Back Creek Kennel

Home
United States
Charlotte, NC
Back Creek Kennel

Back Creek Kennel has been producing quality hunting retrievers since 1982. Space is limited and new clients are accepted via appointment only.

Back Creek Kennel also is dedicated to helping pet owners get the most out of their dog by offering a good citizen program. In addition to producing quality Labrador Retrievers, and Boykin Spaniels, Back Creek Kennel (BCK) offers training in obedience, force fetch, and field conditioning. Specializing in the retrieving breeds, other breeds can benefit from BCK's "good citizen" program provided the

y are conditioned to live in outdoor kennels. Obedience Training

Basic obedience training is the first step in developing a top-notch retriever or family pet. At BCK, the basic obedience commands taught include "sit", "come" or "here", and "heel". Additional commands that will be learned during the obedience training process include "kennel", "no", and "down". The obedience training process begins with on-lead yard work, then culminates with off-lead yard work using the e-collar as reinforcement of the training commands. If your dog is to be used for hunting, I incorporate two whistle commands in addition to the verbal commands into the obedience training in preparation for future hunting situations or possibly hunt tests. As I mentioned above, I have very limited kennel space (I have dogs too!), therefore, I cannot keep and train someone's dog from the time it is a puppy until it is ready to be sent back to their owner. I really don't like this way of training (leaving a puppy at a kennel for training) in that it doesn't allow the puppy to establish the "bond" that I feel is so important between an owner and his or her dog when it comes to understanding verbal and visual commands and response expectations that are so important in the training process. Such being the case, I would prefer dogs coming to BCK for obedience training to be at least 8 months of age or older (dogs that need force fetch training should be 9 months of age or older). Dogs brought to BCK at this age not only allows the dog to be physically capable of performing the commands that they are given, but they are also mentally mature enough so that he or she can readily accept the rigors of an accelerated training process designed to accomplish the maximum amount of learning in the shortest period of time. Let's face it, most dog owners don't want to part with their pooches for only as much time as they have to when they send them off for training. When a dog comes to BCK that is both physically and mentally ready to accept the commands taught during obedience training, it makes for a much more enjoyable experience for both the dog and the trainer. A more physically and mentally developed dog also allows me to accomplish the obedience training program in a period of anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the tractability of the dog and the time of year that the dog is brought in for training (winter months offer more of a training challenge due to the shorter days and occasional inclement weather). Another service offered at BCK is over night stays in my outdoor kennel. The current fee for overnight stays is fifteen dollars ($15) per night in addition to the owner furnishing the dog's food. All dogs who stay at BCK are kept in shaded, outdoor kennels. In the winter months, shavings and/or straw is added to their bedding for insulation. I do not have access to indoor kenneling and I do not offer overnight stays for cats. As noted above, kennel space and availability is an important consideration, therefore, arrangements for overnight stays should be made well in advance of need. Dogs who stay at BCK typically receive twice-a-day exercise (weather permitting), which is designed to accommodate house-broken dogs. All dogs who stay at BCK must be up-to-date on all immunizations as well as parasite preventatives. Further info on overnight stays and kennel availability can be requested via my email address or by calling 704-278-1699. Back Creek Kennel is open by appointment only, so please call to schedule a visit to make sure we are there. Many folks have inquired about my price range. Since I have multiple breeds, FB does not allow me to specify different price ranges. Please message me if you are inquiring about the price of a litter from a particular breed.

07/31/2026

SOUTH CAROLINAS OWN STATE DOG
THE BEAUTIFUL BOYKIN RETRIEVER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOYKIN SPANIEL HEALTH ORGANIZATION TO HOST FIRST-EVER CANINE HEALTH SYMPOSIUM THIS SATURDAY
MONROE, NC —

The Boykin Spaniel Health Organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to canine well-being, is proud to announce its inaugural Boykin Spaniel Health Symposium.
This verified community event takes place this Saturday, August 1, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The symposium will be held at the scenic Boykin Ridge Farm, hosted by "Why Not An American Ark," located at 1106 Charlie Williams Rd, Monroe, NC 28112.

Celebrating South Carolina's Official State Dog
The Boykin Spaniel is a true Southern treasure, officially designated as South Carolina's state dog in 1985. Originally bred in the early 20th century by hunters in Spartanburg and Camden, South Carolina, these compact, chocolate-brown retrievers were specifically engineered to hunt wild turkeys and waterfowl in the Wateree River swamps. Known for their rich wavy coats, intense bird drive, and superb swimming skills, they are compact enough to ride in small canvas boats. Beyond their exceptional working abilities, their friendly, affectionate, and loyal temperament makes them beloved family companions.

A Jam-Packed Day of Fun, Shopping, and Education
The symposium brings together top veterinary specialists, dedicated researchers, rescue organizations, and pet health partners for a fun, family-friendly day focused entirely on canine health, and breed education.

In addition to world-class educational sessions, attendees can enjoy an exciting lineup of activities, while enjoying the great event and the Beautiful Boykin Retrievers stay tuned for more.

• Silent Auction & Raffle: Bid on fantastic items to help raise funds for breed health research.
• Merchandise Vendors: Shop from a variety of local vendors offering great gear and gifts.
• Food Trucks & Treats: Grab lunch from our primary food truck and a cool dessert from the ice cream truck. Both trucks feature special dog-friendly snacks so your pup won't miss out!
• Designated Dog Swim Area: Let your four-legged friends beat the summer heat and splash around in a safe, monitored swimming space.

