Pawleys Island Gun Dogs

Bettering the breed

About Us

At Pawleys Island Gun Dogs, we have been building our reputation as a trusted Dog Breeder/Stud Dog Service in Pawleys Island, SC.  We breed for quality, health, temperament and take our commitment to preserving ancient breed standards very seriously.   Our dogs are not only our hunting partners, but members of our family.

Webfoot's Yellow-Tailed Blackbeard SH CGC TD
"Teach"
Proven Sire / Standing Stud

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador is a retrieving gun dog of medium size, with a dense, water-resistant coat, an "otter" tail, and a clean-cut head with a "kind" expression.  The first Labradors arrived in England from Newfoundland aboard fishing boats early in the 19th century, and imports to America began in the early 1900's.  Labrador temperament is outgoing, indulgent with peers, human-oriented and tractable.  Labradors can be found in guide and assistance dog programs, and substance detection and search and rescue work.  Since 1992, the Labrador Retriever has headed the list as the most popular breed in the U.S.

Bellaebravo Happy Camper SH CGC TD

"Moose"

Spinone Italiano

The Spinone is a versatile hunting dog of ancient heritage, with origins in northern Italy.  Suited for working in all climates and all terrains, he is a cautious hunter who follows the scent, moving ever so gradually and proceeding with utmost discretion.  His prey stops and he stops; the prey moves again, and the pursuit resumes.  He moves with an easy, free moving trot, geared for endurance.  He is an excellent swimmer and a model retriever.  The Spinone is a large, rugged dog of distinctive appearance, with a hard-textured, weather-resistant coat, longer eyebrows, beard and mustache, and eyes described as human-like.

Pawleys Island Gun Dogs S.S. Tugboat JH

"Tugboat"

​

Labrador Retriever

Tugboat, Teach's son, continues to impress everyone who has the privilege to work with him.  This lad has a rugged, robust personality with a incredible, natural drive to retrieve  Tugboat exudes confidence and desire to please.  He earned his AKC Junior Hunter title in December 2021.  He will return to bird camp to sharpen his skills and prepare to test for his AKC Senior Hunter title in Spring 2022.  This guy is stunning.

GCH CH Bellaebravo Happy Feet
"Gia"

Spinone Italiano

We are super proud to announce that Gia completed her AKC Championship at 13 months of age, exclusively owner-handled.  She has earned multiple OH Group placements as well as an RBIS OH. She finished her Grand Champion title in style earning BOS at Morris & Essex in October 2021.  She finished the year earning an Award of Merit at the 2021 Royal Canin National Championship in Orlando, FL.  The close of November 2021 finds Gia nationally ranked at #8 Breed, #2 NOHS Breed.  She has earned 3 of 4 qualifying legs toward her AKC Junior Hunter Title.  Gia is full of personality and extremely confident.  .  She is very affectionate, inquisitive, smart, driven and of course, a complete clown!

​

We look forward to an exciting future with this beautiful girl.

Webfoot's Posh's Tally JH

Labrador Retriever

Tally is the Grand Dame of Pawleys Island Gun Dogs.  She has been an essential hunting partner of both water fowl and upland game.  Now in retirement, Tally still rules the roost and keeps the youngsters in check.  Tally's beautiful personality and unwavering commitment to the retrieve is what lead us in the direction of the Sporting Dog breeds.

Pawleys Island Gun Dogs S.S. Tugboat JH

"Tugboat"

GCH CH Bellaebravo Happy Feet

#8 Spinone Italiano 2021
#2 Spinone Italiano NOHS 2021
#1 Spinone Italiano Bitch NOHS 2021 
Multiple OH Group Placements
Reserve Best in Show OH 06.2021

"Gia"

Hunting

Labrador Retriever is a type of gun dog that retrieves game for a hunter. Generally gun dogs are divided into three major classifications: retrievers, flushing spaniels, and pointing breeds. Retrievers were bred primarily to retrieve birds or other prey and return them to the hunter without damage; retrievers are distinguished in that nonslip retrieval is their primary function. As a result, retriever breeds are bred for soft mouths and a great willingness to please, learn, and obey. 

​

​

Spinone Italiano is recognized as a versatile hunting dog.  NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) defines the “versatile hunting dog” as one that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, and both track and retrieve on land or water. The versatile breeds were developed to give hunters one dog to use on a variety of game in a variety of environments, as opposed to having a kennel full of “specialty” dogs bred for one type of hunt or skill. Whereas many hunters expand breed purposes by hunting upland birds with retrievers or using their flushing dogs to retrieve ducks, the Italian Spinoni are trained for land and water work intentionally and simultaneously.

​

Conformation

Dog shows (conformation events) are intended to evaluate breeding stock. The size of these events ranges from large all-breed shows, with over 3,000 dogs entered, to small local specialty club shows, featuring a specific breed. The dog’s conformation (overall appearance and structure), is an indication of the dog's ability to produce quality puppies.