Welcome to Wildwind

The dynamic Wildwind team of Jim and Deanna Keller combine a proven record of teaching--flushing spaniels or retrievers and handlers--how to achieve the highest standard in the fields or woods with confidence and consistency. Although we are constantly evolving our teaching methods, nonetheless our core philosophy is always about letting upland dogs do what they are bred to do: find and retrieve birds with style, enthusiasm and control.

Jim and Denise Keller began Wildwind Kennels in 1987 and returned to their historic family home in rural Knox, Maine in 1998. This was the same year as Jim turned professional.

The Keller's daughter, Deanna, grew up at Wildwind loving spaniels. From an early age, she eagerly learned to help care for, socialize and train spaniels. Her life-long devotion to working with flushing dogs has blossomed into a profession.

Denise is a very active participant in our program as she assists with daily kennel operations and chores while we are on the road or training late. Together, the Keller family have built Wildwind into what it is today; an exceptional place for flushing dogs to reach their full potential.

Hunting

We have built a top-notch reputation at Wildwind of providing expert training and guiding services for some of the very finest sporting camps and private plantations across the country.

From our experience, we know exactly what type of training it takes for a flushing dog to gain the skills necessary to become successful. Our measure of success is not only in finding game--but also for the spaniel or retriever to enhance and never detract from the hunt. The occasion of hunting over a well-trained upland dog should always be focused on savoring a pleasurable and gratifying day in the field or woodlands.

It's the stuff of which the best memories are made.

Field Events

Perseverance, skill and hard work at Wildwind has resulted in a proven track record of achievements in field trials and hunt tests that is hard to beat!

Our noteworthy achievements include:

• Over 150 All Age Field Champion Titles
• 9 National All Age Championship Wins from spaniels trained at Wildwind:
• 2022 US National Open Springer
• 2021 US National Amateur Springer
• 2015 US National Open Springer
• 2015 US National Amateur Springer
• 2014 US National Open Springer
• 2013 National Canadian Amateur Springer
• 2010 US National Amateur Springer
• 2009 US National Open Cocker
• 2006 US National Open Springer
• 4 National All Age Open Championship wins handled by Wildwind
• 5 National All Age Championship wins with owners handled
• 4 Bird Dog Hall of Fame Inductees trained at Wildwind: Zip, Jake, Scratch and Annie
• 6 National High Point Open or Amateur Spaniels: Scratch, Annie, Jake, June, Dots and Addie
• 2x Winner of Martin J. Hogan Award for top Springer Spaniel Professional. Consistently placed in the top 5 for several years.
• 1 Highest Pointed Spaniel of All Time: NAFC/CANFC/CAFC/FC/AFC/CFC Flushing Wings Annie
• 54 US and Canadian National Placements or Certificates of Merit
• Several Hunt Test Titles including the first Master Hunter under 3 years of age

Deanna Keller

Anyone who knows Wildwind knows Deanna. Growing up at Wildwind, Deanna has provided all facets of services--from developing puppies to training field champions--and everything in between.

Following her graduation from Roanoke College with a dual major in Biology and Art History, Deanna joined the Wildwind Team as a full time trainer. Proudly, she is now part owner of Wildwind Kennels. Vitally important in our overall success for many years, Deanna is poised to help shape our success well into the future.

Deanna is already making her mark on the field trial circuit. Likewise, she is also involved in developing flushing dogs for upland hunting. Deanna possesses a genuine passion to bring out the absolute best talents of both dogs and her clients--which is clearly evident in her attitude and approach.

Simply put, Deanna Keller is one of the best up-and-coming trainers in the upland flushing dog field.

Jim Keller

Earlier in his career, Jim worked for some of the finest sporting camps in the state of Maine as a professional guide specializing in grouse and woodcock hunting. With an abundance of dog training experience since the start of his profession in 1987, he is now exclusively devoted to training and handling upland flushing dogs for hunting and performance events.

His record is impressive and speaks for itself.

