Deerhound

I can see all of Scotland from here

2011-10-18T14:22:00.001Z

Rascal the Official Royal Deerhound of Stirling Castle

2011-10-17T15:45:00.003Z

A wee laff frae 1871

2011-08-15T20:26:00.004Z

What? wi a bunch o bored skool kidz an’ a cupla ‘numpties’ causin’ a riot doon in Lundin an Burmingum and the likes, and haein’ thone Cameron bloke and Big Boris cancelin thur hoalidays, just to ask fer help frae the ‘Glesca polis’ to gawn bash a few heids - we thocht it a guid idea tae share a wee deerhound joke wi the wurld from 1871 tae cheer awbody up.

And for aw thae folk aroond the world who have been advised no tae come to the UK - let us tell ye no tae worry - come tae Scotland, yer safe up here - we aye hae a guid laff aboot it when ’hings gang wrang - cause what the heck - ‘It rains - it snaws - but the sun ey comes oot again‘.

Rascal Long Dog

2011-08-05T19:51:00.001Z

Just Because

2011-07-20T11:58:00.007Z

British Pathé Deer Hounds

2011-07-18T12:05:00.009Z

A few months back I was searching on the British Pathé Movie archive for any possible historic deerhound footage but to no avail. Well, in the way of the workings of the wonderful wide web, the site administrators keep their eye on the search criteria and have obviously decided to upload this marvelous little historic ditty, perhaps finding my search request.

Miss Richmond and her Scottish Deerhound kennels.

I know the blog postings of late have been a little bit video-centric but this is because the medium suits. As the newsreel says - the dog of the old Scottish chieftans is coming back to favour.

Just click on the image below and enjoy.

Scottish Deerhounds

Your browser does not support iframes.

Rogue and Rascal Enter a Movie Competition

2011-07-14T11:31:00.010Z

The little video above was thrown together over a five day period and was submitted to the Virgin Media Shorts film competition. In the montage sequence, both Rogue and Rascal appear albeit in a very subtle way (see if you can find them). We leave the interpretation of the story to you and we are running a supplementary blogspot to the movie here.

If you like it or if you don’t - why not visit the virgin media page and leave us a comment - or even better ‘like’ us to your social media page and share the movie with friends.

Little fighter

2011-07-13T12:06:00.004Z

Two Mongrels

2011-07-12T12:10:00.004Z

Thanks to Loragene for sending us the lovely little card. These beautiful little Scottish gift cards are available from Two Mongrels. For a quick look at/or if you wish to order from their available range - go here.

Rascal after a days work

2011-07-11T13:21:00.001Z

Rascals First Post

2011-07-10T20:48:00.016Z

Today Rascal picks up the torch and fills out his first blog assignment with a visit to Cochrane Park in Alva to bring you the Scottish Deerhound class from this most spectacular of settings. The morning began with a dreich covering and a smiddgen o’ rain but soon borst into Glorious sunsh ine. But enough of the weather reports let’s visit the show and we’ll let all the photo’s do the talking.

Rogue

2011-07-05T15:11:00.003Z

Legend, comic-book character, film star, hunter, blogger, history book model, teacher, joker, runner, a true Scottish gentlehound, a greatest friend and companion and a creature that made the world a better place. Our wee dug . . .

Rogue Brylach MacAllister
8th August 2005 - 5th July 2011

the Claymore once more

2011-06-17T09:54:00.003Z

May?Junes edition of the Claymore - available from the Scottish Deerhound Club of America

Deerhounds Sparkle

2011-06-16T09:17:00.004Z

I guess it’s been a while since we posted here. Rogue and rascal have been busy on movie shoots - advertising photo and movie projects and days oot promoting the new Palace at Stirling Castle. We spent two days in the Palace meeting the many visitors and educating them to the world of Scottish Deerhonds. We even ended up in the new book available at the Castle gift shop.

Anyway, just a quick post to let everyone know we are still here and we have noticed that with deerhounds winning Best of Show at Westminster in the USA there have been an increase in Deerhound sparkle for sale on the internet. Like these little objects.

