Boykin Spaniel Foundation

09/01/2026

September is Boykin Health Awareness Month! 🐾

Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing information and resources from the Boykin Spaniel Foundation to help all Boykin owners better understand their dogs’ health and the important role we can each play in the future health of the breed.

And health testing isn’t just for dogs that will be bred.

Testing can provide valuable information about your own Boykin’s health, while submitting results helps build a broader picture of health across the breed. The more we know, the better equipped we are to protect the Boykins we love today and for generations to come.

This month, we’ll be talking about genetic testing, eyes, heart health, hips and joints, testing assistance, and some of the most common questions Boykin owners have about health testing.

We’ll also share more about the important work of the Boykin Spaniel Foundation and how you can help support its mission.

Healthy Boykins. Stronger Future.

Learn more at boykinspanielfoundation.org

09/01/2026

🐾 It’s Boykin Spaniel Day! 🎉 Today we’re celebrating South Carolina’s beloved state dog—the loyal, energetic, and unmistakably lovable “little brown dog.” Whether your Boykin is splashing in the water, exploring the outdoors, or relaxing by your side, give them a little extra love today.

08/04/2026

08/04/2026

Planning to breed or purchase a Boykin Spaniel? Start by confirming registration. Taking a few simple steps now can protect you, your dog, and any future litter.

Before Breeding Your Boykin Spaniel
First, make sure your dog is registered with the Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS). When you picked up your puppy, your breeder should have provided a blue application for individual dog registration. Submit that application so your dog can be officially recorded in the BSS Registry.

Confirm the Sire and Dam Are Eligible
Before breeding, ask to see the other dog's registration certificate. To register a litter with BSS, both the sire and dam must be BSS registered. If one dog is registered with BSS and the other is registered only with another organization, the litter cannot be registered with BSS. Both parents must be registered with the same registry—whether BSS, AKC, or UKC.

Also confirm that the owners of both the sire and dam are current BSS members.

Protect Yourself When Buying a Puppy
Before committing to a puppy, contact BSS to verify that the litter is registered. Some buyers believed they were purchasing from a BSS-registered litter only to discover later that the litter was never registered. A quick verification can help you buy with confidence.

Use the BSS Portal for Faster Service
Breeders can now register litters digitally and upload the information directly to their portal, making registration easier to verify.

Ask your breeder to transfer the dog to you digitally through the BSS portal. This can be faster and more reliable than mailing paperwork. Both the breeder and the new puppy owner must have portal accounts to complete the transfer.

Ask for Written Health-Testing Results
Responsible breeders should provide written information about the health testing completed for your puppy’s parents. This documentation is required under the BSS Code of Ethics and helps you make an informed, confident decision.

Ask the breeder for results covering these BSS-recommended screenings:
• OFA hip evaluation
• Heart evaluation
• Patellar (knee) evaluation
• Eye examination
• Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

Reviewing these results before bringing your puppy home gives you a clearer picture of its family health history and shows that the breeder is committed to responsible breeding practices.

05/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18XgMF8usk/

What is Patellar Luxation?
The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place, either in a medial or lateral position. Bilateral involvement is most common, but unilateral is not uncommon. Classifying the degree of luxation and bony deformity is useful for diagnosis. Grades are assigned 1-4 in severity. Diagnosis is made upon physical evaluation by a veterinarian and can be submitted to the OFA for dogs that are a minimum of 12 months of age (or