Jim's remarkable experience with spaniels extends beyond his outstanding field trial successes. Additionally, he has trained countless AKC Master Hunters, Senior Hunters and Junior Hunters along with truly superb upland hunting companions. It all begins with the noteworthy Wildwind instruction method designed to bring out the very best in flushing dogs.

Recognition for his expertise and success received a nod when Jim was twice honored with the prestigious Martin J. Hogan Memorial Award--in 2014 and again in 2017--as the top professional handler in the United States. In 2015, he was named second.

In the modern era of field trials, Jim Keller has redefined the spaniel sport to include teaching the owner how to handle their own dog. To that end, many of the spaniels trained by Wildwind have achieved not only their Amateur Championships but also National Amateur Championships.

Let Wildwind Kennels assist you with achieving your goals!

Training Method

Wildwind's innovative training approach involves laying a solid foundation through teachings that balance the individual dog's needs with the learning of skillsets that last a lifetime.

Several aspects of our training program include:

• A solid obedience program
• Properly introduce gunfire with retrieving flushing birds
• Upland hunting for field and woods
• Conditioned Retrieving
• Proper introduction to the ecollar for all aspects of obedience and field work
• Retrieving skills sets
• Steady work for flush, shot and retrieve
• Proper manners while working with other hunting dogs such as honor work
• Basic handling in field and woods for blind retrieves
• Advanced handling in field and woods for blind retrieves
• Advanced drills for field and woods for pattern
• Basic water work
• Advanced training in water for handling for blind retrieves

Puppies

At Wildwind Kennels, we work very closely with several clients who have outstanding spaniels from some of the finest breedings in North America.

Planned breedings take time, so don't expect a puppy instantly. The process involves training a dog to a level of worthiness of breeding, checking hips/eyes and other genetic anomalies--plus matching the right sire and dame. We encourage you to contact us regarding your interest in a pup so we can assist in directing you towards an upcoming breeding.

A Wildwind Puppy

We usually offer one or two litters a year.

Obtaining a puppy from Wildwind Kennels is not just picking a puppy. We work closely with the prospective owners to develop and understand expectations. This process assists us in picking a puppy that best suits the prospective owners. This is a time proven method for helping match people with puppies.

Inquire with Jim or Deanna regarding upcoming litters.

Note: From time to time we have prospective owners who may not have the time, expertise or energy for raising a puppy.

We offer several options depending upon the level of training desired by the prospective owners.

Super Puppy

A Wildwinds Super Puppy is house trained! He or she understands basic recall, is crate trained and has had basic socialization. We've also provided an introduction to heeling. Early training includes an introduction to placeboards as well as retrieving puppy bumpers.

The basic cost is $350 per month plus monthly preventatives along with any and all veterinary care. Usually involves three months for puppies between nine weeks until about 21 weeks of age. The approximate age to be ready to go home is about six to seven months old.

Hunting Puppy

Includes all of the aspects of the Super Puppy explained above. In addition, the Hunting Puppy will have a proper introduction to gunfire. Proper ecollar instruction for basic obedience with placeboard, heeling, conditioned retrieve and recall. This youngster will also receive an introduction to birds while hunting.

The basic cost is $350 per month plus monthly preventatives along with any and all veterinary care until formal training commences. Training usually involved about three months with the approximate age the pup will be ready to go home at ten months old.

Inquire for monthly rates with Jim or Deanna.

All time frames in these learning or training programs are dependent upon the puppy’s learning abilities and are guidelines. Experience has shown us that a well bred and properly raised puppy develops better overall.

Started or Finished Dogs
& Stud Services

Every so often we may offer a Started or Finished Dog for purchase.

Started Dog

When we offer a Started Dog, it has been well socialized plus is house and crate trained. All basic obedience is solid. Proper ecollar use for basic obedience and conditioned retrieve. Although a Started Dog is ready to hunt upland game birds, it is not steady to wing and shot. Experience will be needed on wild game.

The approximate cost of a Started Dog is between $6,500 and $7,500. Price may vary depending upon the level of training.