Find them here.

And we’ll be posting more deerhound fun soon.

Westminster Deerhound

2011-02-16T21:48:00.004Z

Scottish deerhound wins the Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club

GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind
Breed: Scottish Deerhound
Sex: Bitch
AKC: HP 20581907
Date of Birth: December 20, 2005
Breeder: Cecilia L Dove & Dr R Scott Dove
Sire: Thistleglen Newell
Dam: Foxcliffe Summoning Charms
Owner: Sally Sweatt & Cecilia L Dove & Dr R Scott Dove

As per usual - follow the link in the above copy for further details.

And by the time you read this, you may either have seen or missed Rogue and Rascals videos on the ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. At the time of writing here, the show has not been broadcast but we look forward to it - catch it if you can. Follow the various links but do remember to come back to us.

Celtic Wolfhunt

2011-02-02T22:35:00.001Z

Wolfhounds? Deerhounds? Big hairy greyhounds?

Friends - Deerhounds - Advertising and Controversy

2011-02-01T22:50:00.008Z

In 2010 some friends informed us that they were going to be the face of a John Lewis Christmas Advertising campaign . . . and hey! We looked forward to seeing the ad.

In our home there was great excitement when the ad first appeared - Rogue and Rascal knowing they had run with Rannoch at Fire Hill - here he was - another Scottish Deerhound star of the screen.

Unfortunately the sequence was misconstrued as pet neglect and viewing the video, one can easily see why - ‘poor little hound left out in the snow at Christmas’.

It’s a pity the sequence was not better considered by the advertisers, we love deerhounds on telly, and we would have loved to have seen more of Rannoch over the festive period.

Why did they not have him by the warm fireplace with the family where he should have been at Christmas, and surely the kid could have at least hugged him when giving the present.

I know it would have been that way at his real home.

For the Chase

2011-01-31T13:09:00.007Z

'Here is an interesting little plate taken from ‘The Dog’ in ‘Graphic Illustrations of Animals - showing their utility to man in their services during life, and uses after death’ (1845), illustrated by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and R K Thomas this book was published by Thomas Varty. Printed by J Graf, C Graf, Day and Haghe.

It’s a pretty rare book and is near impossible to obtain a printed copy of. Even google books and the open library do not have copies available. Deerhounds and fans everywhere - enjoy our little copy of the illustration.

Rogues very own book ?

2011-01-19T22:54:00.003Z

Well here’s a little piece of deerhound in print that may just have passed you by. And what’s more, the title is in-keeping with your bloghost in name and attitude. Yes, Rogue! . . . ‘Rogues and Running Dogs’ an insight into the not so pedigree world of Lurchers - with a whole chapter (12) on Deerhound Lurchers. Written by David Brian Plummer and first published in 1976 - this book has recently been re-published by COCH-Y-BONDDU books and is available at good bookstores and webstores. If you would like a quick read through follow the title link above to a Google Books edition for an overview - or visit the publisher for a whole series of country interest books,

Smashing!

Cecil Aldin - Deerhound

2011-01-16T19:40:00.002Z

Why Dogs rule the world

2011-01-05T00:24:00.007Z

BBC Wildlife

Photographs of deerhounds ? Put them here !

Scottish Field visit there !

Happy New Year from Rogue and Rascal !

2011-01-02T14:07:00.009Z

In the world of Scottish Deerhounds we oft hear of certain books - The Scottish Deerhound with notes on it’s Origin and Characteristics by E Winston Bell for example along with a host of many others. Enthusiasts can have trouble finding a copy of these valued printings which prove to be rare in bookshops and public libraries. It takes dedication, perseverance and patience to hunt down a hard copy. Indeed, digital copies can be difficult to find – with the ever increasing hostings on the world wide web making nany searches a little more fortuitous.

But as followers of Rogue and Rascal know - if it’s deerhound - it’s likely to appear on this blog. So if you do not own a copy already and are interested - click the link above to be taken to a copy of the E Winston Bell book.

