Boykin spaniel is a medium-sized hunting dog known for its energetic personality. It has a rich, chocolate-brown coat. Males usually measure about 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. They average 24 to 40 pounds (11 to 18 kilograms). Females are somewhat smaller.
Breeders in the United States developed the Boykin spaniel in the early 1900’s. It was bred as a hunting dog, especially for duck hunting. Its small size enables a hunter to lift both the dog and the duck out of the water and into a boat. The Boykin spaniel also is popular as a pet. It is known for being friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. The Boykin spaniel is the official state dog of South Carolina, where it was originally bred.