Deerhound

Already in the Middle Ages, the Deerhound was used to hunt deer by the clan chiefs of the time. He is one of the oldest breeds of dogs used to hunt big game.

In the 3rd century, these dogs would have been used by the legendary hero Fingal and the breed would be described in the 18th century by Pennant, the naturalist. The Deerhound was even Sir Walter Scott's favorite dog, the Scottish writer born in 1771 in Edinburgh, who described him as "the most perfect creature there is".

At one time, he was highly esteemed and prized by the Scottish aristocracy. The breed was already exclusive to the nobility throughout this period.

A little later, still in the grip of nobility, he became the favourite of the racing enthusiasts and gradually lost his notoriety as a hunter.

In 1886, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. Despite his European origins, the breed has spread to Australia and the United States, but is still not well known in Europe.

The Scottish Deerhound is a fast and very skillful hound that can hunt in rugged terrain between rocks, through heather and bogs as well as along the lochs in his native Scotland.

In the past, he often took part in hare and deer hunting competitions organized from time to time for the pleasure of the crowds.