General Appearance
The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes and work ground with relative ease. The American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a marcel to curly coat. Emphasis is placed on proper size and a symmetrical relationship of parts, texture of coat and color.

Size, Proportion, Substance
15 to 18 inches for either sex. Males weighing 30-45 lbs. Females weighing 25-40 lbs. Females tend to be slightly smaller than the males. There is no preference for size within the given range of either sex providing correct proportion, good substance and balance is maintained. Proportion--is slightly longer than tall, not too square or compact. However, exact proportion is not as important as the dog being well-balanced and sound, capable of performing the breed's intended function. Substance --a solidly built and well-muscled dog full of strength and quality. The breed has as much substance and bone as necessary to carry the muscular structure but not so much as to appear clumsy.

Head
The head must be in proportion to the overall dog. Moderate in length. Expression is alert, self-confident, attractive and intelligent. Medium size eyes set well apart, while slightly rounded, should not appear protruding or bulging. Lids tight, not drooping. Eye color can range from a light yellowish brown to brown, hazel or of dark tone to harmonize with coat. Disqualify yellow eyes. Yellow eyes are a bright color like that of lemon, not to be confused with the light yellowish brown. Ears set slightly above the eye line but not too high on the head, lobular, long and wide with leather extending to nose.
Skull rather broad and full, stop moderately defined, but not too pronounced. Muzzle moderate in length, square with good depth. No inclination to snipiness, The lips are clean and tight without excess skin or flews. Nose dark in color, black or dark brown. The nose sufficiently wide and with well-developed nostrils to insure good scenting power. Bite either scissor or level.

Neck, Topline, Body
Neck round and of medium length, strong and muscular, free of throatiness, set to carry head with dignity, but arch not accentuated. Topline level or slight, straight slope from withers. Body well-developed, sturdily constructed but not too compactly coupled. Well-developed brisket extending to elbow neither too broad nor too narrow. The ribs well-sprung, but not so well-sprung that they interfere with the movement of the front assembly. The loins strong, but not having a tucked-up look. Tail is moderate in length, curved in a rocker fashion, can be carried either slightly below or above the level of the back. The tail is tapered, lively and covered with hair with moderate feathering.

Forequarters
Shoulders sloping, clean and muscular. Legs medium in length, straight and well-boned but not so short as to handicap for field work or so heavy as to appear clumsy. Pasterns strong with no suggestion of weakness. Toes closely grouped, webbed and well-padded. Size of feet to harmonize with size of dog. Front dewclaws are permissible.

Hindquarters
Well-developed hips and thighs with the whole rear assembly showing strength and drive. The hock joint slightly rounded, should not be small and sharp in contour, moderately angulated. Legs from hock joint to foot pad moderate in length, strong and straight with good bone structure. Hocks parallel.

Coat
Coat can range from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled. The amount of waves or curls can vary from one area to another on the dog. It is important to have undercoat to provide sufficient density to be of protection against weather, water or punishing cover, yet not too coarse or too soft. The throat, neck and rear of the dog well-covered with hair. The ear well-covered with hair on both sides with ear canal evident upon inspection. Forehead covered with short smooth hair and without topknot. Tail covered with hair to tip with moderate feathering. Legs have moderate feathering with waves or curls to harmonize with coat of dog. Coat may be trimmed to present a wellgroomed appearance; the ears may be shaved; but neither is required.

Color
Color either solid liver, brown or dark chocolate. A little white on toes and chest permissible.

Gait
The American Water Spaniel moves with well-balanced reach and drive. Watching a dog move toward one, there should be no signs of elbows being out. Upon viewing the dog from the rear, one should get the impression that the hind legs, which should be well-muscled and not cowhocked, move as nearly parallel as possible, with hocks doing their full share of work and flexing well, thus giving the appearance of power and strength.

Temperament
Demeanor indicates intelligence, eagerness to please and friendly. Great energy and eagerness for the hunt yet controllable in the field.

Disqualification
Yellow eyes.

