Boykins are adorable, but are you really ready?
Adding any animal to your home is a big deal. Whether thinking about a puppy or a senior, purchasing from a breeder to adopting, there are many things that can, and should, be considered. They will be a part of your family, so please follow your heart while using your head!
Are we really ready? Ask yourself these questions, and please be honest!
1) Why do you want a dog? Dogs can be a great addition to a family, but all members of the family need to be on board. To have a happy dog, and a happy family, all members must be in agreement and be willing to participate. If there are children in the home, are they able to be responsible with a dog?
2) Is your home environment ready for a dog? Homes need to be "dog proofed", just as with children. Many dogs, especially puppies, need to be crated at times. Do you have a safe place for the dog? Do you have a fenced yard? If not, how will bathroom duties be handled and where will the dog be exercised?
3) Are you willing to alter your lifestyle? Dogs require training, playtime, and exercise- every, single day. Do you travel a lot for work? Take weekend getaways frequently? Will the dog accompany you or who will take care of the dog?
4) Are you willing to assume the financial responsibility for a dog? Beyond food as well as a leash and collar, general veterinary expenses are in the neighborhood of $400 per year. Insurance can run $30-50 per month, and then there is grooming and training costs. If you need dog sitters or boarding fees, those can add up quickly. Put a budget together and make sure you are ready.
5) What do you want the dog to do with you? Are you looking for a family companion? Hunting companion? What about other things, such as obedience, therapy dog work, agility and dock diving?
5) You know what your life is like today-- but dogs can live 15 years or more. Are you prepared to keep the dog should you experience a job change, move or have children?
Now that you have fully considered these questions, have you researched the Boykin breed?
Boykin Spaniels are known for their hunting ability as well as a great family dog. It is important to truly understand the time and dedication needed to fulfill to these little brown dogs. Please click here to read the breed standard.
Boykin Spaniels are high-energy, smart, loyal with a strong desire to please. It is important to note that they can, especially as puppies, get into trouble in the blink of an eye. Crate training is encouraged, for the safety of the dog.
Purchasing a Boykin Spaniel Puppy
So you have decided on a Boykin Spaniel puppy! They are all cute, who can resist them? Remember, its a lifetime commitment! The most important thing is to make sure you are educated. Boykin puppies are in demand, and they can be expensive. Make sure you learn about the inherited diseases in the Boykin Spaniel and ask the breeder for the health clearances for both the sire and dam.
Here is a great reference:
http://boykinspaniel.org/pages/the-boykin-spaniel-breed/inherited-disease-test-checklist-
There are wonderful Boykin breeders who perform all of the inherited disease testing on their dogs. Sure, their dogs may cost a bit more, but it will save heartache in the end.
Adopting a Boykin Spaniel
BSR™'s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome at-risk, purebred, Boykin Spaniels. Many of the dogs we take in are the result of people that didn't truly understand and/or consider all of the questions asked above. Owner's surrender their dogs to us because they don't have the time to dedicate to the dogs, or the dog required more training or financial expense than they had expected. Our mission is to make sure that the dogs we place go to their forever homes.
Some of the dogs we take in have not been trained, or even housebroken. Some have medical issues that will need some level of care for life. Some are senior and would like to live their twilight years with people who love them for just who they are. No two are alike, so if you are approved to adopt, please ask the foster all the questions you can and be honest with them about your lifestyle and expectations.
Adopting a Boykin Spaniel can be the best decision of your life. But it takes thoughtful consideration and patience. Thank you for considering one of our amazing dogs.
1) Why do you want a dog? Dogs can be a great addition to a family, but all members of the family need to be on board. To have a happy dog, and a happy family, all members must be in agreement and be willing to participate. If there are children in the home, are they able to be responsible with a dog?
2) Is your home environment ready for a dog? Homes need to be "dog proofed", just as with children. Many dogs, especially puppies, need to be crated at times. Do you have a safe place for the dog? Do you have a fenced yard? If not, how will bathroom duties be handled and where will the dog be exercised?
3) Are you willing to alter your lifestyle? Dogs require training, playtime, and exercise- every, single day. Do you travel a lot for work? Take weekend getaways frequently? Will the dog accompany you or who will take care of the dog?
4) Are you willing to assume the financial responsibility for a dog? Beyond food as well as a leash and collar, general veterinary expenses are in the neighborhood of $400 per year. Insurance can run $30-50 per month, and then there is grooming and training costs. If you need dog sitters or boarding fees, those can add up quickly. Put a budget together and make sure you are ready.
5) What do you want the dog to do with you? Are you looking for a family companion? Hunting companion? What about other things, such as obedience, therapy dog work, agility and dock diving?
5) You know what your life is like today-- but dogs can live 15 years or more. Are you prepared to keep the dog should you experience a job change, move or have children?
Now that you have fully considered these questions, have you researched the Boykin breed?
Boykin Spaniels are known for their hunting ability as well as a great family dog. It is important to truly understand the time and dedication needed to fulfill to these little brown dogs. Please click here to read the breed standard.
Boykin Spaniels are high-energy, smart, loyal with a strong desire to please. It is important to note that they can, especially as puppies, get into trouble in the blink of an eye. Crate training is encouraged, for the safety of the dog.
Purchasing a Boykin Spaniel Puppy
So you have decided on a Boykin Spaniel puppy! They are all cute, who can resist them? Remember, its a lifetime commitment! The most important thing is to make sure you are educated. Boykin puppies are in demand, and they can be expensive. Make sure you learn about the inherited diseases in the Boykin Spaniel and ask the breeder for the health clearances for both the sire and dam.
Here is a great reference:
http://boykinspaniel.org/pages/the-boykin-spaniel-breed/inherited-disease-test-checklist-
There are wonderful Boykin breeders who perform all of the inherited disease testing on their dogs. Sure, their dogs may cost a bit more, but it will save heartache in the end.
Adopting a Boykin Spaniel
BSR™'s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome at-risk, purebred, Boykin Spaniels. Many of the dogs we take in are the result of people that didn't truly understand and/or consider all of the questions asked above. Owner's surrender their dogs to us because they don't have the time to dedicate to the dogs, or the dog required more training or financial expense than they had expected. Our mission is to make sure that the dogs we place go to their forever homes.
Some of the dogs we take in have not been trained, or even housebroken. Some have medical issues that will need some level of care for life. Some are senior and would like to live their twilight years with people who love them for just who they are. No two are alike, so if you are approved to adopt, please ask the foster all the questions you can and be honest with them about your lifestyle and expectations.
Adopting a Boykin Spaniel can be the best decision of your life. But it takes thoughtful consideration and patience. Thank you for considering one of our amazing dogs.
