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The Buccleuch Gundogs
Working dogs have played an important part on the Buccleuch Estates over the last two centuries, mainly for use by keepers employed across the different estates.
The Labrador Retriever, renowned for its excellent retrieving capabilities, was first imported from Newfoundland in the 1830s when trade between Britain and Canada was brisk. The Buccleuch Kennel was established by the 1880s and the world-famous Buccleuch Labrador strain was born.
After the war years a period of decline occurred. However, in 2004, successful champion dog breeder, trainer and trialler, David Lisett, was appointed. His vision, along with Sporting Manager, Roy Green, finally came to fruition in Spring 2007 with the creation of a bespoke kennel at Chapel Farm, Durisdeer, near Thornhill. The farm steading, set in the beautiful Mid-Nithsdale valley amidst a stunning, natural landscape perfect for the training of gundogs, was completely renovated to provide a state-of-the-art kennel suitable for housing up to 50 dogs at any one time.
Not only has the Buccleuch Labrador breeding programme been resurrected, but a successful line of Cocker and Springer Spaniels are now bred under the Buccleuch name. Full training facilities are now up and running and for the first time, Buccleuch dogs are competing in field trials, bringing triumph to the Buccleuch name.
To read how the Buccleuch family and the Labrador Retriever first came together in the 1830s and how the names have been associated ever since, click the Story of the Buccleuch Labrador
For more detailed information on the Buccleuch Gundogs and Kennel as well as dogs/pups for sale, visit Buccleuch Gundogs.
Dog Training DVDs can now be purchased from the Buccleuch Gundog website online.
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