Boykin Spaniel health: what owners should know

Hip dysplasia is one of the most significant health concerns in the breed, and responsible breeders screen hips before breeding. Other conditions reported include exercise-induced collapse (EIC), degenerative myelopathy, eye conditions such as collie eye anomaly, luxating patellas and ear infections. DNA tests exist for EIC, degenerative myelopathy and collie eye anomaly.

Keep your dog lean, dry the ears after swimming, and ask breeders for hip scores and DNA test results. See a vet if your dog becomes wobbly or collapses after intense exercise, shows lameness or stiffness, or scratches and shakes its head frequently.