For the people who are history buffs, and romantics, the Scottish Deerhound could possibly be viewed as the living link to the days when there were knights in armor, pageants, ladies in waiting, and the heart pounding thrill of the hunt without the use of firearms.  The Scottish Deerhound is one of the ancient breeds of dog associated with the Celtic tribes that wandered across Europe and Great Britain.  This breed was adopted by the Scots, and was used to hunt the wild deer in the glens and forests.  These deer weighed upwards of 350 pounds, and were approximately 5 foot at the shoulder; to hunt and kill an animal of such formidable size could only be accomplished by a hunter and dog worthy of this task. When one considers the terrain in which these deer were found, the fact that the Scottish Deerhound was able to pursue and persist in the chase, and still have the strength and capability to bring the prey down, speaks for the dog's courage, strength, and tenacity. The Scottish Deerhound was held in such high esteem that only the nobility could own such an animal, known then as the Royal Dog of Scotland.  No one lower in rank than an Earl could possess this breed, indeed, recorded history shows that if a nobleman was condemned to death for an indiscretion, he could buy his life in exchange for a pair of Scottish Deerhounds. These dogs were working dogs and they earned their keep by being courageous hunters.
     With the advent of the use of firearms by the hunters, the Scottish Deerhound experienced a dramatic decline in numbers by the early 18th century.  What saved this breed from this huge decline, to a large extent, were the efforts of two brothers, Lord Colonsay and Archibald McNeill. They bought, traded, and bred Deerhounds from the best bloodlines that they could find and established the Colonsay strain.  The Colonsay strain became the primary bloodline of this breed until the early part of the twentieth century.
     The A.K.C. registered its first Scottish Deerhound in 1886.  The reason for this breed coming to the United States was not so much for hunting the smaller eastern deer, as much as it was brought to western U.S. for the hunting of coyotes, wolves, elk, black bear, and grizzily bear.  Even the swift jack rabbit was at risk from this swifter hunter.
     Today the Scottish Deerhound can be found in the United States in limited numbers.  The breeders tend to be very selective as to whom they will sell their puppies.  One does not necessarily need a castle and hundreds of acres of land, but these dogs do require special care, lots of regular exercise, and sensitive, open minded owners.  These dogs are not guard dogs, matter of fact, they are not aggressive at all, despite their large size.  They will watch things happen, but for the most part they do not get too involved.  Each dog is different, some will lead a burglar to the jewelry, others will place themselves between the suspected danger and their owner.  They consider themselves lap dogs, they like snuggling, eating lots of food, and running at a full gallop.

Return to Scottish Deerhound Directory

Return to Bark Bytes Home