Whitney Veterinary Hospital and
Cat Care Clinic

Blue Ducky is a Boykin Spaniel!

The Boykin Spaniel could be considered a testament to the mixed-breed dogs of America. Around 1910, the original small, brown, spaniel-type male was found wandering around a Church in South Carolina by a man named Alexander White. When he realized that the dog had hunting ability, he gave it to a friend – Whitaker Boykin; who named it "Dumpy". Mr. Boykin bred Dumpy to a female named "Singo" that had been found abandoned near a train depot. The descendents of this first litter were subsequently crossed with Spaniels, Pointers, Retrievers and Beagles.

The Boykin is an enthusiastic retriever of water fowl and upland bird. They love the water and are excellent swimmers in warmer waters, however, they are not suited to the cold northern lakes. There is a problem with ear infections. Their strong sense of smell adds to their value as a hunting partner; but, it can lead them off on their own excursion.

This is a working dog with a lot of drive and endurance that will need a lot of daily exercise and training. It will be happy to chase a ball – or Frisbee – for your children.

The Boykin has a Spaniel type of head, docked tail, waterproof, wavy or smooth coat. The coat color is usually a shade of brown and needs regular grooming to prevent mats. The ears are set a little higher than the Cocker’s and the eyes are an amber color. They are around 18 inches tall and 25 to 35 pounds.

We are pleased to welcome Blue Ducky to our practice!