The Red Barons hound

In the world of celebrity and history, every day is a Deerhound day. And continuing the fascination, fun, and finds of all things deerhound, today we bring you a hound by the name of Moritz.

Who in the family history is Moritz? I hear many a Scottish Deerhounds ask.

None other than the Ace of Aces, Captain of the Flying Circus’ and better known as ‘The Red Baron’ - Manfred von Richthofen’s hound. That’s Moritz.

Now we know that the Baron had a penchant for hunting and horse riding, and we know the hunting of the time probably included hounds, which may have included deerhounds amongst them. Some reports have referred to Moritz as a deerhound, I have seen two rather old images, both with the dog blurred in motion, making the confirmation of the breed dificult. Manfred von Richthofen himself commented as below in 1917 . . .

“The most beautiful being in all creation is the genuine Danish hound, my little lap-dog, my Moritz.”

Was Moritz a brindle Great Dane with a slightly scruffy long haired coat or part Deerhound/Great Dane cross or even a Deerhound? It is difficult to detect from photographs as I mentioned but I’m sure a little deeper research could unearth the truth.

Anyone with pedigree information send comment to Rogues Blog.

And should you wish to read The Barons writings, THE RED FIGHTER PILOT from his experience up to and during the Great War including some of his hunting exploits, visit the link.

We can see Moritz above as part of this photograph of von Richthofen chatting with Leutnant Loewenhardt. It is thought that the pic may very well be the last photograph taken of him alive, taken shortly before he took off on his final mission.

What became of Moritz?