Finished Dog

The Finished Dog has all of the Started Dog attributes. Additionally, it is steady to wing and shot and usually has advanced handling skills on both land and water. This dog has had experience on wild game.

The approximate cost of a Finished Dog is $9,000 and up. The price may vary depending upon the level of training.

Please inquire regarding a Started or Finished Dog to either Jim or Deanna.

Offering Stud Services

Training &
Membership Programs

We offer several options for training. Each training programs rate is defined by the length of training commitment. The more length of training commitment the overall per month rate decreases.

We limit our amount of dogs in for training which ensures each dog receives our commitment of attention and skills.

Monthly Training

We offer monthly training on a case by case basis. Monthly training programs to be effective usually have to be a minimal of 3 months. Most monthly programs are for teaching a specific task or working on a specific skill set. Sometimes a monthly program is effective for a seasonal tune up prior to hunting or a trial season for dogs that have been in our program in the past and just need a refresher.

Inquire for monthly rates with either Jim or Deanna.

Membership Program

We began offering memberships to our clients in 2012 with outstanding feedback and results. We received a lot of great comments on the ease of billing, the flexibility of scheduling and overall effectiveness of the program.

The membership program offers our least cost per month overall and is based on a commitment to a larger block of time. This program is the biggest advantage for those dogs that are in our program for many skill sets that will need a larger amount of time to achieve.

Inquire for membership rates with either Jim or Deanna.

Field Trials

We campaign spaniels throughout the USA and Canada in regional and outside of our region field trials. We also prepare spaniels to run in the AKC Hunt Tests. We take pride that many of our spaniels compete with their owners handling them in field events. We specialize in developing young dogs starting with the puppy stakes then convert them to the more demanding Open All Age stakes. Campaigning opportunities are available on a limited basis.

Rates for Field Trials or Hunt Tests vary per event. No additional training costs. Additional costs would be entry fees per event, travel costs such as lodging and fuel costs which is divided among the participating dogs.

Inquire regarding Field Trials or Hunt Tests with Jim or Deanna.

Daily Boarding

At Wildwind Kennels, we offer clean, comfortable, first class, heated boarding facilities. We have indoor/outdoor runs, daily walks and a large exercise compound providing ample opportunity for your dog to settle into a comfortable routine.

Inquire regarding reservations and boarding rates with Jim or Deanna.

Accomplishments

Field Champions and National Placements

Wildwind Kennels trained dogs have earned the following:

FC AFC CFC Bad Habits Bayblade "Rip" 11 All Age Wins as of July 2025

AFC Heathrocks Ace High

FC CFC Mojos Dots Goomah "Goo"

2022 NFC FC AFC CFC Mojo's Joey Two Dots 2020 US National Amateur High Point CM 2019 US National Amateur CM 2024 US National Amateur

FC AFC Pheasant Feathers Precious Pearl "June" 3rd place 2022 US National Open 2022 US National Amateur High Point

FC Newstarts Northern Ninja "Ronin"

FC Mojos Most Wanted "Whitey"

2021 NAFC FC AFC Sunrise Uncle Bailey CM 2019 Canadian National Open

CFC Pheasant Feathers Bourfield Addie

AFC Pheasant Feathers Getum

FC AFC Mojos Wildwind Oligos "Ollie" CM 2020 US National Amateur 2019 Canadian National Open

FC AFC Hearthrock's Polar Vortex "Ice" 2nd Place Canadian National Open

AFC Crosswind's Proof is in the Pudding 2nd place 2016 US National Amateur national placement

FC Hearthrock's Family Ties "Sis"

AFC Carpe Avem "Rex"

FC AFC CFC Juneau's Gypsy Girl "Juneau" CM 2021 US National Amateur 2019 US National Open

AFC Pheasant Feathers Blossom of Marymount "Petals"

AFC Hearthrock's Rio Lobo CM 2020 US National Amateur

FC AFC Pheasant Feathers Cutting Edge "Saber" 4th place 2019 US National Open, CM 2018 US National Open

