Are Boykin Spaniels Good For First Time Owners?

Are you ready to make the commitment to becoming a dog owner? Wonderful! It is wise to take some time to figure out what the perfect breed of dog will be to be your companion.

Boykin Spaniels were first discovered in the 1900s in South Carolina, after which hunters further developed them. They make great companions to hunters and families with fantastic hunting skills, intelligence, and friendly and confident personalities.

Getting a dog is a big commitment, a new addition to your family. It is helpful to know what to expect and how to prepare for your new friend.

Are Boykin Spaniels Good For First Time Owners?

The Boykin Spaniel, like other Spaniels, were initially bred for hunting and had quite the skill for it. They are brilliant animals with a very playful, energetic nature. They need to have a lot of space to run around and get rid of the energy they have stored up, so this might not be the ideal breed if you live in an apart.

If you are an active individual or family, then this breed of dog will fit right in. They would love to go with you on your hikes, runs, and even cycles. They should get a lot of daily exercise and should be stimulated as well. There are some exciting dog puzzle toys available on the market which help with mentally stimulating K-9s.

Boykin Spaniels are excellent dogs to have as first-time owners if you are the right kind of owner. If you prefer to watch Netflix or play video games, they might not be the right choice. When dogs are bored or frustrated, they tend to act out, resulting in some destroyed property like chewed shoes.

The Boykin Spaniels have a very versatile personality and adapt to situations. The same dog that goes hunting on Saturday can be cuddled up next to you on Sunday, given that you have helped them get rid of some of the excess energy. Boykin Spaniels also tend to be slightly more independent than other Spaniels.

If given the proper training, a few good toys, and enough exercise before the time, you could leave your Boykin Spaniel alone for hours at a time and not come home to the garden being dug up, or the door chewed off. This isn’t the case with most Spaniels, as they are very dependent on their human companionship.

The Boykin Spaniels, having a decent level of independence, make an ideal first dog for first-time owners. They won’t be so needy that it frustrates you, and they won’t be so distant that you feel rejected. They are brilliant, so you would teach them tricks and see how they do with the puzzle toys.

Are Boykin Spaniels Good With Kids?

Boykin Spaniels are the ideal dogs to have with kids of any age. Their playful, loving nature engages well with kids while running around the yard, kicking the ball around, or playing fetch with the pup. It would be an excellent combination to have this dog and kids together so they can burn up each other’s energy.

You can even let your Boykin Spaniel go swimming with the kids, as this breed of dog loves the water. They would be protective of your kids while in the water as well, so it’s a win-win. Before you take your kids and dog to the beach or the lake, it would be wise to test your dog’s swimming skills in a controlled situation.

Are Boykin Spaniels Good With Other Animals?

Boykin Spaniels are great with other family pets, but they do need proper socialization to achieve this. Proper socialization includes exposing your puppy to different environments, noises, feelings, all of these things that we need to do with human children as well. You could do this process on your own or get help.

There is more to socialization than just exposure to different things, and all the exposures need to be positive to be effective in the desired way. Once adequately socialized, these dogs thrive on companionship from other dogs; it would be a great idea to have more than one Boykin Spaniel as a pet.

It might seem slightly overwhelming to start with two dogs instead of one when you are a first-time pet owner, and it can be. There are double the costs involved, double the food intake, double the amount of shots, and the list goes on. The companionship the two dogs will share is paralleled, though, and they will entertain each other.

Boykin Spaniel Health Issues

Boykin Spaniels have an expected lifespan of up to 16 years which is longer than some other variations of the Spaniel breed. This is terrific news, especially since they have a high susceptibility to inherited heart disease. They also struggle with hip dysplasia, as do many dogs in this breed family.

Like some other Spaniels and hunting dogs, Boykin Spaniels are also prone to experiencing exercise-induced collapse. After intense exercise, the animal collapses; it is due to a genetic disorder that this happens. Boykin Spaniels can also struggle with some skin and coat issues.

The skin and coat issues could be due to allergies or other disorders. If the skin is just irritated, there are usually easy ways to manage it, like regular brushing or ointments. If your dog is in severe discomfort, it would be best to consult your vet on what you can do to help your dog’s skin issues calm down.

Conclusion

A Boykin Spaniel is the perfect first dog for first-time owners who are active and enjoy exercise. This pup would go with you on hikes, cycles, run, and even swims if they can swim – they will love the water. This dog breed is absolutely amazing with kids of all ages and will be their best friend as they grow up.

Boykin Spaniels are capable of being independent and being left alone for a few hours, yet they do thrive on companionship. If you can, it would be a good idea to get two Boykin Spaniels simultaneously so they can have companionship at all times. They are great first dogs for first-time owners.

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