The Boykin Spaniel Society was founded in
the summer of 1977 in Camden, South Carolina. Within the first year the Society
had over 300 members from 25 states. An official registry for the breed was
started in 1979. The Boykin Spaniel Society has now grown to over 2000 members
hailing from every state in the union as well as Canada, Switzerland, Austria
and Germany.
The Boykin Spaniel Society's first annual National
 Hunting Test was held May 23, 1980. Since then
the competitors have grown steadily in numbers and ability, attracting dog
owners and handlers from all parts of the country. A National Hunting Test is
held each spring in South Carolina. Boykin spaniels now compete regularly in
sanctioned trials of the North American Hunting Retriever Association (NAHRA)
and Hunting Retriever Club, Inc. (HRC).
In 1982 a cooperating
organization named the Carolina Boykin Spaniel Retriever Club was formed
thereby spearheading a rugged series of hunting tests. The group holds six
hunting tests a year, training classes, seminars, and judging clinics.
The Boykin's ability in the field and amiable nature have brought him
praise in all forms. On April 20, 1984 the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine
Resources Commission endorsed the Boykin spaniel as South Carolina's state dog.
Governor Richard W. Riley proclaimed September 1, 1984, the first day of dove
hunting season, as Boykin Spaniel Day. On March 26, 1985, Governor Riley signed
into law the act making the Boykin spaniel the official South Carolina state
dog. The 1988-89 South Carolina state duck stamp -- the most popular stamp of
the series -- featured a painting by Minnesota artist Jim Killen which depicted
a Boykin holding a widgeon in its mouth and imprinted with the legend "Trained
Retrievers Conserve Game".
THE OBJECTIVES OF
THE SOCIETY ARE:
- to maintain records of all Boykin Spaniels
registered. These records shall be known as the Boykin Spaniel Registry;
- to urge members and breeders to use the breed
standard in the selection and breeding of the Boykin spaniel;
- to encourage and promote the breeding of purebred
Boykin spaniels and to do all possible to perpetuate their natural hunting
ability;
- to do all in its power to protect and advance the
interest of the breed by encouraging sportsmanlike competition.
The success of the Society has been due to the
Board of Directors' commitment that all members shall have a direct voice in
the future of the breed. Important decisions affecting the Boykin spaniel are
put to a vote of the membership. As a result, the Boykin Spaniel Society has
become a viable force which has made great strides in promoting the Boykin
spaniel and attaining national recognition for this fine retriever. |
