boykin

[duckpappy]

i am thinking about gettin a boykin and i was wondering some of yalls experience with them compared to a lab. i hunt some swamps and small rivers but also hunt alot of big water i was wondering how well they would hold up in a strong current
thanks

[willyworm]

Use the search function man. Search on it and you can read for days if you wanted to. This subject has been beaten to pulp. Lab lovers will stay true to their breed and boykin owners will sing their praises. Both breeds are great and come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

[duckpappy]

thanks man that what i been doing for a while just thought i would throw it out there again and see if any new infomation is out there

[fracas714]

I have a Boykin & a Lab and in my experience with the hunting I do, in the dove field and for marsh hens I like the Boykin. They take the heat better than a lab. In duck, goose hunting in all conditions my lab does a better job, they take the cold, rough water conditions better. I take them both to Nodak for pheasants and it's a toss up, they both get the job done. I trained both my dogs and what ever short comings they have is my fault. A lab will be easier to train, they take correction better and respond faster. If you buy either be sure to check out the bloodlines, there is a better chance of finding a good lab than Boykin. I'm sorry to be so long winded but when I have to replace either dog I will get another Boykin, they just have a special place in my heart for the little brown dog.

[duckpappy]

thanks for the input we are still deciding, this new dog will be mainly for my wife but something i can use for ducks and geese also. i will be doing most of the training on what ever we decide on i have not ever trained a gun dog. but i have trained several stock dogs (cow dogs), i do have a friend that owns a kennel and raises both boykins and labs here in the lowcountry that will help with some of the fine tuning. we are wanting to start going to some field trials and hunt test with. so im sure it will be an adventure either way we decide to go. thanks again

[willyworm]

If you train the dog it will become yours. Did it with the family dog at my house. She doesn't listen to my wife at all, and it's her dog.

[Professor]

Ever thought about an American Water Spaniel; the breed that started the Boykin? More cold tolerant than a Boykin and will retrieve/flush anything.
Professor

[duckpappy]

no i havent but we will look into that also right now we are wanting to keep our options open and not get in a rush in order to make the right choice .

[buckfarmer]

i am thinking about gettin a boykin and i was wondering some of yalls experience with them compared to a lab. i hunt some swamps and small rivers but also hunt alot of big water i was wondering how well they would hold up in a strong current
thanks

Why are you considering getting a Boykin? It's an easy choice because a lab is better in every category than a Boykin is (speed, brains, trainability, etc), and if the small size of a Boykin is attractive to you, then get a small lab. Just ask any dog trainer, and 99.99/100 would agree with this statement. I guess Boykins actually are better in one area because I think they shed less. Good luck in whatever you choose!

[LabLuvR]

Boykins are some damn good dogs. I prefer labs because I believe their size gives them advantages in timber and marsh situations, not to mention handling geese etc. In my view it's just less strain on the larger animal.

[Sportin' Woodies]

I've seen a 25lb Boykin manhandle a live goose. The same dog can catch squirrels and flying doves.

[timwill]

15 year emotional investment. I am sure there are exceptions, but Boykins are not goose or big/cold water dogs.

[buckfarmer]

thanks for the input we are still deciding, this new dog will be mainly for my wife but something i can use for ducks and geese also. i will be doing most of the training on what ever we decide on i have not ever trained a gun dog. but i have trained several stock dogs (cow dogs), i do have a friend that owns a kennel and raises both boykins and labs here in the lowcountry that will help with some of the fine tuning. we are wanting to start going to some field trials and hunt test with. so im sure it will be an adventure either way we decide to go. thanks again

If you're about to start watching labs and Boykins in hunt tests, then the differences will be obvious to you. Just notice that while Boykins are spastic, and appear to move quickly, they definitely slow the test down considerably because they are very slow compared to labs. Also, you won't see Boykins in field trials, and there is a reason for that!

[LabLuvR]

I've seen a 25lb Boykin manhandle a live goose. The same dog can catch squirrels and flying doves.

She sure as hell can. Kate is the biggest reason I now love Boykins!

[Griffin]

would you buy a two wheel drive truck strictly for off road?

[Professor]

no i havent but we will look into that also right now we are wanting to keep our options open and not get in a rush in order to make the right choice .

I don't know where you are, but why don't you come to Wedgefield to see my AWS work. He just might change your mind about any other breed period.
At 44 pounds, he will run over a Mallard to pick up a goose.
Professor

[CTIMBER]

If you train the dog it will become yours. Did it with the family dog at my house. She doesn't listen to my wife at all, and it's her dog.

Very true

[buckfarmer]

would you buy a two wheel drive truck strictly for off road?

This^^

You can duck hunt with a 410 if you're looking for a challenge, but why would you?

[Duckman#1]

Without trashing another breed I'm goin with a Lab. Just get what suits your style.

[duckpappy]

I don't know where you are, but why don't you come to Wedgefield to see my AWS work. He just might change your mind about any other breed period.
At 44 pounds, he will run over a Mallard to pick up a goose.
Professor

thanks guys we are still looking we have plenty of time to figure it all out i do really appreciate all the advice. professor we may be getting in touch with you to do that some time