NTL GFTCH and NZCH Vitesse Zak Attack QC
Zak was born on the 18 th October 2006 and was bred by Graeme Palmer and Robyn Weir. His Sire, Fawnhaven Indigo Jones AM RN (USA imp) was imported as frozen semen from the USA, and his Dam was NZCH Veralea Written in Ink.
Robyn was able to show Zak in breed shows, while Graeme competed him in Gundog trials. This proved a challenge, keeping him in field condition, while still being able to win in shows. He is unique, as he is the last Dual Champion Retriever to be produced in New Zealand.
Zak showed as a young dog he was a fast learner, was physically tough and could naturally mark with pinpoint accuracy. These attributes combined with his ability to learn complex training setups quickly made him easy to train, trial and hunt with. His most re-deeming feature was the relationship he had with Graeme, always following him around, sitting on his feet, nudging his hands, leaning against his leg and wanting to be a part of whatever was going on. His biddable trait was what set him apart and allowed him to excel. This was exemplified by him being able to win at championship level with other handlers running him, something he did more than once when Graeme was away working offshore. However, his best attribute was that
he was an incredibly affectionate dog and easy to have around the house.
When Zak was 3 years of age he won the SI Limit title with 99/100 on the land course and then the following weekend went on to win the 2009 National Retriever Championship. He replicated this national win the following year and averaged 8 championship wins each year until retired at age 9 with 49 challenge points. One of his most outstanding runs was achieving 100/100 in an Otago Championship judged by Colin Evans on a double mark across water. He continued this effort on the land course judged by Bill Johnsen, and scored another impressive 97/100, only losing 3 points over both judges.
Zak also spent most winters out hunting ducks on Lake Ellesmere. He also hunted pheasants in the Selwyn Riverbed for the one weekend that was allowed during the hunting season, and he always came home with a cock bird. However, his favorite pastime was hunting wallabies on Mount Aitken Station, something that had no rules and the freedom to just hunt, chase and do what he wanted.
Zak was put across NLT GFTCH Pheasant Grove Text Me at Sandford, who produced NTL GFTCH & FCH Glenmarric Red Hot Steel, FCH & FTW Glenmarric the Chadster and FTW Glenmarric Rob Roy.
By the time Zak retired had left a legacy which very few dogs replicate.
In Graeme’s words, Zak was the dog of a lifetime. His calm intensity, marking and intelligence, combined with a consistent attitude of ‘show me what you want’ made him an exceptional friend to have around.
Zak was born on the 18 th October 2006 and was bred by Graeme Palmer and Robyn Weir. His Sire, Fawnhaven Indigo Jones AM RN (USA imp) was imported as frozen semen from the USA, and his Dam was NZCH Veralea Written in Ink.
Robyn was able to show Zak in breed shows, while Graeme competed him in Gundog trials. This proved a challenge, keeping him in field condition, while still being able to win in shows. He is unique, as he is the last Dual Champion Retriever to be produced in New Zealand.
Zak showed as a young dog he was a fast learner, was physically tough and could naturally mark with pinpoint accuracy. These attributes combined with his ability to learn complex training setups quickly made him easy to train, trial and hunt with. His most re-deeming feature was the relationship he had with Graeme, always following him around, sitting on his feet, nudging his hands, leaning against his leg and wanting to be a part of whatever was going on. His biddable trait was what set him apart and allowed him to excel. This was exemplified by him being able to win at championship level with other handlers running him, something he did more than once when Graeme was away working offshore. However, his best attribute was that
he was an incredibly affectionate dog and easy to have around the house.
When Zak was 3 years of age he won the SI Limit title with 99/100 on the land course and then the following weekend went on to win the 2009 National Retriever Championship. He replicated this national win the following year and averaged 8 championship wins each year until retired at age 9 with 49 challenge points. One of his most outstanding runs was achieving 100/100 in an Otago Championship judged by Colin Evans on a double mark across water. He continued this effort on the land course judged by Bill Johnsen, and scored another impressive 97/100, only losing 3 points over both judges.
Zak also spent most winters out hunting ducks on Lake Ellesmere. He also hunted pheasants in the Selwyn Riverbed for the one weekend that was allowed during the hunting season, and he always came home with a cock bird. However, his favorite pastime was hunting wallabies on Mount Aitken Station, something that had no rules and the freedom to just hunt, chase and do what he wanted.
Zak was put across NLT GFTCH Pheasant Grove Text Me at Sandford, who produced NTL GFTCH & FCH Glenmarric Red Hot Steel, FCH & FTW Glenmarric the Chadster and FTW Glenmarric Rob Roy.
By the time Zak retired had left a legacy which very few dogs replicate.
In Graeme’s words, Zak was the dog of a lifetime. His calm intensity, marking and intelligence, combined with a consistent attitude of ‘show me what you want’ made him an exceptional friend to have around.
