THE BOYKIN SPANIEL

Breed Standard

Reprinted, with permission, from the Boykin Spaniel Society brochure


Picture of Curlee Standing

General Description

Meduim in size, sturdy and typically spaniel, this sporting dog is first and foremost a working dog with proven retriever instincts and hunting ability, characterized by boundless enthusiasm and endurance, moderate speed and agility and possessing an intelligence and a desire to please which makes him easy to train. As a pet and companion he is exceptional with amicable disposition and love and personal attention improves his desire to hunt. He is a strong swimmer, taking to water easily and is valuable for water retrieving as well as field retrieving.

Head

Basically spaniel in shape. Viewed from the top, the width of the muzzle is 1/2 the width of the skull. Viewed in profile, the nasal bone is straight with a positive break at the junction of the muzzle and skull. The tip of the nose to the base of the skull is about the same in length as the neck. The forehead is covered with smooth short hair.

Muzzle

The muzzle and jaws are sufficient to carry game and sufficient in length and surface for free development of good scenting power. The upper lips come down full to cover the lower jaw but not pendulous or exaggerated. Teeth should be straight and meet in an even scissors bite, the lower incisors touching behind the upper incisors. Fault - Snipe nose.

Ears

Set high above the level of the eyes, not too pendulous reaching to the leather of the nose, should be flat and close to the head with rounded tips.

Neck

Moderately long, muscular, slightly arched at crest and gradually blending into sloping shoulders, not abruptly angles or excessively throaty.

Body Structure

Sturdily constructed, not too compact, the height of the shoulder should equal the length of the body from the shoulder to the root of the tail. Strong legs, chest well developed but not barrel, back strong, straight and level. Fault - High hind quarters.

Legs and Feet

Strong and straight as viewed from front and behind. Feet round, firm and well-padded , turning neither in nor out and harmonizing with body size.

Tail

A docked tail 2 1/2 to 3 inches at maturity (leave 1/3 of tail between 3 to 7 days of age).

Coat

A flat to moderately curly coat of medium length, with light feathering on legs is desirable, but a short straight coat is acceptable.

Color

Solid rich liver or dark chocolate is desirable but a small white spot on the chest is permissible.

Eyes

Dark Yellow to brown to harmonize with coat, set well apart, expression alert and intelligent.

Height and Weight

Dog: Height - 15 1/2 to 18 inches
Weight - 30 to 40 pounds
Bitch: Height - 14 to 16 1/2 inches
Weight - 25 to 35 pounds



For more information, please contact the Boykin Spaniel Society at:
P.O. Box 2047
Camden, South Carolina 29020
(803) 425 - 1032 M-F 8:00 a.m. -12 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
boykinss@camden.net



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