Enjoy 2011 and remember . . .

Here's to the deerhound, the glen and the heather,
The bonnet, the plaid, the kilt and the feather!

Slàinte maith, h-uile latha, na chi 'snach fhaic!

Deerhound weather warning

2010-12-27T16:44:00.005Z

We hear that some folks have had a spot of snow of late. It’s not that bad if it doesn’t reach the armpits - that’s what we say. And as for the shopping? Four paw drive will catch the supper. Just have to fetch the apples and tatties from the earth box, then dig up the parsnips and leeks from the veg patch to accompany our lovely roast venison - now where were they growing ? Was it over there - or over there ?

How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog

2010-12-26T20:21:00.003Z

Send your deerhound to the bookshop for the boxing day sales and what do they fetch? This fantastic little book! For a fun read, and so as them dang wabbits never escape your deerhound again - Teach them Quantum Physics.

In this witty and informative book, Orzel and Emmy - the talking dog - discuss the key theories of Quantum Physics and its fascinating history. From quarks and gluons to Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, this is the perfect introduction to the fundamental laws which govern the universe. And easy for deerhounds to understand - but they are the most inteligent of dogs.

Deer hound my Hart’s in the Highlands

2010-12-25T19:18:00.005Z

And where else would you find this much Scottish Deerhound History on this day, unless of course Santa Claus had delivered the manuscripts to you himself. Follow this link and download the Journals of James Robertson to read fascinating account of The Scottish Highlands including the Deer hounds at work there from 1845.

Excerpts below . . .

Friday 10 October 1845
S E. Fine breezy day. A slight shower at half past 6.
The Falcon was expected at 1 and did not come till half past 6. Donald and I walked about all day on the Terrace in expectation of it. He left by it for Badenoch and Atholl; and left Buscar a deer hound of the Lord Advocate behind with me. Mr Ross breakfasted with us, and Donald liked him. Saw no one else. I am now left once more alone, sad and solitary in my den, but I look back on Donald's visit with pleasure. He is in good health and spirits and looking well; improved in manner; strong, active and not old looking. Kind and affectionate as ever. He discussed all his affairs, money matters, love passages, politics and private history of himself and friends, with all the unreserved confidence and freedom of former times. He offered me one, I think the only remaining one, of his horses; I'll keep it for him but not take it. He is generous (more suo) to others and self denying upon the whole to himself, and saving money very fast. This year his office will be worth upwards of £1200. 141 He says that John Robertson Glasgow will clear £2000 or £3000 by his business!!

It was a mistake for JR to have agreed to look after Buscar the deer hound belonging to Duncan McNeill, the Lord Advocate. No doubt there were social pressures on him to do so of which he may have been partly unaware. JR did not greatly care for dogs and was no good with them. He presumably agreed to look after Buscar to help Donald and because of the indirect pressures of the McNeill family's patronage. Buscar chased sheep on 12 October, 'misbehaved' in church on 19 October, killed a sheep on 20 November and 'dirtied the house' during the night of 7 December. JR sent the dog back to Captain Alexander McNeill, the elder brother of the Lord Advocate, on 13 December 1845.

Another Excerpt

Our friend Archy McNeill is in great distress and dolour. He came over here on Sunday with a most portentous face and his hair standing on end and and cried "I have shocking news". Bless us says I what is the matter - nothing has happened to the Laird? "No - but Buscar is dead" If it had been one of his little nephews or nieces I am sure he would bear the loss with resignation but Buscar! Buscar strangled! "By if Alexander does not dismiss that d--d rascal Doherty " Here he paused ominously, "bent his awful brows and gave the nod" Seriously the thing is very provoking - the dog was tied up by the unlucky Docherty, and struggled so hard to get free that he broke his chain - but he injured his neck so much that he died a day or two thereafter. Bran killed four stags this season almost single handed; and Forbes got a splendid and proved dog in Sutherland, but there never was and there never will be a deer hound to match Buscar.

