Hi!

I am eagerly seeking boykin spaniels and breeders in the UK... can anyone help?

Only the American Kennel Club recognise them so am really struggling for any information about them on this side of the Atlantic.

I really want to avoiding importing if at all possible so would be very grateful for any leads....

Cheers,

Mike

email: michaelporton@gmail.com

I bet that's got everyone googling!

As you say, the breed isn't recognised over here - have you considered the field spaniel instead?

We've considered it but there are a couple of reasons why I've reservations. 

We'll be in the city but with outside space and taking the dog with us kayaking most weekends.

Therefore, wanted a small to medium sized spaniel that is okay being left on its own (without another dog or person) during the day once its past the puppy stage, and that has an affinity for water.

I've read (rightly or wrongly) that the Field Spaniel can be destructive if left on its own(?) so that had put us off. If that's not the case we'd reconsider it...

Particular plus points are that the boykin is slightly smaller, is a natural in the water and has the bonus of being from the Southern US (infact the State dog for South Carolina) - my girlfriend's a Texan so it would be like having another slice of the South with us!

Most intelligent dogs become bored and destructive when left for too long, so you're right, a field spaniel probably wouldn't be suitable. In fact I wouldn't recommend a working strain of any of the sporting breeds for that very reason.

> Therefore, wanted a small to medium sized spaniel that is okay being left on its own (without another dog or person) during the day

I cannot think of any canine that is suitable for being left all day on its own.  What a lonely, boring life.

> that is okay being left on its own (without another dog or person) during the day once its past the puppy stage,

This is the hurdle you'll need to get over before you consider what dog is suited to your other requirements.  You will find that once you start talking to reputable breeders of any gundog (given that your preferences may lie within this group) they will not home a dog to be left on it's own for long periods.  Any breeder, or puppy supplier, that tells you otherwise is probably the sort to avoid.

What is the maximum time you would intend to leave your dog?  Do you work Mon-Fri?  What options do you have for coming home during the day?  Would you be able to provide a dog walker/sitter?

There are a lot of people that balance their working hours to accomodate a dog so it is possible but, if you read some of the current threads on here, you'll also see how it can all go wrong!  Noisy dogs causing neighbour complaints, destructive behaviours, insufficient toilet training, threat of evictions etc.

Another issue is that dogs who receive the feast or famine approach to exercise can be quite unsettled.  Lots of attention and exercise at the weekends, contrasted with inactivity and boredom during the week may present as a dog with anxiety issues.  Poor socialisation and attachment difficulties to name but two.

Don't be put off by us asking all these questions, or challenging you.  We all have the dogs best interest in mind - and it's good practise for the conversations you'll need to have with your chosen breeder.  He or she will def haul you over coals to prove yourself!

>Don't be put off by us asking all these questions

Agree, but please can we not forget the reason that Mike took the trouble to joined the forum. That reason was to ask for help locating this breed within the UK is possible. Does anyone have any information on the breed in the UK? Does anyone know of someone whom has one or maybe likely to know if any are available?

What about a Kooikerhond (sp) that is smaller, or a Welsh Springer.  I know both Welsh Springers and Fields personally and they a re lovely.

In my experience most Gundog breeds do not come under the independent umbrella,a nd as dogs as a whole are social creatures none like being on their own unless trained to it for not excessive periods.

You may need to consider breeds with more independent self reliant natures, the original purpose will give a clue as to likely suitability.

Welshies are wonderful but not suited to being left--mine are pure Velcro and lovely when I'm around, but they pine without you.I have three so they have plenty of their own company but they can also get a little too wild with each other left to their own devices, racing about barking and play fighting (this is mainly the baby chasing the two older boys). I find a good grooming session calms them all down very quickly

Hi Mike,

I would suggest that your best bet may well be to contact BS Breeders/Breed clubs Stateside and find out from them wether dogs have been imported to the UK. That should then give you your lead to wether anyone has started a breeding program here in the UK with pups available.
   A reputable and ethical breeder will expect you to have done your homework on the breed and have a fair idea what your letting yourself in for (good and/or bad!) So if indeed this is a breed that does not do well being left alone for periods of time, A good breeder may well appear to actually try to put you off *if* your lifestyle/routines etc are not condusive to this breed..... But your only going to know that by finding these breeders and chating and visiting the dogs and really getting to know the breed.
I wish you luck in your search.
Hope this helps.