14. Boykin (?)

If you want to start an argument, tell a Boykin spaniel owner that his dog isn't a distinct breed. While not officially recognized by the AKC, there's little doubt that a Boykin is, well, a Boykin. Most hunters who have spent time afield with Boykins love the diminutive spaniels, and believe it's only a matter of time before the AKC officially recognizes them as a distinct American breed. Few dogs are better at marking and retrieving birds for shooters than Boykins. While used often in dove fields in its native South Carolina, Boykins also excel as small, compact retrievers of quail and ducks. They also perform well as flushing dogs for pheasants, grouse and woodcock. The dark chestnut color of a Boykin is advantageous when hunters are concealed for ducks, doves and other game.