Approved March 13, 1990
Effective May 1, 1990

Best In Show:

Pointer -- Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry

Sporting Group:

1st Place -- Pointer -- Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry
2nd Place -- English Setter -- Ch. Reidwood Red Alert
3rd Place -- English Cocker Spaniel -- Ch. Cobblestone Tuscany Corazon
4th Place -- English Springer Spaniel -- Ch. Cerise Jesse James

Hound Group:

1st Place --Harrier -- Ch. Downhome Family Tradition
2nd Place -- Rhodesian Ridgeback -- Ch. Of Afrikka Spring Valley Dorian Gray JC
3rd Place -- Black & Tan Coonhound -- Ch. Windbourne High Performance
4th Place -- Scottish Deerhound -- Ch. Gayleward's Tiger Woods

Working Group:

1st Place -- Boxer -- Ch. Dramatic Story Of Sherry Shoot JP
2nd Place -- Great Dane -- Ch. Maitau's Eye Candy V MJM
3rd Place -- Siberian Husky -- Ch. Coventry's Peace Negotiator
4th Place -- Bullmastiff -- Ch. Ishana's Play It Again, Sam

Terrier Group:

1st Place --Airedale Terrier -- Ch. Stirling Cool Hand Luke
2nd Place -- Fox Terrier - Wire -- Ch. Tamedale Orinoco
3rd Place -- Bull Terrier - White -- Ch. Action Chaos And Charisma
4th Place -- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier -- Ch. Kincora Tara Gold Digger

Toy Group:

1st Place -- Pug -- Ch. Tupelo Shoboat Tu China Tu
2nd Place -- English Toy Spaniel - B&PC -- Ch. Beauprix Baritone
3rd Place -- Miniature Pinscher -- Ch. Kimro's Soldier Boy
4th Place -- Havanese -- Ch. Fuzzy Farm Devil Made Me Do It

Non-Sporting Group:

1st Place -- Finnish Spitz -- Ch. Pikkinokka Ice Caps Finn McCool
2nd Place -- Lhasa Apso -- Ch. My Thai Ta Sen Halleluiah Chorus
3rd Place -- French Bulldog -- Ch. Justus I'm Your Man
4th Place -- Tibetan Terrier -- Ch. Atisha's VSOP Courvoisier

Herding Group:

1st Place --Briard -- Ch. K'Instant Succes Moravia Campanella
2nd Place -- Border Collie -- Ch. Brackenhill Toucho Of Bonclyde
3rd Place -- Bearded Collie -- Ch. Brigadoon's Firecracker
4th Place -- Shetland Sheepdog -- Ch. Suntera City Life

Rio Denim Cotton Donut Bed

The oval outer ring provides a feeling of "security" and comfort for your pet, while the removable "tufted" cushion can be used as a crate or travel mat. Bolster and bottom cushion contain 100% "high-memory" polyester fibre. All our products have zippered covers that can be easily removed for machine wash and dry. Wash on cool setting and tumble dry on cool. All our cushions are "tufted" to ensure fibre does not clump or shift when washing. Put the entire cushion in the washing machine. We use the highest quality, furniture-grade, 100% virgin polyester fibre fill for superior loft and resilience.

Click on picture or click here for more information.




Green Toile Cotton Donut Bed

The oval outer ring provides a feeling of "security" and comfort for your pet, while the removable "tufted" cushion can be used as a crate or travel mat. Bolster and bottom cushion contain 100% "high-memory" polyester fibre. All our products have zippered covers that can be easily removed for machine wash and dry. Wash on cool setting and tumble dry on cool. All our cushions are "tufted" to ensure fibre does not clump or shift when washing. Put the entire cushion in the washing machine. We use the highest quality, furniture-grade, 100% virgin polyester fibre fill for superior loft and resilience.

Click Here or on picture for more information.



Black Armadillo Dutchie Bed

The latest trend-setting design by Bowsers. The Dutchie's clean lines and overstuffed bolsters, combined with zippered covers for easy washing, make this a stylish and practical addition to the home. Bolster and bottom cushion contain 100% "high-memory" polyester fibre. Wash on cool setting and tumble dry on cool. Bolster must be hand-washed. All our cushions are "tufted" to ensure fibre does not clump or shift when washing. Put the entire cushion in the washing machine. We use the highest quality, furniture-grade, 100% virgin polyester fibre fill for superior loft and resilience. Hair will not stick to the microvelvet fabric! This remarkable fabric actually repels pet hair, dirt and moisture. In fact, most of our customers simply vacuum or shake-off pet hair! Although all our fabrics are furniture weight, our strongest fabrics are the microvelvets. These fabrics are constructed with nylon making them 6 - 8 times stronger than cottons. They stand up best to repeated washing and wear and maintain their great look and feel for years. Best of all, the microvelvets get softer after every wash.