Wishing you all the best for the coming year from Rogue and Rascal

I know where I’m going

2010-10-14T12:02:00.003Z

Looking for something to do this weekend? - why not take your deerhound here for this commemorative event.

I know where.

Roman / Pictish Deerhounds

2010-09-09T22:55:00.006Z

A New Point of View
Behold the feeble deer, what war they rage ;
In timid breasts what baleful furies rage !
For death reciprocal each forehead bounds ;
In mercy, feeling Ceasar, send the hounds.
Elphinston (Martial)

Now, where else would you find a Scottish educator, orthographer, phonologist and linguistics expert, a Celtic/Iberian Roman epigrammatist, some pottery and trophies found in Caledonia and deerhound history from the era of the Picts all in a few brief paragraphs?

The above poem comes from a translation of a Marcus Valerius Martialis epigram by James Elphinston. I won’t go into too much historic detail about either of these men of words but rather suggest you follow the links if you wish to find out more about them.

Of interest to us is the reference to the hunting and the hounds and it’s double meaning as a depiction of battle, clearly drawing on the experience of the hunt. The hunt, a pastime that the Romans enjoyed and participated in, both for pleasure and through a necessity for food.

To support this thought and in-keeping with the period that the lifestyle depicting epigram above was created, I’ve posted images below of Roman Artifacts found in the area we now refer to as Argyll, Scotland. These objects date from an age before the Christ to around 300 AD and feature a vase, part of a trophy, a small carving and some ornate horns.

Note the large hounds portrayed on each of these pieces - deerhounds ? Wolf-dogs ? The large grey hounds that were shipped from Pictland to Rome when first arrested to wow the spectators at the colosseum. Who knows the truth.

Visit the National Museums of Scotland to find out more. But in the meantime - enjoy!

Deerhound Club Newsletters 2010

2010-09-09T22:24:00.001Z

here

Deerhound Interior Design

2010-08-30T21:31:00.004Z

Rogue n Rascal have been thinking, it’s time to move on from the thirty year old hand me down settee’s in their lounge and find something a little more deerhound-centric.

Well, would you believe? Wham! bam! out of a saltire emblazoned sky, we come across this - the ultimate expression in welcoming hospitality, and it wouldn’t look out of place in any deerhounds natural indoor environment either, near the roaring fire of course . . .

‘now will ye no’ come in and have yerself a seat . . . and I’ll pour ye a wee dram - but mind ye dina’ sit on the dugs paws.’

Scottish Kennel Club Deerhounds August 28

2010-08-29T20:15:00.008Z

This weekend we returned to Ingliston Showground for the Scottish Kennel Club Championship show - we had so much catching up to do we had little time to record or photograph the event - here’s a few pics to enjoy taken on the day.

King James’ Royal Deerhounds

2010-07-11T16:55:00.013Z

Where to begin?

One minute Ricky is sitting in the Edinburgh International Film Festival Premiere of Monsters - the next thing you know - Rogue and Rascal are the hounds of King James the VI of Scotland the unifier of Kingdoms and as James’ diary keeper put it ‘England no mor bot Graite Britaine’.

Perfect placement for Rogue and Rascal, to play the hounds of Mary Queen of Scots’ with little baby James. And what honour to be allowed into the Great Hall at Stirling Castle for one of the film sequences - possibly being the first hounds to grace this magnificent building in many’s a decade.

The movie - a docu-drama about the Life of King James VI of Scotland and I of England and how following the death of Gloriana, Elizabeth I the Last Queen of the Sovereign state of England, James Stuart took the throne to become the first King and founder of Great Britain.

We always think it quite fun that in his attempt to build a ‘union of love’, James scared Shakespeare and many others when his entourage moved into London to form an encampment which became known as the ‘Scotland Yard’. Shakespeare was so concerned about his future, that he had to find out as much as he could about Scotland and the King to write a fanciful, part fact, part fiction, adoration of King James and his Royal heritage entitled Macbeth. Strangely, the Stuart line (from Brittany as Norman stewards and attached to Prince David son of King Malcolm III around 1100) would become the Longest Ruling Royal family line on the British Isles, holding throne from the 1300’s until 1700’s this is even touched upon in Macbeth (go read a copy here).

