Boykin Spaniel vs Treeing Walker Coonhound

Which dog breed is right for you?

Boykin Spaniel

Size
25–40 lbs, 14–18 in
Lifespan
10–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Friendly Energetic Eager-to-please Trainable

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Size
50–70 lbs, 20–27 in
Lifespan
12–13 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Friendly Smart Energetic

About the Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina's official state dog, developed in the early 1900s near the Wateree River for hunting wild turkey and retrieving ducks from small boats in the swamps. Standing 14–18 inches tall and weighing 25–40 pounds, the Boykin is a compact, muscular spaniel with a rich, solid liver or chocolate-colored coat that can be flat to slightly wavy with moderate feathering. Their medium-length, water-resistant coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting, particularly around the ears and legs.

Temperament & Personality

Boykin Spaniels are enthusiastic, friendly, and eager to please — they combine the drive of a working retriever with the affectionate, easygoing nature of a companion spaniel. They are wonderful with children and other dogs, and their manageable size and cheerful disposition make them excellent family pets. They have a strong desire to be near their people and excel at reading their owner's emotions, making them naturally intuitive companions.

Pros

  • Versatile hunting dog that doubles as an affectionate family companion
  • Compact enough for small boats and homes, yet sturdy enough for fieldwork
  • Friendly, sociable temperament — gets along with children, dogs, and even cats
  • Enthusiastic swimmer and retriever, perfect for families who enjoy water activities

Cons

  • Requires significant daily exercise — both physical and mental — to prevent restlessness
  • Prone to exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and hip dysplasia
  • Ears are susceptible to infections due to their floppy, pendulous shape
  • Can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods

This charming Southern sporting dog could be your ideal companion — find adoptable Boykin Spaniels on Puplister.

About the Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound was developed in the United States from Walker Foxhounds in the mid-20th century, selectively bred for their exceptional ability to trail game and "tree" raccoons by chasing them up a tree and baying until the hunter arrives. These elegant, athletic hounds stand 20 to 27 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a lean, muscular build and the classic tricolor pattern — white, black, and tan — reminiscent of their foxhound ancestry. Their short, smooth coat is dense and protective, well-suited for long hours working through brush and rough terrain.

Temperament & Personality

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are confident, intelligent, and affable — possessing a friendly, sociable nature that makes them enjoyable companions both in the field and at home. They are gentle with children, typically welcoming to strangers, and usually get along well with other dogs, especially those they've been raised with. Their hunting instincts run deep, however, and they can switch from couch potato to tireless tracker the moment an interesting scent crosses their path.

Pros

  • Friendly, easygoing temperament — excellent with families and other dogs
  • Low-maintenance coat needing only weekly brushing
  • Superb endurance for hiking, running, and outdoor adventures
  • Generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 13 years

Cons

  • Extremely vocal — loud baying and howling are a defining breed trait
  • Powerful scent drive makes off-leash reliability very challenging
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — bored Walkers can be destructive
  • Prone to ear infections and hip dysplasia

Treeing Walker Coonhounds bring athletic grace and a sweet disposition to any home — explore available listings on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Boykin Spaniel and a Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Boykin Spaniel is 25–40 lbs, 14–18 in sized while the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in sized. They differ in size (25–40 lbs, 14–18 in vs 50–70 lbs, 20–27 in), lifespan (10–15 years vs 12–13 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Boykin Spaniel or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
Boykin Spaniel is generally good with kids. Treeing Walker Coonhound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Boykin Spaniel or Treeing Walker Coonhound?
The Boykin Spaniel has a lifespan of 10–15 years while the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a lifespan of 12–13 years.

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