Click Here or on the picture for more information.



Flower Power Sierra Microvetlvet

The latest trend-setting design by Bowsers. The Dutchie's clean lines and overstuffed bolsters, combined with zippered covers for easy washing, make this a stylish and practical addition to the home. Bolster and bottom cushion contain 100% "high-memory" polyester fibre. Wash on cool setting and tumble dry on cool. All our cushions are "tufted" to ensure fibre does not clump or shift when washing. Put the entire cushion in the washing machine. We use the highest quality, furniture-grade, 100% virgin polyester fibre fill for superior loft and resilience. Hair will not stick to the microvelvet fabric! This remarkable fabric actually repels pet hair, dirt and moisture. In fact, most of our customers simply vacuum or shake-off pet hair! Although all our fabrics are furniture weight, our strongest fabrics are the microvelvets. These fabrics are constructed with nylon making them 6 - 8 times stronger than cottons. They stand up best to repeated washing and wear and maintain their great look and feel for years. Best of all, the microvelvets get softer after every wash.

Click Here or on picture for more information.

Best In Show:

German Shepherd Dog -- CH. WOODSIDE’S PACINO

Sporting Group:

1st Place -- Clumber Spaniel -- CH. CASMIR GUNS N RED ROSES
2nd Place -- Brittany -- CH. CHILCOTE'S TALK ABOUT ME
3rd Place -- German Wirehaired Pointer -- CH. DARNELLES ALL THAT GLITTERS
4th Place -- Golden Retriever -- DE LA VEGA JERSEY GIRL

Hound Group:

1st Place -- Petit Bassett Griffon Vendeen -- CH. ROKEENA CARTE BLANCHE
2nd Place -- Saluki -- CH. KHIVA'S PROPHET OF BAHA
3rd Place -- Rhodesian Ridgeback -- CH. KIMANI'S SNEAK PREVIEW
4th Place -- Afghan Hound -- HASHIRIN'S INGENIOUS SEVENTH SAMURAI

Working Group:

1st Place -- Doberman Pinscher -- CH. ALLURE BLAZING STAR ALISATON
2nd Place -- Rottweiler -- CH. RAVENCREST THE ALCHEMIST
3rd Place -- Bullmastiff -- CH. RED VICO WOKS IN PARADISE
4th Place -- Portuguese Water Dog -- CH. CAMLIN SEA DANCER MAKITSO SECRETARIAT

Terrier Group:

1st Place -- Wire Fox Terrier -- CH. TOPWYRE CANDY MAN
2nd Place -- Parson Russell Terrier -- CH. BAYSHORE'S SNEAK PREVIEW
3rd Place -- Norfolk Terrier -- CH. YARROW VENERIE VIGNETTE
4th Place -- Border Terrier -- CH. STANDISH'S TOTAL KNOCK OUT

Toy Group:

1st Place -- Chihuahua - Long -- CH. TRADEWINDS STAR DUST
2nd Place -- Pekingese -- CH. FRANSHAW HEAR ME ROAR
3rd Place -- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel -- CH. MONDRAIN VH LAMSLAG RE
4th Place -- Silky Terrier -- CH. LAMPLIGHTER'S BINGO

Non-Sporting Group:

1st Place -- Lhasa Apso -- CH. TARA HUFF EDREY STARBUCK
2nd Place -- Standard Poodle -- CH. CHRYSTAL'S TOTALLY CHROMED OUT
3rd Place -- Tibetan Terrier -- CH. ARAKI TINCKLE WINCKLE OF DIALYNNE
4th Place -- Schipperke -- CH. STARSHIP'S I'M A BELIEVER

Herding Group:

1st Place -- German Shepherd Dog -- CH. WOODSIDE'S PACINO
2nd Place -- Bouvier des Flandres -- CH. G&W GRESA MAZEL
3rd Place -- Old English Sheepdog -- CH. ROLLINGVIEW BEAT OF MY HEART
4th Place -- Pembroke Welsh Corgi -- BAYMOOR LEVITATION

Event	Event Date	Location	Details
All-Beed Shows	December 1, 2008	Scott Stell Community Park, 383 Bush Road Savannah, GA	Cancelled due to flooding at the show site.

