The City of Camden Celebrates Boykin Spaniel Week April 3-9
March 28, 2017
Week of events celebrates S.C. state dog, and Boykin Spaniel Society Annual National Field Trials begin April 6
The City of Camden has declared the week of April 3-9, 2017 Boykin Spaniel Week to celebrate South Carolina’s official state dog and has planned several events, including “The Great Camden Boykin Spaniel Puppy Hunt. Additionally, The Boykin Spaniel Society announce plans for the organization’s annual field trials in conjunction with Boykin Spaniel Week. The National Field Trials will test and feature the Boykin’s agility in the field and take place in Camden, Boykin and Rembert, S.C. April 6-9.
Boykin Spaniel Week events (April 3-9, 2017):
The Great Camden Boykin Spaniel Puppy Hunt
A unique scavenger hunt event, The Great Camden Boykin Spaniel Puppy Hunt, takes place during Boykin Spaniel Week, April 3-9 in Camden. The scavenger hunt allows participants to follow clues and search for 10 “little brown dogs” at merchants and restaurants in the Downtown District. Participants who find all 10 puppies on the scavenger hunt can enter to win prizes. Hunt headquarters is Books on Broad (944 Broad Street, Camden). For more information visit www.classicallycarolina.com/puppyhunt.
“We are so proud of our heritage in Camden, which includes the Boykin spaniel,” said Suzi Sale, tourism development director for Camden. “This scavenger hunt educates families about our official state dog, the Boykin, and introduces visitors to some of our great downtown Camden shops and restaurants.”
“The Little Brown Dog” at Camden Archives & Museum
Camden Archives & Museum (1314 Broad Street) hosts the permanent exhibit, “The Little Brown Dog,” which is the story of how L. Whitaker Boykin and a small stray dog, “Dumpy,” made history in the 1900s. Admission to the museum and exhibit are free. For more information, visit www.classicallycarolina.com/little-brown-dog.
Boykin Spaniel National Field Trials
More than 200 Boykin spaniels will compete in the annual Boykin Spaniel National Field Trials, April 6-9. Members of the general public are encouraged to attend the field trials and many other events, including activities and games for children, planned in coordination at City Arena and in Camden. Maps for field trial locations are available at City Arena (416 Broad Street).
The championship includes stakes for novice, puppy, intermediate and an open category of Boykin trials judged by trained, volunteer judges. Any Boykin spaniel is encouraged to participate in the Natural Ability stakes, where dogs from the Boykin Spaniel Rescue and Operation Little Brown Dog will also compete.
Additionally, the Boykin Spaniel Foundation will sponsor free eye and heart clinics as well as other genetic testing to one Boykin per household on Thursday, April 6 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at City Arena.
“This is a once-a-year opportunity to gather with other Boykin owners and brag on your dog or commiserate,” said Bill Crites, Hunt Test Chairman for the Boykin Spaniel Society. “This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 40th anniversary and, as always, the Boykin, whose home is here in South Carolina.”
For more information on Boykin Spaniel Week in Camden, visit, ClassicallyCarolina.com. A full schedule of National Field Trial events, entry forms and tickets are available at BoykinSpaniel.org.
