Delivering dogs to America is just part of the service for Charlie Thorburn and Mordor Gundogs, as Martin Puddifer discovers.
Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out more.Charlie Thorburn may have been involved in gundog training for 20 of his 42 years but he talks with the enthusiasm of someone just getting started. We caught up just as he was starting an epic journey to the US with several dogs for company. The trip had started in Scotland in the early hours and would eventually take him to, amongst other places, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Chicago over the following nine days. On each of his stops he would either be delivering dogs bred and trained at his Mordor Kennels in Perthshire to their new homes, or pressing palms with those eager to learn more about his work.
Mordor Gundogs has built up a global reputation for quality training and breeding. Charlie, the son of a colonel who holds a degree in Agricultural Business and Economics from Edinburgh University, started training as a hobby while pursuing other interests and had been selected to attend Sandhurst, the British Army officer training course. However, he found himself becoming so busy training dogs – around 30 or so – it occurred to him that his future may lie elsewhere. Mordor Gundogs eventually moved to high-quality, purpose-built premises in 2006 and its owner has never looked back.
Delivering dogs to America is just part of the service for Charlie Thorburn and Mordor Gundogs, as Martin Puddifer discovers.
Delivering dogs to America is just part of the service for Charlie Thorburn and Mordor Gundogs, as Martin Puddifer discovers.
Get the latest news delivered direct to your door
Unlock the full potential of your working dog with a subscription to Gundog Journal, the UK’s only dedicated magazine for gundog enthusiasts. Published bi-monthly, this authoritative resource delivers expert training advice, in-depth interviews with top trainers and veterinary guidance to help you nurture a stronger bond with your dog.
Whether you’re a professional handler, breeder, or simply passionate about gundogs, each issue offers a wealth of knowledge on breeds like labradors, spaniels and vizslas. Subscribers gain access to topical articles, real-life stories and exclusive offers from trusted brands.
With stunning photography and thought-provoking content, Gundog Journal is your essential guide to understanding, training and celebrating these remarkable working breeds.