• Petting Zoo Next Door: When you finish up at the symposium, head right next door to visit the "Why Not An American Ark" petting zoo for a perfect family experience.
Event Details:
• Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Boykin Ridge Farm (Hosted by Why Not An American Ark)
• Address: 1106 Charlie Williams Rd, Monroe, NC 28112
• More Info: https://wew.boykinhealth.org/events.html
Contact Information:
For media inquiries or event questions, please reach out to:
• Contact: Teresa Bell, Founder and President
• Organization: Boykin Spaniel Health Organization
• Email: [email protected]
•
Thank you to Upstate CF Press for the opportunity to share this important event with the community!

07/22/2026

If you have a young dog and would like to gain some field training experience for the upcoming season, this would be a great opportunity for you.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CQhqN4Cie/

Our next two club training days will be on July 25th and August 22nd @7:30am. Location will be Oakridge Kennel (1110 Unionville - Indian Trail Rd W, Monroe, NC 28110). Club Members and Non-Club Members are welcome to attend. Watch your speed, this is a kennel.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day from Back Creek Kennel!

07/01/2026

It's never easy losing a dog, but after 5,931 days of a wonderful life we sadly had to say good-bye to Miss Nicki earlier today. At 16-years and three months of age, she had still been getting around pretty good up until a few days ago when her balance and the ability to stand without being wobbly became too much for her to handle. She even maintained a good appetite and always cleaned her bowl, but when she recently started leaving her food uneaten, I knew we were headed down a path of no return. In her case, tough decisions have to be made and now she can rest in peace.

Nicki came to Back Creek Kennel as my first Boykin Spaniel. I plucked her out of a local breeding and little did I know what a wonderful dog she would become. She had a beautiful personality around both people and the other dogs that frequently passed through my kennel. She absolutely loved to hunt and picked up lots of birds for me during her career. She was very affectionate and didn't have a mean bone in body.

Nicki will also be known for her contributions to my Boykin Spaniel breeding program. If you ever got a Boykin pup from Back Creek Kennel, Nicki's registered name (Back Creek's Nicki) will be somewhere in your pup's pedigree. She was the foundation dog for all the Boykin litters I've had and given her health and genetic qualities, she was perfect dog from which to build my breeding program from.

Nicki, you will be greatly missed here at Back Creek, but you leave us with some wonderful memories. Thank you for being the wonderful dog that you were for our family.

06/23/2026

I just saw where Blue Ridge Veterinary Imaging is coming to the Cabarrus County Arena in July. For those of you who are planning to get your dog's hips, elbows, patella's, and eyes certified, this would be a great opportunity for you as they don't come to this area very often. This is a mobile imaging clinic which allows you to get your dog's hips done without anesthesia. I've used them many times in the past and highly recommend them. You need to call to schedule an appointment as I don't think they take walk-ups.

05/25/2026

In honor of all those who gave their lives for us to be free.

05/14/2026

Well, it looks like the maternity ward at Back Creek Kennel will be opening up again real soon for a new Boykin Spaniel litter. The planned breeding between Miss Josie and Heath, which was supposed to happen late January/early February of 2026 finally got done the first week in April and puppies are expected sometime the first week of June. Miss Josie is looking very pregnant and hopefully we will have an uneventful delivery.

Josie has been at Back Creek for five years now, but this is her first breeding. Josie is an excellent hunter who is just as comfortable fetching doves as she is flushing the wily rooster. From the time she was nine months old, Josie has made the trip with us out west and is an absolute beast chasing pheasants and other mid-west upland game. Josie has excellent physical confirmation and a mild wavy coat. Josie is also clear of all the recommended genetic testing by the Boykin Spaniel Society (BSS) and has excellent hips. Her pedigree as well as health and genetic testing can been seen at this link:

https://www.huntingboykinpedigree.com/pedigree.asp?id=7000

The sire of this litter (Heath) has been a proven commodity for me here at Back Creek. Heath was the sire in my previous two litters and the overwhelmingly positive feedback I have received from folks who got pups from these two breeding's was a good indication to me that not only was Heath a genetically strong dog, but his pups carried the conformation and field traits I was looking for. Heath is a beautiful liver colored Boykin that exemplifies all the desired physical traits you would want in a Boykin Spaniel. Heath also has a pedigree littered with an accomplished field and Hunt Test lineage. Health is also clear of the recommended health and genetic testing recommended by the Boykin Spaniel Society. His information can be found at this link:

https://www.huntingboykinpedigree.com/pedigree.asp?id=6810

If you are looking for a quality field or Hunt Test breeding from genetically strong parents, this litter should pique your interest. Feel free to call, text, or email me if you would like more information. I have already started a puppy list, and $200 deposits are currently being accepted to hold your spot on my list. I will be publishing additional information as it becomes available. Puppies will be ready to go to their new homes in early August. Back Creek Kennel is recognized as a Silver Level Breeder with the Boykin Spaniel Society.

04/10/2026

The coincidental timing of me getting the flu and this little lady hitting her 16-YEAR-OLD birthday back on April 2nd delayed me getting a birthday announcement out there, but I didn't want to be remiss and not let everyone know how big of an achievement this was!

With the weather warming up, hopefully she can hang out in the shade and enjoy the remaining days she has. I'm not sure I could have found a better all-around Boykin than what Nicki has been to Back Creek Kennel. Happy birthday old girl!

Address

Charlotte, NC

Telephone

+17042781699

Website

http://www.backcreekkennel.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Back Creek Kennel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Back Creek Kennel:

Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in Charlotte?