History of Chesterhope Kennels

My Involvement with Pointers has spanned over 20 years.  I did what many may call their apprenticeship in the breed, "starting at a young age" at an established Pointer breeding Kennels.
 I was fortunate to have seen and worked with many of the dogs that I consider the greats of the breed here in New Zealand which  only now appear in the 4th generation of many pedigrees today. These include  NZ Ch Crookrise Gunner (Imp UK), Aust/NZ Ch Crookrise Firebrand (Imp UK), Byzan Lark (Imp UK) and NZ Ch Wyndsmoor Rio Gold (Imp UK).
  
I went on with my foundation bitch which I purchased from Terry and Bryn Blythen Ch Arista Sondra who was one of the last daughters in NZ of the late great Aust /NZ Ch Crookrise Firebrand. 

From one of my earlier litters sired by my original dog Ch Arista Finca, I produced Ch Chesterhope Bracken, who when put to 'Sondra' were to produce the brother and sister  team of the dog Aust/NZ Ch Chesterhope Young Quin, 'Hogan', and the bitch .Aust/NZ Ch Chesterhope April Fool, 'Briar'.
These two Pointers were a fantastic influence for Chesterhope both going to Australia under Cicely Robertshaw (from Crookrise Kennels UK) in 1995 Pointer Championship Show and becoming Australian Champions.  'Hogan' Breeding on In Best in Show winning son Ch Chesterhope Quick Pick.  'Briar' we were unable to breed from in later years.

Another influence in the kennels was Top Shot Dazzle who became another of my foundation bitches who I am grateful to Rex Young for allowing this bitch to come to us.  She has Produced many Chesterhope Champions and is the Dam of NZ Grand Ch Chesterhope Black Magic.  and her current "In Show" winning son 
NZ Grand Ch Chesterhope Catch The Dream owned by Paul Robinson of Robwyn Kennels.

More recently a bitch of influence in the kennels is NZ Ch Atsira Issabella (Imp Aust) from Jan James of Atsira Kennels Australia. ' Bella'  has had a great influence here at Chesterhope , the combination of these lines from Atsira and Chesterhope  has produced some lovely Pointers.

We are also grateful to Jan James for the use of Aust Ch Vossmead Firecrest of Crookrise (Imp UK), in New Zealand during the past 12 months.  'Mark's' influence has been an exciting leap for us with his young progeny out of 'Bella' already winning In Show Awards at all Breeds Shows.

Also during 2001 in conjunction with Paul Robinson of Robwyn Kennels we imported frozen seamen from the world renowned American Kennel Bee Serious, out of the dog Am/Can Ch Bee Serious Lord Jim.  This was very sucessful and produced a litter of eight Puppies first time.  Three have already gained their champion title and have had numerous In Show Awards.

Over the years there has been many influences in the kennels with Imports who have paid an important part with one import being Galema Lamborgini of Crookrise (Imp UK  to Aust) who was sent over by David Wong Crookrise Australia. 

Once I started  living and working with Pointers  I was hooked on this lovely breed with there boundless energy, fantastic loving temperament and in the loyalness as a dog not forgetting other qualities they possess.

Our Pointers are first and foremost important members of our family raised in a loving and caring environment surrounded by children
 

Pal Breeders Stakes Hawkes Bay Kennel Assn 1994

Left to right:
Aust/NZ Ch Chesterhope April Fool, Ch Chesterhope Bracken, Ch Chesterhope Arnica, Ch Chesterhope Killarney Bay, Aust/NZ Ch Chesterhope Young Quin