We believe in traditional values
Highly Experienced
Mullfern was founded by Charlie and Brooke Barnes through a shared passion for working dogs, farming, and the continual improvement of working dog genetics in New Zealand.
Based in Southland, Mullfern specialises in breeding Border Collies with the instinct, intelligence, and natural ability required to perform in demanding farm environments.
Our breeding programme focuses on producing dogs with genuine stock sense, trainability, attentiveness, and the confidence to work effectively under pressure. We carefully select proven bloodlines that consistently demonstrate the behavioural and working traits required for practical farm work.
Every dog is raised and assessed in real farming conditions, allowing natural ability, temperament, and working potential to be accurately evaluated from an early age. This hands-on approach provides valuable insight into the qualities that matter most in a dependable working dog.
At Mullfern, quality always comes before quantity. Our goal is the continual development of capable, reliable, and genetically sound working dogs that become genuine assets on farm.
Today, Mullfern continues to grow with the same vision it was built on: producing working dogs with the instinct, intelligence, and reliability to thrive in real-world farming environments.
The Family Business
Mullfern is owned and operated by Charlie and Brooke Barnes on their sheep and beef farm in Southland, New Zealand.
Life on the land shapes every aspect of the Mullfern breeding programme. Raising dogs in a genuine working farm environment allows each pup to develop naturally around stock, machinery, terrain, and the day-to-day demands of farm life.
From an early age, pups are exposed to practical working situations that help build confidence, resilience, and natural stock sense. This environment also allows behavioural strengths and working ability to become evident early, helping guide future breeding decisions.
As working farmers themselves, Charlie and Brooke understand the importance of producing dogs that are practical, trainable, and dependable in real-world conditions. Their focus remains on developing dogs with strong genetic foundations and the temperament required for New Zealand farming.
Pup Litters
Mullfern plans carefully selected Border Collie litters throughout the year, with a strong focus on genetic quality, natural instinct, trainability, and practical working ability.
Our breeding programme prioritises dogs that consistently demonstrate intelligence, stamina, attentiveness, and the behavioural traits required for effective stock work.
Pups are raised in a working farm environment and exposed to everyday farm activity from an early age, helping develop confidence and natural ability while providing valuable insight into their future working potential.
Due to the level of planning and selection involved, many litters are reserved early. We recommend following our website and social media channels for updates on upcoming litters and available pups.
If you are looking for a future working dog, please contact us to discuss upcoming litters or joining our waiting list.
Farm Dogs
As farmers ourselves, we understand the importance of reliable, high-quality dogs bred to handle the realities of rural life and New Zealand farming conditions.
Mullfern breeds working dogs from proven bloodlines selected for intelligence, natural instinct, stamina, and trainability. Raised and assessed in real farm environments, our dogs are developed to perform confidently and reliably in practical working conditions.