The movie may not show how, in his endeavour to unite the nation, James created a twenty shilling note, ‘The Unity’ which was not a success, perhaps because it was half the annual average salary in such times. The movie does focus on the King James bible which, ‘profoundly’ created a wider global unity for many Christians. The full title of the eventual Bible to be "THE HOLY BIBLE, Conteyning the Old Testament, AND THE NEW: Newly Translated out of the Originall tongues: & with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties speciall Comandement".

In the film, much of the skulduggery around James” life is featured - including the infamous Guy Fawkes and other attempts made on his life from childhood to deathbed - although we will have to wait and see the final edit before we find out how much appears and what ends up on the cutting room floor.

With the Bible celebrating the 400th aniversary of it’s publishing next year - look out for broadcast of this docu-drama in 2011 - when we find out where, we are sure to let you know. Meanwhile enjoy the video and pics and why not pop over to Brian Vass flickr page to enjoy some good quality images from on the set - view the slideshow following the link.

More filming is taking place in Derbyshire this week with some Derbyshire Scottish Deerhounds standing in for our Rogue and Rascal. We look forward to finding out who.

And a big thank you to all the cast and crew on the set and a loud howl for Clanranald from Rogue and Rascal for the walks and keeping warm sleeping on the grass with us.

Knight on the tiles

2010-07-05T19:22:00.004Z

We’ve slipped a bit here at Rogue HQ - so busy in the glen you know - but with websites, blogspots, flikr n youtube throwing up Scottish Deerhounds at every turn - I’m sure there’s been enough to keep everybody entertained - without the need for us to be around - but just to let you all know, we’ve got a bowl full of stuff to post up on the blog so we hope to be back to at least once a week.

So let’s start with Joy Randel of Arizona’s little sculpted tiles - that’s them above - if you haven’t already viewed them and would like to see more, or if you wish to contact Joy or perhaps purchase one of her wonderful tiles - click on this link - Pata Tu to take you yo her website - view the gallery for a selection of her hound works of art.

If you would like to see deerhounds in show this coming weekend - visit Alva for the Hound Association of Scotland Limited Show on Sunday, 11 July 2010, from 8am to 5pm at the Cochrane Hall. Tell them Rogue and Rascal sent you. And don’t forgot to enjoy a wee local tipple whilst you’re there.

Enjoying the weather

2010-06-25T21:10:00.003Z

The Laird

2010-05-18T06:19:00.001Z

Hung or Balanced ? Deerhound or Bulldog ?

2010-05-11T21:31:00.007Z

It’s funny how we here in Scotland refer to several parties working together for the good of the Scottish Nation in a parliament, as a ‘Balanced’ parliament. But the southern region within the ‘State’ of ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ refer to the London based government doing the same thing as a ‘Hung parliament’.

Hmmm? - It’s like Scottish Deerhounds and British Bulldogs - there’s no difference really?

Anyway - hope you found the deerhounds in the earlier posting - but now that a Government has been appointed and the ‘UKofGB&NI’ is going to be guided by the new ‘Coalition’ or is that the ‘Conserviberal’ Party? The game is over. But enough of this complicated and very mad/sad world of politics - all we want to know is . . . will hounds be allowed to hunt again? It’s the work we are meant to do.

In the meantime - here’s an interesting postcard, I’m sure it’s depicting what the hounds are making of all the current proceedings.

Medieval Hunting Hound Service Station

2010-05-11T00:31:00.004Z

A medieval reference to veterinarian practices for injured hunting hounds. Find out more here. ’course in Scotland we were doing this sort of stuff long before the Romans arrived and the birth of our nation - the Romans even produced the pottery depicting evidence of this. Keep it here for future postings.

