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Vermillionaire · #1 10-21-2012, 11:15 PM

Hey guys I'm thinking about getting my first hunting dog and I've been wanting a Boykin. Does anyone have any experience with the breed? Besides the size, how do they compare to labs? How well do they handle retrieving geese?
Thanks
Joe

lsudawg · #2 10-22-2012, 06:33 AM

They make great pets - very smart dogs. I had a 1/2 lab, 1/2 boykin that was by far the best pet and smartest dog I've been aound. Several firends used them for ducks, quail, doves.

Shawn Braquet · #3 10-22-2012, 06:39 AM

From what I've read about them they are great for the above listed, just a pain to keep clean with the long hair. Not my personal experience just what I've read up on them. Saw where lots of people used them for goose hunting in dry fields, not sure how they'd do in flooded fields where they'd have to swim with a bird half their size.

rustyb · #4 10-22-2012, 07:00 AM

I trained a couple for bomb dogs years ago. Were very nice and easy to train. I dont hunt much and would think it would be on the small side for ducks and geese. They are similar in size to a Brittany. Im sure someone can tell you more about the size needed for hunting here.

cmcnabb · #5 10-22-2012, 07:35 AM

My cousin has one and it's great in the yard. Listens very well. It hates water though, could be just his luck

Spunt Drag · #6 10-22-2012, 08:22 AM

I've seen a bunch of em at tests, they hold their own against the labs. You can lose em in rice stubble quick though

Shawn Braquet · #7 10-22-2012, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spunt Drag

I've seen a bunch of em at tests, they hold their own against the labs. You can lose em in rice stubble quick though

would imagine marsh grass would be the same, hard to handle a dog that can't see you...maybe one could train them to stand up on their back two legs on a whistle like my Dachshund does(he only does it for snacks, not on a whistle unfortunately).

Spunt Drag · #8 10-22-2012, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Braquet

would imagine marsh grass would be the same, hard to handle a dog that can't see you...maybe one could train them to stand up on their back two legs on a whistle like my Dachshund does(he only does it for snacks, not on a whistle unfortunately).

Just collar condition him to it!

SULPHITE · #9 10-22-2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn Braquet

maybe one could train them to stand up on their back two legs on a whistle like my Dachshund does(he only does it for snacks, not on a whistle unfortunately).

Yeah i've got a "minature" 20 lb dachshund...lol fat little turd comes a runnin when he hears any type of food packaging being opened...

simplepeddler · #10 10-22-2012, 10:30 AM

Extremely Loyal.......smart as all get out.
You do not "train" a boykin as much as you "educate" them. If you are a hard trainer, loud, or heavy handed in any way, go with a lab.
Had a Boykin for 14 years, I put my hand on her ONCE when she was three, she never forgave me, never.

Many will say they are too small, was just not my experience.
For hunting in and out of a pirogue, there is not much better.

I could not fing a good "hunt" bred dog this go round, so I went with the Wachtelhund.

Lastly, just to re-inforce.........these dogs train lightly. Too much pressure and you will loose the dog.

Just my experience, you milage may vary