FC AFC Trendsetters Mr. Biggs MH

FC Trendsetters Super Sue

FC AFC Pinecroft's Lord Calvin 4th place 2016 US National Amateur Championship

FC AFC Pheasant Feathers Marymount's Elizabeth Keene Lizzy 2020 CM US National Open, 2017 US Open CM

CFC CAFC Hearthrock's Mayhem 3rd place 2020 Canadian National, CM 2016 Canadian National Amateur Field Championship

FC AFC CFC CAFC Pheasant Feathers Cove Creek Badger MH 2020 US National Open High Point, 4th place 2018 Canadian National Open

AFC Pheasant Feathers Weyland

FC AFC CFC Pinecrofts Princess Peyton 4th place 2015 US National Amateur Championship, CM 2016 US National Amateur Championship, CM 2016 US National Open Championship

CFC Sunrise Little Rascal "Spanky" 2007 CM US National Open

FC Fallen Wings Stonewalker Jazzman "Duke" 4th place US National Cocker Championship

FC AFC Z & Z's Sky Dancer of Fallen Wings

AFC Harvest Moon's Amazing Spider-Man of Marymount "Spidey"

2014 & 2015 2xNFC FC Hearthrock's All In "Scratch" 2014 US National Open Champion, 2015 US National Open Champion, 2015 US National Open High Point Dog, CM 2016 and 2017 US National Open Championship

FC AFC CFC Pheasant Feathers Black Sapphire of Marymount 4th place 2020 US National Amateur Championship

NAFC FC CFC Stonington's Expressways Marshall 2nd place 2015 US National Amateur Championship

FC AFC CFC Windy Plains High Voltage "Sparkey" 3rd place 2013 US National Amateur Championship

2015 NAFC FC AFC CFC Expressways Retrevin Fool "Treeva" CM 2013 US National Amateur Championship

FC AFC Sunups Dreamcatchers Tatonka "Tonka"

FC AFC CFC Frostfields Tommy, 2 CMs US National Open Championships

FC Sunrise Montgomery Veevo Vivo Vum "Monty"

FC Buellers Day Off of Fallen Wings "Bueller" 2nd 2012 US National Cocker Championship, 3rd 2016 US National Cocker Championship

FC AFC Crosswinds Beauty of T5R9 "Bella"

AFC Crosswinds 4 Hire "Spencer"

FC CFC Crosswinds Itchin to Go "Itch"

AFC Tridon Orions Slick Willie "Willie"

2010 NAFC 2013 NCAFC FC AFC CFC CAFC Flushingwing Annie 2010 US National Amateur Champion, 2013 National Canadian Amateur Champion, 2011 CM US National Open, 2011 CM US National Amateur, 2014 National High Point Open, 2014 US National Open Championship 2nd Place, 2014 Canadian National Open Championship 2nd Place, Highest-Point Spaniel of All Time!

FC AFC Z&Z's Stitch "Stitch"

FC AFC Apple River's Too Many Freckles "Freckles"

FC Crosswinds Warpaths Firewater "Fire"

FC AFC Fallen Wing's Lisa Marie "Lisa"

FC AFC Fallen Wings Kestrel "Suzy"

CFC CAFC Crosswinds Silver Rally Roo "Rally"

CFC CAFC Gaspereaumtn Dill Pickles "Pickles"

FC AFC Crosswind's Heir to Camelot "Pilot" 2nd Place 2010 US National Amateur

FC Windwhistles Woodward "Woody"

FC CFC AFC Fallen Wing's Z and Z's Ringer MH "Ring" CM 2008 US National Open

FC Crosswind's Ameila "Millie"

CFC Deveraux's Lefty "Lefty"

NFC FC Trendsetters Black Beauty SH "Lucy"

FC Fallen Wing's Elvis SH "Elvis" 3rd Place 2009 US Cocker National

CFC AFC Crosswind's Ruffian "Ruffy"

FC Trailblazing Maverick

NFC FC CFC AFC Crosswind's Warpath "Zip" 2nd Place 2008 Canadian Nationals, CM 2007 US National Amateur, 2nd Open High Point 2007