The December 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be held in Long Beach, CA, on December 13 and 14, 2008.

Eligibility to enter the event is based on the Junior's accomplishments in the show ring and in the classroom.

The requirements are:
Juniors must have 5 first place wins in an Open Class, with competition present. Wins must be earned between October 10, 2007 and October 7, 2008. Juniors must be under 18 years of age at the time of the wins. Age on the day of the show has no bearing.
Juniors must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 or equivalent for the two semesters completed immediately prior to the closing of entries. GPA must be verified by an official school transcript or home school information sent in and received by AKC prior to the entry form being sent to the Junior.

Please submit official transcripts or home school information no later than October 12, 2008. Transcripts or home school information received AFTER October 12, 2008, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED and no invitation/entry form will be sent. Transcripts may be sent as soon as the current semester ends. It is the Junior's responsibility to ensure that AKC has received all necessary documentation.

Please send to: AKC, 8051 Arco Corporate Dr, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27617-3390 Attn: Juniors.
Dogs must conform to eligibility requirements as described in Conformation Junior Showmanship Regulations.
A signed parental permission form must be retuned to the address listed above.
All Juniors entered will compete in Preliminary classes, in which a specified number of Juniors will be selected by the judges to compete in Finals. Placements are not made in the preliminary classes.

The December 2008 judges for Junior Showmanship are Peter Kubacz and Jennifer Pahl (Preliminaries) and Randy Garren will judge the Best Junior Finals.
List of Juniors with 5 qualifying wins
List of Juniors who have met both criteria
Parental Permission Form
For questions regarding the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, email Invitational@akc.org.

The American Kennel Club has held the National Agility Championship since 1996. We would like to congratulate all the winners.

Champion Teams

2008

8" - Daneka Hedges and Allie (Papillon)
12" - Dee Anna Gamel and Kelsi (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Kate Moureaux and Driven (Border Collie)
20" - Kendall Fairchild and Teak (Border Collie)
24" - Carrie K Jones and Jive (Border Collie)
26" - Geri Hernandez and Focus (Border Collie)

2007

8" - Kimberly Sisak and Phoebe (Papillon)
12" - Michelle Beardsley and Willow (Australian Shepherd)
16" - Ashley Deacon and Luka (Pyrenean Shepherd)
20" - Paulena Renee Hope and Smart As (Border Collie)
24" - Gerry Brown and Sterling (Border Collie)
26" - Daisy Peel and Jester (Border Collie)

2006

8" - Robin Kletke and Tigger (Papillon)
12" - Barbara Davis and Rock-It (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Elicia Calhoun and Suni (Australian Shepherd)
20" - Kate Moureaux and Quick (Border Collie)
24" - Gerry Brown and Sterling (Border Collie)

2005

8" - Robin Kletke and Tigger (Papillon)
12" - Christine Frank and Kimie (Miniature Schnauzer)
16" - Leland Perry and Matilda (Australian Shepherd)
20" - Terry Smorch and Remy (Border Collie)
24" - Linda Mecklenburg and Stellar (Border Collie)

2003

8" - Robin Kletke and Tigger (Papillon)
12" - Tom Reed and JoJo (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Elicia Calhoun and Suni (Australian Shepherd)
20" - Terry Smorch and Remy (Border Collie)
24" - Gerry Brown and Sterling (Border Collie)

2002

8" - Judith Bowers and Trey (Papillon)
12" - Christine Yankowski and Kevin (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Leland Perry and Matilda (Australian Shepherd)
20" - Terry Smorch and Remy (Border Collie)
24" - Nancy Gyes and Riot (Border Collie)

2001

8" - Kay Jackson and Sam (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
12" - Karen Gaydos and Casey (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Jeannie Lavalley and Taz (Shetland Sheepdog)
20" - Terry Smorch and Remy (Border Collie)
24" - Nancy Gyes and Riot (Border Collie)

2000

8" - Debbie Moore and April (Toy Poodle)
12" - Kathie Leggett and Heather (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Erin Schaefer and Jag (Shetland Sheepdog)
20" - Paulena Renee Hope and Time Flies (Border Collie)
24" - Linda Wallace Kipp and Jessie (Border Collie)

