Boykin Spaniels are near and dear to my heart, I’ve never lived a day without a little brown dog being a part of my family. Once a not very well known breed outside of the southeast region of the US, they have become increasingly popular due to their friendly demeanor, compact size, and impressive hunting abilities. Little dog, big heart as they say. However, with this surge in popularity comes a warning: as demand grows, so too does the number of breeders more interested in making a quick buck than preserving the integrity and health of the breed. If you’re considering adding a Boykin to your family—especially if you’re after a hunting dog—there are some key things to watch out for and careful considerations to make before committing to a purchase.
1. Beware of Breeders Looking for a Quick Profit
With Boykin Spaniels rising in demand, it’s become all too common for inexperienced or unethical breeders to jump in, trying to cash in on the breed's popularity. These breeders often cut corners, skipping important health tests and careful pairings that ensure both the health and temperament of the puppies. They may care more about how quickly they can sell their puppies rather than the well-being of the dogs or the future happiness of the families who buy them.
A key red flag is when a breeder seems eager to push the sale with little concern for your experience or intentions with the dog. A responsible Boykin breeder will vet potential buyers just as thoroughly as you are vetting them. They care deeply about where their puppies are going, whether the new owners are prepared for the breed’s energy, temperament, and exercise needs, and whether the dog will be in a suitable, loving home. If a breeder doesn’t ask you questions about your experience, lifestyle, or intentions for the puppy, that’s a big sign they’re more focused on selling than ensuring a good match.
2. Health Tests Are a Must – Know What to Ask For
The Boykin Spaniel Society provides a list of recommended health tests to ensure the breed's long-term health, and reputable breeders will happily share the results of these tests. These include:
Hip Dysplasia Screening and Patellar Luxation: Boykin Spaniels can be prone to hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and mobility issues later in life. A responsible breeder will have both the sire and dam's hips evaluated, often through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP, to confirm they are free of dysplasia.
Eye Certifications: Eye issues, including cataracts, Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), can also affect the breed. A breeder should have their breeding dogs evaluated by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to ensure they are free from hereditary eye diseases.
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC): This is a condition where a dog may suddenly collapse after intense exercise. Boykin Spaniels are known to carry this gene, so responsible breeders will test for EIC and avoid breeding two carriers together.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): A progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to paralysis in older dogs. Testing for DM can help breeders make informed decisions about pairing dogs to avoid passing on the disease.
Heart: Pulmonic Stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect characterized by the narrowing (stenosis) of the pulmonic valve or the area just below it. Most vets can do this test right in their clinic.
When you talk to a breeder, ask them directly if the sire and dam have undergone these tests and request to see proof. If they skirt the topic or claim it’s unnecessary, it’s a major red flag.
3. Hunting Ability Requires More Than "Dad’s a Great Hunter"
If you’re looking for a Boykin Spaniel primarily for hunting, be extra vigilant. It’s easy for breeders to boast that the sire or dam is a "great hunter," but you need more than a vague claim. Hunting ability should be proven through some sort of measurable experience, like field trials, hunt tests, or personal observation. The registration of the parents in BSS and or UKC/AKC as well as a multi generational pedigree show the care put into the pairing of the parents. Proof of genetics should be available online or provided in hand. Here’s what you should look for:
Hunt Test/Field Trial Results: These tests are designed to measure a dog’s hunting skills in a controlled, competitive setting. If a breeder is serious about producing hunting dogs, the sire and/or dam should have results from organizations such as the Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS), American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC/HRC) that demonstrate their capabilities in the field. This provides an objective way to gauge their hunting prowess.
Observe the Parents in Action: The best way to determine if a dog is a good hunter is to watch it hunt in person. Some reputable breeders will invite prospective buyers to join them on a hunt or training session with the sire or dam so you can see their performance first-hand.
Video Proof – Not Just Instagram Reels: If seeing the dog hunt in person isn’t an option, ask for video evidence of the sire and dam in the field. But be wary of flashy Instagram highlight reels. A well-edited video clip can make any dog look great, but you need to see consistent performance—retrieves, handling, steadiness, and cooperation. Longer, unedited videos showing the dog working through different environments, on varied terrain, and in real hunting situations are much more telling.
4. Avoid Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders
Puppy mills and backyard breeders often sell Boykin Spaniels at lower prices, making them seem like a tempting option. However, these operations frequently neglect proper care, breeding practices, and health screenings. The result? You may end up with a dog that develops severe health or behavioral problems down the line. Most breeders have a protocol for early puppy care to develop their little minds and imprint good behaviors from pre-pick to to pick up time. Remember, money doesn’t always equal quality but good breeding doesn’t come cheap. Always be skeptical of a "too good to be true" price, and avoid breeders who:
- Offer little to no documentation on health tests.
- Can’t provide any references from previous buyers.
- Refuse to let you see the puppies’ living conditions or meet the dam.
Boykin Spaniels are an amazing breed, but like any dog, they come with responsibilities and challenges—especially if you’re hoping to find a great hunting buddy. The key is doing your research. Take your time, ask questions, and make sure the breeder you choose genuinely cares about the health and future success of their dogs over profit.
The right breeder will be happy to answer your questions, share health certifications, and let you see the sire or dam’s abilities. Remember, it’s a partnership—you’re choosing a puppy for life, and the breeder should be just as invested in your dog’s success as you are. The cost of a puppy is literally the cheapest part of owning a dog. A good breeding is definitely worth the research and wait. The investment you make upfront in choosing the right breeder will pay off in a healthier, happier dog that’s by your side for years to come.
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