Find the deerhounds

2010-05-09T22:39:00.003Z

For a bit of fun - see if you can find the Scottish deerhounds quicker than the three and a bit nations that form the Unitary State of ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ can find a government.

Deerhound - Lévrier Écossais

2010-01-21T21:43:00.006Z

A Scottish Deerhound in any language.

Simply click on each or any of the images in this posting for an enlarged view of the plate - and if you can’t read French - go here select Translate from French and type in the text from your chosen page then Select Translate into and select your chosen language.

A Deerhound White Christmas

2009-12-24T22:21:00.000Z

Merry Christmas Everyone !

Hunt in Honour of Charles V at the Castle of Torgau

2009-12-23T20:57:00.005Z

Here’s a fine piece of art depicting the bloody spectacle of a Royal deerhunt in 16th century Germany. From this we can envisage similar activities that were undertaken in the Glens of Scotland of the period. Notice the hounds employed aplenty and all manner of entourage, each busy in his or her task, from Royal chase, right down to spectator.

Hunt in Honour of Charles V at the Castle of Torgau
1545
CRANACH, Lucas the Elder
(b. 1472, Kronach, d. 1553, Weimar)
Oil on panel, 118 x 178 cm
Museo del Prado, Madrid

A similar, earlier work entitled The Stag Hunt of the Elector was also painted by Cranach - follow the links for detail and information.

Now what shall we prepare for the Christmas Feast?

Hundeustilling

2009-12-22T23:18:00.003Z

I just thought this little Hundeustilling promotional poster from the ninteen seventies to be of interest to readers of this blog.

Re-printed Deerhound books

2009-12-21T09:22:00.006Z

Looking for more Christmas stocking fillers for deerhound lovers that you know?
If you don’t already own an original copy from wherst these little facsimiles were culled - why not visit Home Farm Books and obtain a copy. Home Farm has other books and reproduction/reprints that hound, terrier and country life folks may enjoy. Check them out and tell them Rogue sent you.

Finn and Ossian Hunting

2009-12-20T21:29:00.005Z

Fin and Oshin went out to hunt^
Fal lal loo as fal lal la !
With a noble train of men and dogs.
Not less in number than a hundred men.
So swift of foot and keen, none were their like ;
With scores of bandogs fierce they sallied forth
O'er hill and dale much havoc for to make.
Whom left they at home but youthful Orree !
Who slept secure beneath the shadowy rock.
Full threescore grey hounds with their whelps they left.
As many old dames to attend the young.
Unknown.

Christmas Tree Ornaments Yule Enjoy!

2009-12-20T20:40:00.005Z

We found these little wool ornaments at an ebay traders little online shop - visit Gemaim by clicking the link and check out the pics below to see what the well decorated christmas tree should be sporting this Christmas.

Gunsmiths and Deerhound

2009-12-13T21:35:00.004Z

Ho! ho! ho! here we were walking through the Edinburgh city streets today and we noticed when passing the former Dicksons Gunsmith (now the Barbour) shop, a promotional hound silhouette, cut out designed to attract the gun buying / sporting life customer.

Ironic to think that the gun was responsible for the near extinction of the Scottish Deerhound as a breed and now here’s the deerhound in a role reversal, helping to save this little sporting life gunsmith.

But shotguns will never be as stealthy, nor as good company as deerhounds tho. And remember, it’s harder to sneak up on a Scottish Deerhound.

Scottish Cheddar Deerhound

2009-12-07T13:20:00.010Z

Eagle eyes may have noticed the sleeping deerhound in the country kitchen appearing as part of the recent Cathedral City cheese advert - if you have not, check out the video above.

Well done to Cathedral City for choosing such a grande actor as yon deerhound - their cheese is no’ too bad either.

Mind you, I do enjoy a good mature Scottish cheddar like the Isle of Mull cheese - hey! why no’ try a wee taste o’ Scotland this coming festive season - these look good.

Christmas Time Peace

2009-12-06T13:10:00.006Z

With less than twenty days until christmas day you may be struggling to find a suitable christmas present for we here at Rogues blogspot. Fear not!

