Very few dog breeds command the otherworldly elegance, the majestic height, and the serene nobility of the Scottish Deerhound. Known for its coarse, wiry coat, deep chest, and status as one of the speediest coursing hounds, it is also a gentle titan of Scottish heritage. To fully appreciate this remarkable big hearted hound, once you learn about Scottish Deerhound History: A Hound Revered by Kings you will be amazed at how they have carried this journey of misty Highland glens into the hearts and homes of royalty- through to today!
Ancient roots and tribal hunters of Scotland
The breed’s saga stretches into the far mists of Scottish history, before there was even a written record or a kennel club. Tough, rugged dogs built to survive in the brutal, wild environment of the Highlands where the original Celtic tribes and Scottish clans roamed.
Originally, early dogs were bred with one main function in mind—hunting and catching huge wild red deer in a rocky, rugged landscape. And with these tribal hunters the cornerstone of Scottish Deerhound History is bred; A Hound Adored by the Kings, essential to earliest Scottish survival: a breed combining fierce speed, sharp vision and supreme endurance.
Aristocratic Status and Royal Favorite
The unparalleled beauty and hunting ability of these hounds soon earned them the attention of society’s highest circles. His description of the noble lineage, including that only people “of station” (meaning he thought only nobles should own them) could own them, supports historical reports of Scottish and English kings who held the hounds in utmost reverence, such as King James I.
Ownership of the breed was once restricted to nobility, earning it the moniker “The Royal Dog of Scotland” during some eras. This reserved title helped establish the supposed royal and illustrious characteristics of a beast bred to appease noblemen.
Preservation and the Modern Sighthound
Many working breeds face extinction threats over the years due to modernity, and the Scottish Deerhound is no exception. By the 19th century, social upheavals, the World Wars, and the loss of traditional deer coursing had brought the population to the brink of extinction. Luckily, amateur fanciers began carefully reviving the bloodlines before this magnificent sighthound was lost forever.
The legacy of Scottish Deerhound History: A Hound Praised by the Kings lives on in homes and show rings worldwide. While still capable of displaying such stunning athleticism and passion for open-ground running, the modern Deerhound is also revered as an exceptionally kind, loving, & quiet houseguest.
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