1999

8" - Debbie Moore and April (Toy Poodle)
12" - Kathie Leggett and Heather (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Terry Smorch and Pixie (Keeshond)
20" - Paulena Renee Hope and Flurry (Border Collie)
24" - Linda Wallace Kipp and Jessie (Border Collie)

1998

8" - Debbie Moore and April (Toy Poodle)
12" - Donna Webster and Promise (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Terry Smorch and Pixie (Keeshond)
20" - Carol Fatheree and Partee (Border Collie)
24" - Stuart Mah and Recce (Border Collie)

1997

8" - Claudia McGuire and Mac (Toy Poodle)
12" - Ken Boyd and Becky (Pembroke Welsh Corgi)
16" - Terry Smorch and Pixie (Keeshond)
20" - Cindy Brick and Raven (Border Collie)
24" - Maggie Downie and Kelsey (Golden Retriever)

1996

8" - Barbara Cecil and Celina (Papillon)
12" - Dixie Noble and Delta (Shetland Sheepdog)
16" - Jacqueline Austin and Fast Eddie (Smooth Fox Terrier)
20" - Karen Moureaux and Dallas (Border Collie)
24" - Barbara Benner and Lexy (Belgian Malinois)

International Class Winners

2008

Mini - Dee Anna Gamel and Kelsi (Shetland Sheepdog)
Midi - Angie Benacquisto and Dylan (Rat Terrier)
Maxi - Jef Blake and Voucher (Border Collie)

2007

Mini - Dee Anna Gamel and Kelsi (Shetland Sheepdog)
Midi - Nancy Kleinhans and Jimmy Dean (Shetland Sheepdog)
Maxi - Silvina Bruera and Maja (Border Collie)

2006

Mini - Joan Meyer and Neil, Shetland Sheepdog
Midi - Jennifer Crank and Guess, Shetland Sheepdog
Maxi - Sherry Kluever and Ransom, Border Collie

2005

Mini - Erin Schaefer and Jag (Shetland Sheepdog)
Midi - Barbara Davis and P.J. (Shetland Sheepdog)
Maxi - Sherry Kluever and Ransom (Border Collie)

2003

Mini - Roger Coor and Moso (Papillon)
Midi - Ginsey Nickles and Coup (Cocker Spaniel)
Maxi - Gerry Brown and Sterling (Border Collie)

2002

Mini - Cheryl Fischer and Turbo (Papillon)
Midi - Jennifer Crank and Guess (Shetland Sheepdog)
Maxi - Nancy Gyes and Riot (Border Collie)

2001

Mini - Jeannie Lavalley and Taz (Shetland Sheepdog)
Maxi - Linda Kipp and Jessie (Border Collie)

2000

Mini - Erin Schaefer and Jag (Shetland Sheepdog)
Maxi - Linda Mecklenburg and Awesome (Border Collie)

1999

Mini - Diane Bauman and Torville (Cocker Spaniel)
Maxi - Steve Frick and Comet (Border Collie)

1998

Mini - Diane Bauman and Torville (Cocker Spaniel)
Maxi - Gerry Brown and Larrie (Border Collie)

1997

Mini - Judy Keller and Morgan (Shetland Sheepdog)
Maxi - Linda Mecklenburg and Nifty (Border Collie)

State Team Tournament Winners

2008

1st - Wisconsin
Ann Braue and Spree, Border Collie
Ann Braue and Scream, Border Collie
Doug Brejcha and Lexi, Australian Shepherd
Tammy Cutsforth and Skye, Golden Retriever

2007

1st - Virginia
Carrie Jones and Jive, Border Collie
Susan Heckelman and Player, Border Collie
Barbara Bicksler and Sydney, Shetland Sheepdog
Glroia Smith and Surge, Border Collie

2006

1st Place - Illinois
Diane Sanders and Streak, Border Collie
Susan Rolek and Elan, Border Collie
Diane Sanders and Ace, Parson Russell Terrier
Anthony J. Montagano and Chassis, Border Collie

2005

1st Place: Massachusetts
Erin Schaefer and Jag, Shetland Sheepdog
Laura Dolan and Remi, Shetland Sheepdog
Paula Orcutt, DVM and Brig, Golden Retriever
Victoria Harkins and Trendi, Shetland Sheepdog