Whilst walking the usual antique market backstreets of Edinburgh, we came across this interesting little clock in a bell case. If you enlarge the image, you’ll find as much information as we have about this timepiece written on the accompanying ticket, and the rather low price requested for such a wonderful little (approximately 20" high) mantle clock. Worth it for the solid gold ‘Maida’ alone I’m sure?

We look forward to it appearing in our Christmas stocking this year. And if you are wondering where to send it - just leave a comment with your e-mail address.

Antique Rogue and Rascal movie

2009-11-29T23:52:00.004Z

Having missed the short lure coursing meet yesterday at Fire Hill, we thought we would post this little antique movie of Rogue and Rascal plodding around the fields instead and ask ‘Whatever happened to winter?’

As a reminder for the next coursing event - all you deerhound owners note that on the 27th of December 2009 will see the final lure coursing event of the year. Contact Sue on this link. We’ll see you there.

Oh . . . and happy St Andrews day!

Deerhounds Join the Ceilidh!

2009-11-25T11:41:00.007Z

Come all you deerhounds and human companions who follow our blog and join the world’s biggest ceilidh for St Andrews day. Upload your photographs, then custom select your outfit and get foot tapping and kilt swirling to our auld friend Sandy Brechin.

Click on this link to visit our highland fling or visit scotland.org/ceilidh and use the search window to find Rogue and Rascal. Get yourself started by selecting the join the party button and make sure you have a couple of snaps handy on your computer to upload and edit into the dance - it’s easy.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Let the sun shine in

2009-11-24T00:20:00.000Z

Rogue, Rascal, the floods and the heart of a deer.

2009-11-22T11:17:00.009Z

Hey! here in Scotland it’s rain, rain everywhere, and as they say; ‘if it keeps on raining the levee is gonna break’ and our local river is gonna add extra depth to the already flooded fields. It’s not misery for all though, Rogue and Rascal have been enjoying this ‘animals two by two’ event, and had a running riot of a time in the wash. With them creating a playground of this little haunt of our local Roe Deer, I have included a fable looking at it from the deer point of view. Enjoy.

The Deer and his mother A fable (Aphthonius 17).

A deer was being lectured by his mother, “Why do you act this way my child? You have been naturally endowed with horns, and are powerfully built, so I cannot understand why you run away at the approach of the hounds. That is what the mother said. Then when she heard the sound of the hunting dogs in the distance, she again urged her child to stand firm while she herself took of at a run.

It is easy to advise action which cannot be carried out.

Did you know - in Ancient Greece the deer was perceived as the proverbial coward (e.g. Homer, Iliad, Achiles denounces Agememnon for having ‘the Heart of a deer’), but for a deer, when you are pursued by a brace of hungry hounds - flight is no doubt the better option than to stand fast, I’m sure.

Bob Dylan and Deerhounds ?

2009-11-09T22:24:00.011Z

Just when you thought that Bob Dylan was the poetic folk genius and that A Hard Rain‘s A Gonna Fall was one of the original all time American classics.

Jings! It turns oot to be culled from a Scottish Border tale, post-hunt, with deerhounds & hawk and all, and featuring a dastardly poisoning. All this from a song entitled Lord Randall.

The lyric is believed to be about Thomas Randolph 1st Earl of Moray, Nephew to Robert the Bruce and a signee to the Declaration of Arbroath. He died of a sudden illness at Musselburgh in 1332, which was thought to have been poisoning due to circumstances and the fact that he was on his way to do battle with Edward Balliol at the time.

If you would like to purchase a recorded rendition of Lord Randall, the Scottish tradditional folk piece - follow this link to the Smithsonian Folkways and purchase the CD, MP3 or Cassette and enjoy . . .

Lord Randall

"O where ha you been, Lord Randal, my son?
And where ha you been, my handsome young man?"
"I ha been at the greenwood; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi hunting, and fain wad lie down."

