The American Beagler Forum

Besides Mr.Crain,who is still breeding this line of hounds?How about a little history on the three strains.

Smart man by looking for someone other than Merle to buy this line of dogs....Good luck.

AMEN!

Get in touch with Nate Johnson. He has BJK kennels and has some darn fine hounds, is a straight shooter and knows what he is talking about.
NYH

NYH,

Thanks for the compliment. How are you up there, any snow yet? Keep it to yourself, we don't want any down here.

Shooter,

I have a few Crain dogs, looks like I'm the only one publically keeping his strain alive. I do have all three strains in my kennels and champions in all 3 strains. Reds, Garretson's and Nadar. Not only do I compete them, I also hunt them. Keep a look-out in the Rabbit Hunter magazine. They are making champion, winning and placing in hunts. They carry the kennel name Big Johnson's. Some folks won't put the sire and dam there due to the negativity associated with Merle's reputation. I'm not Merle nor have I ever claimed to be, but yes I have his old bloodlines. If in VA and have time to hunt or run, give me a call. We'll drop dogs in a herd of deer and run rabbits all day long. You'll quit before they will. Then you decide if they're the dogs for you. Happy Holidays everyone.

Nate, Big Johnson's Kennel

BJK, it's a good thing that you keep this bloodline alive. There was a time early on in Little Pack that folks dreaded drawing out with a Crain or Garretson bred dog. I'm glad to see they are still faring well. Merle was very proud of the work he put into that line. (they are good-lookin' dogs too!)

It's a shame what you said about some folks willing to buy and run the dogs but not willing to give the breeder credit.

Bev,

Ain't it funny? You're absolutely right. People would be suprised how many Crain's HH dogs are out there that have won and placed in the NKC/ARHA LP Big Five hunts, been inducted into the Hall of Fame, won State Hunts and Classics. But I don't want to shake anyone up! Then there are the half Crain dogs that have done the same, if not more. Then there are the well known kennels out there that are using or have used Crain dogs as their stud or whelping female. When asked what that dog's breeding is they claim that they don't know but they do and I do, but I don't want to shake anybody up. Bev, I know of a kennel that has not or will not sell me a dog because they knew that I would use their dog to outcross on the Crain hounds. I thought it was because of Merle having bad blood with his neighbor. No, after some investigating, this kennel didn't want me to make that cross because they and other kennels close to them have been making these crosses with great success for years. But I don't want to shake anybody up. I think I have the best kept secrets in town. I'm speaking of my dogs and their bloodlines. Ain't it funny?

Nate, BJK

Nate,
You are welcome and yes we have snow. The snow up here though is hard as concrete, icy and can cut a hounds feet to ribbons if not careful. As far as keeping it goes I guess I have no choice. If you get a chance check out my cold nose post to get an idea of the conditions we're up against. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I look forward to getting together at a trial someplace with you in the future and we can put on a double good red dog show.
NYH

I was just wondering do Crain Hounds look like Beagles ?


Jason

Beagler Jay,
They are beagles. Called Crain hounds because the man who has the line of dogs is named Merle Crain.

Oh ok-i see know, :oops:

No problem. IF you dont ask you never know. Take it easy.