Springer and the American Water Spaniel, to make up
its early ancestry. Remember folks this was a breed developed by hunters for
hunters. The best, bred to the best, to produce the best. The American Water
Spaniel and the Springer were still being introduced into the Boykin Spaniel
gene pool as late as the mid 70’s.
In the summer of 1977, the
Boykin Spaniel Society was formed. Founding fathers gathered to establish a
recording keeping source for the Boykin Spaniel. Goals and objectives were
created, standards were set and in 1979 the beginning of a Foundation Stock
would be where the registry of this breed would start. Six hundred seventy
seven Boykin Spaniels were accepted as Foundation Stock. There have been
approximately fifteen thousand Boykins registered to date.
It was
during those early years, when the few people that owned a Boykin Spaniel, came
up with the idea Of having a family-fun day with their dog. So once a year
Boykin enthusiast would pack a picnic lunch, load the kids and the dog and head
for Millcreek State Park, in Pinewood, S.C. to join others like themselves and
the opportunity to see other Boykins. They all took turns demonstrating the
retrieving abilities of their dogs by throwing dummies to be retrieved. Each
year the picnic grew into a more competitive event. That special day has since
blossomed into what we know as our Boykin Spaniel Society National Hunt Test.
This past April we celebrated our 20th Anniversary.
The road the Boykin
Spaniel had to tread, for recognition and respect was a rocky one. He had to
stand up to the "big boys" and say, "Hey, I’m a retriever too". He
didn’t beg for respect..he earned it. In 1988, renowned wildlife artist,
Jim Killen, painted the Boykin Spaniel holding a Widgeon. That picture graced
the front of the South Carolina Duck Stamp for that yeaz~ Those that still felt
the bigger dog was the better, had to swallow hard, for they couldn’t go
duck hunting without carrying the Boykin Spaniel in their back pockets. Now
that’s RESPECT.
Ideally the Boykin Spaniel could be the ultimate
hunting retriever of the 21st Century. It has widely spread its popular
performance to be an exceptional grouse, woodcock and pheasant dog. For
he’s a natural at quartering and flushing. His alertness, marking skills
and retrieving instincts added to the love of water, make him desirable as a
companion for the duck hunter. The dog that won’t rock the boat.
He’s a quick learner, easily trained by the most novice of
trainers. So while you are reading all you can, about training a retriever,
don’t be afraid to let the kids play fetch the ball with your Boykin.
He’s a real people dog and develops better as a hunting companion if
he’s brought up as a family member. He’s at his best when he’s
with you.
Let me warn you, folks, the
Boykin spaniel is a thief. He will steal your heart and soul, just by looking
into his eyes. You’ll be forever held captive by his mere presence. I know
how this dog works. For twenty-five years, I have hunted the field and walked
the woods with a Boykin Spaniel by my side. What a friend...what a
partner...what a dog!
Millie and James Latimer are the proud owners of
Rock 'N Creek Kennel with 34 Boykin Spaniels in St. Matthews, South Carolina.
They have bred and hunted the Boykin for 25 years. |
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