2003

1st Place: Texas
Thomas Causey and Tracy, Golden Retriever
Judith Bowers and Trey, Papillon
Maggie Downey and Kelsey, Golden Retriever
Gerry Brown and Sterling, Border Collie

2002

1st Place: Georgia
Steve Frick and Comet, Border Collie
Steve Frick and Maggie, Border Collie
Jonathan Musser and Morgan, Cardigan Welsh Corgi
Iva McGraw and Eliza, Pembroke Welsh Corgi

2001

1st Place: Michigan
Christine Frank and Boogie, Jack Russell Terrier
Christine Frank and Hogan, Jack Russell Terrier
Bill Pender and Ruby, Jack Russell Terrier
Kathy Wells and Houston, Border Collie

2000

1st Place: Ohio
Claudia Frank and Guy, Shetland Sheepdog
Joann Jozwiak and Dougal, Scottish Terrier
Linda Mecklenburg and Awesome, Border Collie
Linda Mecklenburg and Spiffy, Border Collie

1999

1st Place: Minnesota
Karen Duke and Tango, Border Collie
Brett Duke and Rebel Bob, Border Collie
Terry Smorch and Pixie, Keeshond
Debbie Brink and Duder, Shetland Sheepdog

1998

1st Place: Illinois
Karen Holik and Sez, Shetland Sheepdog
Marietta Huber and Squiggles, Beagle
Marietta Huber and Wrangler, Labrador Retriever
Rae Tanner and Saydie, Yorkshire Terrier

The 2009 AKC National Agility Championship will be held March 27 - March 29, 2009. Dogs must meet qualifications to be eligible to enter this event. The event will be held at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord, NC. The qualifying period is December 1, 2007 through and including November 30, 2008. Therefore, exhibitors should keep track of any double qualifying scores and MACH points earned during this time period. Dogs will be eligible to enter this event if they earn at least 6 Double Q's & 400 MACH points from the Regular Excellent B Standard & Jumpers With Weaves class during the qualifying period.

The American Kennel Club® announced today that it is rolling out a new training program geared towards puppies and their owners. The AKC S.T.A.R.^sm Puppy Program will reward responsible owners who take the time to train and socialize their new puppies. The program is a natural pre-curser to the AKC Canine Good Citizen® Test. "S.T.A.R." stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner, all of the things a puppy needs to have a good life.

Start life on the "right paw." "The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program will provide dog owners with the tools to raise and train their dog responsibly and prepare the puppy to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen," said Dr. Mary Burch, AKC CGC Director.

To get started, owners enroll in any puppy or basic training class that is at least six weeks long and instructed by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator. Classes will include valuable training tips for puppy owners – such as how to housetrain – and lessons on practical skills for puppies -such as coming when called. The program is open to all dogs. Puppies can begin training as soon as they have the necessary vaccines and they can enroll in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy at any point up until their first birthday.

"We want to do our part to make sure all puppies have a good life," added Dr. Burch. "Early training and socialization along with teaching the owner the necessary skills is the key to having a well-behaved, well-adjusted dog and ensuring that dogs don’t end up in shelters because of behavior problems."

At the end of the training course, the CGC Evaluator will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Upon passing, owners and their puppies will be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program and will receive an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy package which includes:

• A frameable certificate
• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
• AKC Puppy Handbook
• Discount enrollment in AKC Companion Animal Recovery
• Subscription to monthly e-mail newsletter that includes training tips

General Appearance
The Boykin Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all-around hunting dog, with a neat compact body. The Boykin Spaniel is medium in size, with emphasis placed on his hunting abilities, characterized by flushing and retrieving, with moderate speed and agility. With his pendulous ears, intelligent expression, sturdy build and friendly wagging tail proclaim him part of the spaniel family.

Size, Proportion, Substance
The Boykin Spaniel is built to cover all types of ground conditions with agility and reasonable speed. He should appear as a dog for the endurance of a full day hunt with good but not too heavy bone. He should be kept to a medium size. He should be well-balanced and sound, showing the ability for the breed's intended function. He is solidly built, with moderate bone, and smooth firm muscles. A well balanced dog, somewhat longer than tall. When measured from the point of shoulder to the buttocks it is slightly longer than from the withers to the ground. The ideal height for dogs is 15 ½ - 18 inches at the withers; bitches 14 - 16 ½ inches at the withers. Faults: A dog that is either too long in body or too long in leg is not in keeping with the standard. Dogs that are large or heavy as well as those that are slight shall be equally penalized.