05/19/2026

Sat Aug 1, 2026
Palmetto CKCSC
Location: Ridgeland SC 29936
Lowcountry Vets at Argent, 2539 Argent Blvd,
Times: 9am - 12:30pm
All Breed Clinic. The Palmetto Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club is hosting a Summer All-breed clinic on
August 1, 2026 at Lowcountry Vets at Argent, Ridgeland, SC (off I95 near Savannah),
offering the majority of the services that most breeds require: Hips, Elbows, Patellas, Basic Cardiac, ECHOs, CAER Eyes and Thyroid!
Come get it all done at once, AT A DISCOUNT!
Hips and Elbows, performed by Lowcountry Vets - $240 (non-sedated)
Hips Only, performed by Lowcountry Vets - $205 (non-sedated)
Patellas, performed by Lowcountry Vets - $40
Thyroid Exams, provided by Lowcountry Vets - $65 (which includes shipping -- must have 20+ tests in all for this price)
Basic Cardiac, performed by Dr. Dan Hall, DACVIM - $60
ECHO (All Breeds), performed by Dr. Dan Hall, DACVM - $325
CAER Eye, performed by Dr. Nelson Pinto,
DACVO- $60
Please contact Laurie Wyatt at [email protected]

05/15/2026

Good Morning Dawn,

We received the 15 samples for testing, and everything has been processed. The results were sent on April 24th to the email addresses listed on the spreadsheet for each owner.
Sample owners can access their results by checking their email, or they can create an account through the account manager at www.portal.gensoldx.com using the email address provided on the spreadsheet. Once logged in, they can find their certificates under the RESULTS tab.

If anyone has issues accessing their results, please have them contact our customer service team by phone at

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Kind Regards,
Danielle
Marketing Assistant

02/26/2026

CORRECTION: There are two different QR codes for the Heart and Eye Clinics - updated on the graphic here.

The Boykin Spaniel Foundation invites you to our Annual Heart and Eye Certification Health Clinic, along with DNA testing, patellar evaluations, and a microchip clinic on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Camden City Arena, 517 Bull Street, Camden, SC.

This is an exclusive opportunity for BSS Members.

The Heart and Eye Certification Clinics are appointment only. Please use the QR codes on the graphic to reserve your spot.

The following services will be available on a first come, first served basis:
• Animal Genetics DNA Clinic featuring reduced cost DNA testing kits
• Patellar evaluations for $25
• Microchips for $10 per dog

Please bring a copy of your BSS registration and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth process.

As a valued Boykin Spaniel Society member, you are entitled to one complimentary heart certification and one complimentary eye certification clinic for your BSS registered dog with your current membership.

To further support the health of our breed, the Foundation will cover all OFA recording fees. Your dog’s information will be added to our Registry to strengthen important breed health data. Only aggregate data will be shared, and your privacy will be maintained.

If you choose not to report results to the OFA, veterinary fees will be $100 each for the heart and eye certifications.

02/24/2026

The Boykin Spaniel Foundation invites you to our Annual Heart and Eye Certification Health Clinic, along with DNA testing, patellar evaluations, and a microchip clinic on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Camden City Arena, 517 Bull Street, Camden, SC.

This is an exclusive opportunity for BSS Members.

The Heart and Eye Certification Clinics are appointment only. Please use the QR code on the graphic to reserve your spot.

The following services will be available on a first come, first served basis:
• Animal Genetics DNA Clinic featuring reduced cost DNA testing kits
• Patellar evaluations for $25
• Microchips for $10 per dog

Please bring a copy of your BSS registration and plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth process.

As a valued Boykin Spaniel Society member, you are entitled to one complimentary heart certification and one complimentary eye certification clinic for your BSS registered dog with your current membership.

To further support the health of our breed, the Foundation will cover all OFA recording fees. Your dog’s information will be added to our Registry to strengthen important breed health data. Only aggregate data will be shared, and your privacy will be maintained.

If you choose not to report results to the OFA, veterinary fees will be $100 each for the heart and eye certifications.

Please have your BSS membership number and your dog’s BSS registration number ready when you arrive for your appointment.

Do not miss this opportunity to champion the health and future of the Boykin Spaniel. Together, we can protect and preserve our beloved breed for generations to come.

02/01/2026

Discover the immense value of joining a local BSS Regional Club, where you can connect with fellow Boykin Spaniel owners and breeders in your area. These clubs not only foster a sense of community but also offer educational resources, networking opportunities, and events that enhance the ownership experience. Joining a club can lead to new friendships and collaborations that benefit both you and your beloved spaniel. Don't miss out on the chance to elevate your Boykin experience!