Had Boykins for over 30 yrs, never seen any of what you guys are talking about other than loyal and absolute retrievers. They can be hyper or ADD at times but you cannot train them with a heavy hand like you would a Lab. Labs are great but will never own one again. The hyper-ness I think comes from the Springer influence, I had a male boykin that hated other male dogs and would try to fight them but loved everything else including kids climbing over him and on him. Definitely get the eyes and hips checked for sure as some lines are bad for hip dysplasia. They are super smart and will do things other dogs cant. My dad would tell his boykin lets go for a ride and she would get the keys and meet him at the truck! They are very loyal and will stay right with you no matter what you are doing, mine stays right beside me almost constantly and will retrieve till I get tired! I have hunted mine on chukar, pheasants, quail, geese, ducks (in ice), & doves without fail.