Head
The head must be in proportion with the size of the dog. The Boykin's Expression is alert, self-confident, attractive and intelligent. His Eyes are varying shades of brown, set well apart, medium size and oval shaped, trusting, and should not be protruding or bulging. The Bokyin Spaniels' Ears are set slightly above or even with the line of the eye. The leather of the ear is thin and when pulled forward should almost reach the tip of the nose. The ears hang close to the cheeks and are flat. The Skull is medium length fairly broad, flat on top, slightly rounded at the sides and back. The occiput bone is inconspicuous. The stop is moderate. When viewed from the side the nasal bone and the top of the skull form two parallel lines. The Muzzle is approximately the same length as the skull, viewed from the top the width of the muzzle is approximately 1/2 the width of the skull. The distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput is about the same length as occiput to the base of the neck. The jaws are of sufficient length to allow the dog to carry game easily with no inclination of snipiness. His Nose is to be fully pigmented, dark liver in color with well opened nostrils. The Lips are close fitting and clean, without excess skin or flews. The Bite should be scissors or level but scissors is preferred. Overshot or undershot bites are serious faults and should be penalized.

Neck, Topline, Body
The Neck is moderately long, muscular, slightly arched at the crest and gradually blends into sloping shoulders. The Back is straight, strong and essentially level. Loins are short, strong with a slight tuck up. His Body is sturdily constructed but not too compact. The shoulders of the Boykin Spaniel are sloping. The Brisket is well developed but not barreled, extending to the elbow and not too broad or narrow as to interfere with movement. The croup slopes gently to the set of the tail, and the tail-set follows the natural line of the croup. Tail is docked to a length of 3-5 inches when fully mature. The tails carriage should be carried horizontally or slightly elevated and displays a characteristic lively, merry action, particularly when the dog is on game.

A clamped tail (indicating timidity or undependable temperament) is to be faulted as a tail carried at a right angle to the backline.

Forequarters
The Boykin Spaniels' shoulders are sloping, clean and muscular. His legs medium in length, straight and well boned but not too short as to handicap for field work or so heavy as too appear clumsy. The pasterns strong with no suggestions of weakness. The toes closely grouped, webbed and well padded. The feet are round, compact, well-arched, of medium size with thick pads. Dewclaws should be removed.

Hindquarters
The Boykin Spaniel has well developed hips and thighs with the whole rear assembly showing strength and drive. The hock joint slightly rounded, should not be small or sharp in contour, moderately angulated. Legs from hock joint to foot pad moderate in length, strong and straight with good bone structure. His hocks are parallel.

Coat
The Boykin Spaniel has both an undercoat and an outer coat. The coat can range from flat to slightly wavy, with medium length, on the outer coat. The undercoat is short, and dense. The ears, chest, legs and belly are equipped with light fringe or feathering. His coat may be trimmed to have a well groomed appearance and to enhance the dog's natural lines. It is legitimate to trim about the head, throat, ears and feet to give a smart, functional appearance. A rough, curly or harsh coat or no undercoat is to be penalized.

Color
The Boykin Spaniel color is solid - rich liver, brown or dark chocolate. A small amount of white on chest or toes is permitted. No other white markings are allowed.

Gait
The Boykin Spaniel moves effortlessly with good reach from well laid back shoulders at an angle that permits a long stride that is in balance with the rear quarters for strong driving power. Viewed from the rear the hocks should drive well under the body following on a line with the forelegs neither too widely or too closely spaced. As speed increases it is natural for the legs to fall to a center line of travel. Seen from the side it should exhibit a good, long forward stride.

Temperament
The typical Boykin is friendly, a willing worker, intelligent and easy to train. The Boykin Spaniel thrives on human companionship and gets along well with other dogs and children. He shows great eagerness and energy for the hunt yet controllable in the field. Any sign of excessive aggression towards other dogs is not acceptable and should be penalized. Excessive shyness is to be equally penalized.

Approved February 9, 2007
Effective January 1, 2008