I was born on a hill farm in Northeast Mississippi and got my first bird dog in 1950 at the age of 13. I was soon hunting every day after school and some days during school. In 1962 I became associated with and partners with W. R. (Dick) Brown. We remained partners in breeding field trial pointers until his death in 1982. Mr. Brown was elected to the Field Trial Hall of Fame in 1981 for his breeding of great dogs. I purchased the kennels from Mr. Brown's family in 1983 and my kennel remains at the same place today. The same location where great dogs like National Champion and Hall of Fame "Riggins White Knight" and "Wrapup" were born.
I continued to breed and field trial pointers until 1995. In the fall of 1995 I told a friend of mine, "Stan Pounds" he could put his Llewellin female in my kennel to whelp. After raising 6 pups Mr. Pounds wanted to give me a pup in which I reluctantly accepted. The pup he gave me was "Highway Dan." after playing with the pup in the spring of `96, I discovered he had the qualities I was looking for in a bird dog. After looking at Dan's pups, I feel he is passing the same qualities he possesses to his offspring.
I only keep two or three females for breeding since bird dogs are and always have been a hobby that I love. After 33 years with the Mississippi Department of Transportation, I retired June 30, 2002, hoping to enjoy some years with my Llewellins.
this page copyright © august 1, 2002 by Fred Gaines and Gaines Llewellin Setter Kennels