First pets

In the Lowcountry, pets are more than companions — they are family. This truth is evident during a casual beach stroll when, off in the distance, a baby stroller rolls gently along the sand. Upon closer inspection, the “baby” inside is actually a small dog, enjoying the coastal breeze in true Lowcountry luxury. From historic plantations to modern-day homes, animals have left an indelible mark on the region’s culture and traditions. For this “Lowcountry Originals” issue, we honor the pets and animals that have shaped our rich history.

Top dog 

Boykin spaniels

South Carolina’s state dog, the Boykin spaniel, is a true Lowcountry treasure, deeply rooted in the region’s outdoor heritage. Bred in the early 1900s to master the swamps of the Wateree River, this versatile breed quickly earned its place as the ultimate hunting companion, celebrated for its exceptional skill and grace in retrieving waterfowl. Known for their unwavering loyalty, sharp intelligence and compact yet sturdy build, Boykin spaniels perfectly embody the adventurous spirit and traditions of South Carolina’s great outdoors. But their appeal isn’t limited to the field. These charming dogs are a familiar sight around the Lowcountry — lounging contentedly under restaurant tables, leaping joyfully along sandy beaches or trotting through neighborhoods with a confident style that never fails to draw admiration.

Paw patrol

Gullah-Geechee cats and dogs

In many Gullah-Geechee communities of the Lowcountry, pets were much more than companions. Dogs and cats played crucial roles as protectors, pest controllers and spiritual guardians. Stories passed down via oral traditions often highlight their loyalty and the belief in their ability to ward off harm. The books God, Dr. Buzzard, and the Bolito Man by Cornelia Walker Bailey and Gullah Culture in America by Wilbur Cross provide insights into the spiritual and cultural roles animals played in Gullah-Geechee life.

Sturdy survivors

Marsh Tacky horses

The marsh tacky horse, a true Lowcountry treasure, traces its roots to Spanish horses brought to the Americas in the 16th century. Over generations these hardy equines adapted to the region’s swampy, unforgiving terrain and became indispensable to settlers for farming, herding and transportation. Their resilience and versatility were on full display during the Revolutionary War, when marsh tackies carried militia fighters through challenging landscapes, proving their worth as reliable companions in even the toughest conditions. The Gullah community also embraced these horses, using them as steadfast workhorses in fields and gardens. During the holiday season Gullah people raced their marsh tackies at Christmas — a celebration of both the holiday and the end of the planting season. More recently, marsh tacky races on the beaches of Hilton Head Island were a highly anticipated annual event for about a decade.

Coastal companions

Salty dogs

Dogs have long played a vital role in the daily lives of Lowcountry fishermen and shrimpers. Often scrappy mixed breeds, these loyal companions served a variety of purposes: guarding boats, keeping vermin at bay, providing companionship and even earning places in local folklore. During the early to mid 20th century, when the Lowcountry’s seafood industry was thriving, small-scale fishermen and shrimpers relied heavily on manual labor and basic tools. In this demanding environment dogs became indispensable partners, offering both practical support and steadfast protection. Today the tradition continues, as many local boats often have a dog on board. 

Colonial class

Exotic birds

In the colonial Lowcountry exotic birds were prized as both pets and symbols of status among wealthy plantation owners. Parrots, macaws and other tropical species added an air of sophistication to grand estates with their vibrant plumage and melodic calls. Canaries and finches, known for their sweet songs, were equally popular, often kept in ornate cages that mirrored their owners’ affluence. These feathered companions not only showcased wealth and global connections but also reflected the cultural and historical intricacies of the region.

Silent soldiers

Civil War horses and mules

During the Civil War horses and mules served as indispensable partners in transportation, farming and daily survival. Recognizing their immense value, many Lowcountry families went to great lengths to protect their prized animals, hiding them deep in swamps and woods to keep them out of Union hands. After the Union forces left Hilton Head Island, locals relied heavily on these horses and mules to build their lives, using them for farming and transportation.

Tracking tradition

Hunting dogs

Trained hunting dogs were essential to plantation life, serving as skilled companions in tracking deer and other game. These loyal and highly trained animals not only ensured a steady food supply but also elevated recreational hunting, a large part of Lowcountry culture. Among the most valued breeds were coonhounds, celebrated for their exceptional tracking skills and endurance, and pointers, renowned for their precision in locating upland game birds. Foxhounds, with their keen noses and remarkable stamina, were favored for deer hunting and fox chases, while spaniels, particularly English Springer spaniels, excelled at flushing and retrieving game from the region’s marshy landscapes.