The Crew
Meet the dogs behind Katchafire — the much-loved family members, workers, show-offs, mothers, fathers and occasional agents of chaos who make our kennel what it is.
Our Dogs
Our dogs live as part of our family on the farm. Some compete in the show ring, some work in the field, and some manage to turn their paws to a bit of everything.
Rebel
Rebel is a working-line girl with plenty of drive, enthusiasm and character. She loves having a job to do, but is just as much a member of the family when the working day is over.
Ice
Ice is our show-line girl and the foundation bitch of that side of our breeding programme. Successful in the show ring, she is also a lovely example of the type, structure and temperament we value.
Bear
Bear is our young man of the house — affectionate, enthusiastic and always ready to be involved. He is developing as a working dog and has begun competing in Novice gundog trials, but at home he is a big softie.
Arson
Arson is an enthusiastic working girl who loves getting out hunting and working in the field. She has earned her Qualifying Certificate and brings plenty of drive and determination to everything she does, while at home she is very much part of the Katchafire family.
Ember
Ember is an enthusiastic working girl who loves having something to do. She has earned her QC and is progressing through Novice gundog work, proving herself a keen, willing retriever. At home, the working brain switches off — mostly — and she’s back to family-dog mode.
Whisper
Whisper is affectionate, enthusiastic and endlessly curious — although, despite her name, she has never been particularly committed to the quiet life. A substantial young girl with plenty of personality, she is part of the next generation and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds for her.
Misty
Misty is the baby of the Katchafire crew and still very much a work in progress. For now, her job is simply to grow, learn, explore and show us who she is going to become.
Remembered with love
Koda
Brocade Biscotti CGB
Koda was our first Golden Retriever, and the gentle boss of every dog who followed. Playful, generous and quietly in charge, he somehow kept the whole Katchafire crew in line without so much as a growl. Everyone simply respected him.
Retrieving, however, was another matter. Koda would fetch once, then give you a look that clearly said, “I brought it back once. You get it this time.” As a puppy he wasn’t keen on travelling, but he grew to enjoy it — provided he could have his window open. He even taught himself how to open it, which occasionally resulted in quite a battle between Koda and whoever thought the window should remain shut. The show ring, on the other hand, he loved.
Kosmic
NZ Ch Wysiwyg Wind Beneath My Wings CGB
Kosmic was a beautiful, strong and deeply loving boy, and was rarely far from Koda — the two of them could so often be found curled up together. Kosmic tolerated the show ring well enough to earn his New Zealand Champion title, but he was always happiest when there was work to be done.
For a big boy with a beginner handler, Kosmic did us proud in the field. He was always keen, loved training and field trials, and won a very respectable number of his events along the way. Pheasant retrieves were a particular favourite, and he loved running on the beach.