Is the Bourbonnais Pointer or the Boykin Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the Bourbonnais Pointer and the Boykin Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Bourbonnais Pointer or the Boykin Spaniel?

The Bourbonnais Pointer and Boykin Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Bourbonnais Pointer or the Boykin Spaniel?

The Bourbonnais Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Bourbonnais Pointer or Boykin Spaniel bigger?

Bourbonnais Pointer and Boykin Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Bourbonnais Pointer or Boykin Spaniel?

Boykin Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bourbonnais Pointer is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Bourbonnais Pointer or Boykin Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Bourbonnais Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bourbonnais Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel: Easier to Groom?

Bourbonnais Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Bourbonnais Pointer	Boykin Spaniel
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Very High	High
Friendliness	High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Low	Medium
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Very Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Bourbonnais Pointer is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Boykin Spaniel is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bourbonnais Pointer needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Boykin Spaniel needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bourbonnais Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Boykin Spaniel wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bourbonnais Pointer is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, almost never barks and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Boykin Spaniel learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bourbonnais Pointer is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Boykin Spaniel is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Bourbonnais Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Boykin Spaniel has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Bourbonnais Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Bourbonnais Pointer has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Bourbonnais Pointer and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bourbonnais Pointer if you want an easier dog to train, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Boykin Spaniel if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bourbonnais Pointer or the Boykin Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Bourbonnais Pointer and the Boykin Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bourbonnais Pointer or the Boykin Spaniel?: The Bourbonnais Pointer and Boykin Spaniel shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bourbonnais Pointer or the Boykin Spaniel?: The Bourbonnais Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Bourbonnais Pointer or Boykin Spaniel bigger?: Bourbonnais Pointer and Boykin Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Bourbonnais Pointer or Boykin Spaniel?: Boykin Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Bourbonnais Pointer is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bourbonnais Pointer or Boykin Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Bourbonnais Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Bourbonnais Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel