Catori Kennels

Catori Kennels, my Flat-coated Retriever breeder stands behind me & supports me in all my Flat-coat questions & needs over the past 6 years! Shawna is a quality AKC breeder who is devoted to research, to promote & to preserve the beautiful FCR breed. As an experienced breeder & competitor, Shawna blends knowledge for the breed with passion & expert care for her puppies & dogs, a true benefit & blessing to the families who are starting on their Flat-coat journey with a Catori Flat-coat. My next Flat-Coated Retriever puppy will be a Catori Kennels puppy!

We cannot recommend Catori Kennel highly enough. Our experience with them went far beyond a typical breeder owner transaction it truly felt like joining a family. Finding the right breeder can be a surprisingly stressful and emotional process. We spoke with several Flat-Coat breeders before making a decision, and each had very different styles, expectations, and communication approaches. For us, Shawna ended up being the right match, and that alignment made all the difference. From day one, the level of care and dedication stood out. She personally delivered our puppy, Cholula, to our home in Boston while on her way to a show, which made the transition incredibly smooth and stress-free. Unexpectedly, her car broke down during the trip, and she ended up staying with us for a few days. While unplanned, this gave us a rare opportunity to really get to know her and observe firsthand how she interacts with and cares for her dogs. That experience provided a level of insight you simply don’t get in most situations. Her devotion, patience, and genuine love for her dogs, along with the involvement of her children, were consistently clear. The dogs are raised in a nurturing, family-oriented environment, and their wellbeing is obviously her top priority. Throughout the process, we found that clear communication and mutual trust were important on both sides. In our case, we felt comfortable, informed, and supported, even when logistics were complex or evolving as they often are with travel, shows, and coordinating multiple families. We’ve developed a wonderful ongoing relationship and continue to stay in touch. If you’re looking for a breeder who leads with heart, integrity, and a deep respect for her dogs, we would wholeheartedly recommend Catori Kennel. (photos of Cholula with her grandfather Adam, as well as all the dogs in our garden: a dream! as well as Cholula now, what nice memories!)

We had such a wonderful experience with Shawna when searching for our Flat-Coat. The puppy process was smooth and professional, and it’s clear how much love and care goes into raising their dogs. My Girl Arwen is everything I could have hoped for—beautiful, well-tempered, and eager to work! The continued support has meant so much, too. She is always open for questions or check ins and has been incredibly encouraging as we get into dog sports - so thankful for our girl and the dedication Catori has to their pups. Highly recommend them if you’re looking to add a pup to your family!

I got my puppy from Catori Kennels in 2021. Shawna did an excellent job of socializing and knowing each puppy of the litter. I trusted her to pick the right boy for me and she did not disappoint. Buddy fit right into our animal family and is intelligent, loyal, healthy and everything a flatcoat can be- my best Buddy.

I purchased two puppies from Shawna—one from her first litter and another from her second—and had an outstanding experience both times. Both puppies were raised using Puppy Culture and temperament tested before placement, which gave me great confidence in their early development. Shawna provided almost daily updates, including photos and videos, which made the process even more special. When I picked up my first puppy, I flew into Bozeman. Shawna personally picked me up from the airport, welcomed me into her home, and spent a few hours with me before my return flight. I had the opportunity to meet her family, see where the puppies were raised, and meet the mother of my puppy. Before taking me back to the airport, she even placed a bit of lavender oil on the puppy to help keep it calm during the flight—a thoughtful touch I truly appreciated. For my second puppy, Shawna was attending a dog show and brought the puppy with her. I met her there, stayed to enjoy the show, and once again received a puppy bag and contract. Each puppy came home with food, a blanket, a lead, and a toy—everything needed to help them settle in comfortably. Shawna truly loves her puppies. She has always said she loved them first, and it absolutely shows in the care, attention, and dedication she gives to each one.