BOYKIN SPANIEL Standard
General Description
Meduim in size, sturdy and typically spaniel, this
sporting dog is first and foremost a working dog with proven retriever instincts
and hunting ability, characterized by boundless enthusiasm and endurance,
moderate speed and agility and possessing an intelligence and a desire to please
which makes him easy to train. As a pet and companion he is exceptional with
amicable disposition and love and personal attention improves his desire to
hunt. He is a strong swimmer, taking to water easily and is valuable for water
retrieving as well as field retrieving.
Basically spaniel in shape. Viewed from the top, the width of
the muzzle is 1/2 the width of the skull. Viewed in profile, the nasal bone is
straight with a positive break at the junction of the muzzle and skull. The tip
of the nose to the base of the skull is about the same in length as the neck.
The forehead is covered with smooth short hair.
The muzzle and jaws are sufficient to carry game and
sufficient in length and surface for free development of good scenting power.
The upper lips come down full to cover the lower jaw but not pendulous or
exaggerated. Teeth should be straight and meet in an even scissors bite, the
lower incisors touching behind the upper incisors. Fault - Snipe nose.
Set high above the level of the eyes, not too pendulous
reaching to the leather of the nose, should be flat and close to the head with
rounded tips.
Moderately long, muscular, slightly arched at crest and
gradually blending into sloping shoulders, not abruptly angles or excessively
throaty.
Sturdily constructed, not too compact, the height
of the shoulder should equal the length of the body from the shoulder to the
root of the tail. Strong legs, chest well developed but not barrel, back strong,
straight and level. Fault - High hind quarters.
Strong and straight as viewed from front and behind.
Feet round, firm and well-padded , turning neither in nor out and harmonizing
with body size.
A docked tail 2 1/2 to 3 inches at maturity (leave 1/3 of
tail between 3 to 7 days of age).
A flat to moderately curly coat of medium length, with light
feathering on legs is desirable, but a short straight coat is acceptable.
Solid rich liver or dark chocolate is desirable but a small
white spot on the chest is permissible.
Dark Yellow to brown to harmonize with coat, set well apart,
expression alert and intelligent.
Dog: Height - 15 1/2 to 18 inches Weight - 30 to
40 pounds Bitch: Height - 14 to 16 1/2 inches Weight - 25 to 35 pounds
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