Featured Breed of the Week : Boykin Spaniels
First bred in South Carolina in the early 1900s and known as the states dog, Boykin Spaniels were mainly used in hunting for their endurance and their ability to flush out birds. As time went on, hunters realized that the dogs could not only flush out game but they could also retrieve the game as well. Their retrieval capabalities vary depending on their training but they are known to bring game and sit in on the ground near the hunter or will place it in the hunters hand. With a great sense of smell, these breeds of dogs take to the scents of game easily and are not known to do alot of barking and scare off the prey. Boykin Spaniels are a favorite amongst hunters when hunting in hot weather, due to their high tolerance to the weather and their energy levels. With their great social skills and their ability to be trained with ease, these dogs are a go-to for hunters, when it comes to hunting ducks, doves, quails, and wild turkeys. Along with upland game, Boykin Spaniels can also hunt land animals like rabbits and squirrels. They are known to be very smart dogs who are always eager to please and when trained properly, work well along side hunters. Their compact size makes them ideal to be used when hunting from boats, as well. Their lightweight built keeps them from rocking the boat and it is easy to pick up the dog and the game that they have in their mouth, at the same time. Furthermore, these dogs are strong swimmers and can retrieve not only on land but in water as well.
In addition to these dogs being ideal for upland game when hunting, they also make great pets for families. They arent aggressive dogs by nature and they tend to get along with not only humans but other dogs as well. Due to their friendly nature, Boykin Spaniels are great around kids and also make great camping buddies. They love to run around outside and be active, which plays a major part in them being great to take on a camping trip. They need and love to active and running around in the wilderness is a great way for them to achieve that, all while spending time with their human family.
Boykin Spaniels do have a life expectancy of around 10-15 years. They can give fun years of companionship and many years of hunting upland game. Though they are compact dogs, they do have alot of heart and give their all, in everything they do.
Related Aritlces
Featured Breed of the Week : American Brittany
The origin of the American Brittany Spaniel is tainted with mystery up to date. Nonetheless, it is believed that in around 1850s, English hunters who went to Brittany to look for woodcock, took with them Llewellyn, Pointers, Irish, English and Gordon setters. When the shooting season ended, the hunting dogs were typically left for the local people to take care of the dogs until when the next hunting season. There is a common belief that the dogs interbred with the residents dogs; native white Spaniel with the setters and English pointers. The interbreeding later brought to the different colors found in the many of Brittanys today. The American Brittany is a dog that is rustic owners were medieval poachers and peasants; people who lived a thriftiness lifestyle. They needed a dog that can do it all hunt and be a companion. This versatility spiraled into Brittanys. This dog today is popular in France, becoming an international loved breed too outside France.
Best hunting dog breeds for wetland hunting
Waterfowl hunting demands a special kind of dog — one that thrives in cold, muddy conditions, works calmly from a blind, and has the grit to plunge into icy water after a downed bird. Not every hunting breed is built for that challenge, but a select few have been bred for generations to master the wetlands. These dogs combine powerful swimming ability, a weatherproof coat, a soft mouth for careful retrieves, and an unshakable desire to work beside their handler through rain, sleet, and wind.
Featured Breed of the Week : English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog that is said to have originated in Spain, centuries ago. This dog is known for its medium/compact built and was first bred to be a flusher and a retriever. The colors of the coat range from brown, reddish brown, and even white. They have a double coat that is waterproof and keeps the dogs dry and also warm, at the same time. These coats do shed moderately but this normally occurs in the Spring and Summer months.
