Thai Bangkaew vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison

The Boykin Spaniel was originally bred by South Carolina hunters as the perfect dog for hunting wild bird during the early 1900s. Alexander White of Spartanburg found a short, well built dog and named him Dumpy. The dog was given to a certain L. Whitaker Boykin and a similar dog in looks was found and mated with Dumpy on Boykin’s Pine Grove plantation. Whitaker Boykin was particularly looking for a special kind of hunting dog breed that could wade into swamplands and into water.

Boykin’s spaniels were popular in South Carolina before World War II and later, in 1977, the Boykin Spaniel Society was founded to ensure the breeding standards of the dog. In 1985, the Boykin Spaniel was declared the state dog of South Carolina and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2009.

The Thai Bangkaew breed comes from a small village in the Bang Rakarn District of the Phitsanulok Province, in Thailand. The breed is named after that village of Bangkaew. A wild dog was crossed with a Buddhist abbot’s black and white female. Today’s Bangkew is the direct result of breeding only from the litters produced from these original two. Some believe the wild dog was a jackal that is now extinct. The breed is similar to a Spitz and is a good hunter and an intelligent family member. However they still maintain some of the wildness of the jackal.

The Thai Bangkaew was developed to be a guard dog and alert their owners of any strangers or dangers. By 1957 the dog we know today we being developed through selective breeding. They are not recognized today by the AKC. These facts have made it a very rare breed that is hard to find outside southeast Asia. They are great outdoor companions.

The Boykin’s Looks:

You can’t miss the medium-sized Boykin Spaniel with his magnificent coat in different shades of brown. When he gleams in the sun he looks like chocolate. This type of Spaniel is a bit bigger than the English Cocker Spaniel, but he is heavier, weighing between 13 to 18kg. He has large, floppy feathery ears and the tail has always been docked to give him that distinct look, but now with rules and regulations, the tail is often left so that it is long and feathery. The height of this dog at the withers is 39 to 43cm.

The length of the dog’s coat varies somewhat because of the different breeds from the past. Essentially the coat is medium length and wavy to curly with light feathering around the legs, ears, chest and stomach.

Temperament:

The Boykin Spaniel is social and he makes an excellent family pet. He is good around children and other dogs, and with training and socialization he becomes even more amicable and obedient.

A compact and square dog, the Thai Bangkaew is a well proportioned breed with a gait that is smooth. They have a deep, wide chest with muscular and strong neck. The head is also square, the ears pointed and the eyes brown and average size. They have a double coat and a longer, thicker ruff. Their chest and back also have a ruff like a lion. The tail is plumed and carried up high and curves over the dog’s back. Their coat is water-repellent.

The Boykin Spaniel is a diverse breed. The characteristics of the dog aren’t set in stone. He is a hunting dogs with boundless energy and enthusiasm. He is an intelligent breed and responds well to training and is obedient to your commands. He is all about fun and excitement and he is guaranteed to make a splendid companion.

Active and social, he is going to need input from his owners in terms of exercise and mental stimulation. He isn’t a dog to just ignore and in exchange for love and care, he is going to be a loving, loyal and fun companion for you.

1.Children friendliness – yes with early and proper socialization be watchful with small children

2.Special talents tenacity, climber

3.Adaptability – needs exercise, not a great apartment dog

4.Learning ability – high but independent and stubborn

The Boykin Spaniel is a healthy breed with a life span of 14 to 16 years. There are some diseases that you want to be aware of with your Boykin Spaniel.

Hip Dysplasia:

Always be aware of Hip Dysplasia as it can reduce your pet’s quality of life.. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the hip joint doesn’t to develop properly and deterioration sets in and your pet can lose function of the joint. You’ll notice your pet battling to stand up after lying down. The frightening this is that some dogs begin to show signs of hip dysplasia as early as 4 months of age.

Most Common Health Problems:

The Boykin Spaniel’s most common health problems apart from hip dysplasia are patellar luxation and juvenile cataracts.

This is a very healthy breed with a relatively clean genentic pool. The dogs tend to be healthy. They have no congenital health issues. However they do contract some normal canine issues.

Hip Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Elbow Dysplasia – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Luxating Patella – slipped kneecap – can lead to lameness or arthritis.

Cryptorchidism – absence of testicles – dog is sterile.

Chronic ear infections

Eye Diseases

Exercise:

The Boykin Spaniel has been a gun dog and because he is energetic, he will need plenty of exercise and activities. Take him for walks or allow him to swim in the farm dam if you live in the country. He isn’t a dog to leave on his own in your backyard as he needs exercise as well as mental stimulation to keep him from becoming frustrated and developing destructive habits.

Grooming:

The Boykin’s hair will need to be brushed as least twice a week to prevent it from matting, particularly if he is a country-living dog, in and out of water and running through long grass. He is not a heavy shedder but his shedding is seasonal. As a long eared dog, he will need to have his ears checked to prevent infection.

Other grooming habits to get used to with your Boykin Spaniel are having his nails trimmed and brushing his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothpaste and brush.

Diet

Boykin Spaniel owners who know the breed well say that there is nothing better than feeding your dog raw meat with vegetables and rice. Of course, not everyone can afford to feed their pets raw meat every day, and that’s alright. Just make sure that every now and then you include raw meat into your pet’s diet.

The very best commercially produced dog foods can also be good for your pet. If in doubt, speak to your veterinarian about the best food for your active, energetic pet. Never, ever deprive your pet of fresh, cool water throughout the day and night.

. Feeding the puppy Feed a high quality high protein puppy food for medium sized dog. Feed 2 cups in 3-4 meals per day.

2.Feeding the adult Feed a high quality high protein adult food for medium sized dog. Feed 2.5 cups in 2 meals per day

3.Points for Good Health general good health

4. Games and Exercises they need daily exercise and they love to swim. He loves to dig and is a climber as well. Good at herding, barnchase.