FC AFC CFC Crosswind's Jake Bentley 2nd Place 2008 US Open Nationals, 3rd Place 2006 US Open Nationals, US Open High Point 2005, US Amateur High Point 2004

FC AFC CFC Wildwind's John Henry

FC AFC CFC Macheewynn's Flying Solo

CFC Puckerbrush Full Choke Briley 3rd Place 2007 Canadian Nationals

FC Crosswind's Last Nantyr "Llael"

CFC Rolling Oaks Pride of Ripley "Rip"

CFC Longbriar Blade "Hank"

CFC Wildwind's Rebel

CFC Macheewynn's Miska CM 2001 Canadian Nationals

CFC Wildwind's Storm MH

---

NFC FC AFC CFC Crosswinds Warpath "Zip"
In Memory Always
June 14, 2002 - December 11, 2009

"Congratulations on Zippy's 2010 induction into the Bird Dog Hall of Fame. A well deserved honor for a dog who continues to make his mark on the spaniel world."

Zip's Owners Kevin and Betsey Battistoni
2006 US National Open Winner - Handler Jim Keller, Wildwind Kennels

Two articles written by Kevin Battistoni, published by Spaniel Journal:

• Mysterious Illness Strikes NFC FC AFC CFC Crosswinds Warpath "Zip"
• Epilogue for NFC FC AFC CFC Crosswinds Warpath "Zip"

Peanut Gallery

Fun times from the Wildwind photo album.

Thanks for visiting!

Directions to the Farm
& Lodging

Built in the late 1700s, we are the seventh generation to live on the farm. Wildwind has hundreds of acres of field and woods consisting of typical New England style apple orchards and stone walls with spectacular views of the Western Maine and Quebec Mountains.

The main focus of our farm is on producing quality grounds for dog training and wildlife management. Deer, turkey, grouse, and geese frequent our walks with the odd pheasant from training.

The name "Wildwind Kennels" originated from my late grandfather who appreciated a good view and a good stiff wind from the western exposure.

The main farmhouse remained from the original farm and we have added on in phases. The two story garage has full upstairs living accommodations and we can access the upper kennel from the lower story. The upper kennel goes into the kennel office, grooming and food prep areas. From the office you can access the lower kennel. The kennels are indoor-outdoor runs with eight, large, pea-gravel, exercise areas outdoors. It is a modern and clean facility.

Directions

Wildwind Kennels is located about 1-1/2 to 2 hours from Portland.

If you are coming from Southern Maine:

• Take exit 113 off I95 in Augusta.
• Take route 3 out of Augusta towards Belfast.
• Approximately 15 minutes out of Augusta is Tobey's Store, take a left (Branch Mills Rd) following it through town.
• When you start up a hill beyond the mill, the North Palermo Rd takes a sharp left, continue on the N. Palermo Rd until it merges with route 137.
• Continue straight on 137 through Freedom Village and to the intersection of 137 and route 220 where they meet in Knox. Beauregard Equipment and Hilltop Store are off to your right.
• Go straight on 137 towards Belfast. You will drop down a hill. A sand shed is off to the left.
• Cross the bridge. Immediately after the bridge is a fork to your left with two branches. The lower road is the Bailey Rd, and the upper road is the Webb Rd.
• Go straight on the Webb Rd. We are 1-7/8ths of a mile on the left. There is a very tall series of hills... red barn, cedar shingled house and garage with red trim and kennels.

The entire trip takes about 45 minutes... drive safely!

Lodging

There are several lodging options in the area.

Belfast is about 15 minutes from tghe kennels and has several hotels and VRBOs.

Local towns have several VRBO and AirBnB listings. Local towns nearby are Brooks, Freedom, Montville, Morrill, Belfast, Searsmont, Liberty and Unity. All of these towns are within 20-30 minutes of the farm.

Contact Wildwind

Jim Keller
Call (207)322-6236

Deanna Keller
Call (207)322-2146

Wildwind Kennels
1368 Webb Rd
Knox, Maine 04986