"An wha met ye there, Lord Randal, my son?
And wha met ye there, my handsome young man?"
"O I met wi my true-love; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fain wad lie down."

"And what did she give you, Lord Randal, My son?
And wha did she give you, my handsome young man?"
"Eels fried in a pan; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fein wad lie down."

"And what gat your leavins, Lord Randal my son?
And wha gat your leavins, my handsome young man?"
"My hawks and my hounds; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fein wad lie down."

"And what becam of them, Lord Randal, my son?
And what becam of them, my handsome young man?
"They stretched their legs out and died; mother mak my bed soon,
For I'm wearied wi huntin, and fain wad lie down."

"O I fear you are poisoned, Lord Randal, my son!
I fear you are poisoned, my handsome young man!"
"O yes, I am poisoned; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and fain wad lie down."

"What d'ye leave to your mother, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your mother, my handsome young man?"
"Four and twenty milk kye; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down."

"What d'ye leave to your sister, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your sister, my handsome young man?"
"My gold and my silver; mother mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, an I fain wad lie down."

"What d'ye leave to your brother, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your brother, my handsome young man?"
"My houses and my lands; mother, mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down."

"What d'ye leave to your true-love, Lord Randal, my son?
What d'ye leave to your true-love, my handsome young man?"
"I leave her hell and fire; mother mak my bed soon,
For I'm sick at the heart, and I fain wad lie down."

The Kennel - from Norman to present day.

2009-09-26T10:36:00.004Z

Not directly deerhound in content but linked through the tie with hunting hounds comes the origin of the word Kennel.

Where does Kennel originate?

The source is believed to be from the Norman conquerors of England and the Anglo-Saxon’s. These ‘Viking’ Normans took over and constructed their own castles where in, they housed themselves and also allocated an area for their hunting hounds. This area was to be close by the kitchens in many castles. Of course the Lordly Normans would allocate the job of looking after these hounds to the Anglo-Saxon serfs who did not fully understand the language of their new overmasters. And when these new Lords refered to their hounds as ‘La canaile’ (from the Latin diminutive plural caniouli, Little Dogs) the peasant Anglo-Saxons thought it to refer to the doghouse where they and the dogs lived, eventually creating the word Kennel.

Of course the Normans were to eventually penetrate Scotland and its aristocracy as well as be formative in the later clan system (although not by invasion). Many vikings had already invaded and failed to conquer the Picts and Scots of the area.

I’m sure the Normans had an effect on the Scottish Deerhound as they adopted and adapted them for their hunt, particularly in the area we now know as the Borders.

Chevy Chace

2009-09-22T19:57:00.008Z

What happens when you decide to take your hounds a hunting in the Scottish Border Region circa 12th to 17th centuries? Well, from the time of the Reiving and thought to describe the Battle of Otterburn, comes the Ballad - Chevy Chace. Some of the verses may correspond to the battle, but not all. The Battle of Otterburn took place in 1388. At that Battle Henry Percy (Hotspur) was captured, not killed. He was killed in 1403 in an uprising against Henry IV.

According to Francis James Child the folklorist, another possibility for is the border warfare between a Percy and a Douglas in 1435 or 1436. Henry Percy of Northumberland made a raid into Scotland with 4,000 men. He was met by William Douglas, Earl of Angus at Piperden. There were great losses on each side, but the Scots prevailed.

This ballad is a variant of Child Ballad #162 (The Hunting of the Cheviot).

The Hunting of the Cheviot was old and popular as early as the middle of the sixteenth century. It appears in The Complaynt of Scotland (1549). On one published copy of the ballad Rychard Sheale, who described himself as a minstrel living at Tamworth, claims to have written the ballad. Child finds his claim "preposterous in the extreme."

Versions of the ballad were printed repeatedly on broadsides throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It was said to be the favorite ballad of the common people. The tune was also used for numerous other ballads.

Of course, what most interests us here is the historic hunting with hounds in the Borders, something that clans were prone to do of the period and in this region, so much so that a whole clan were named for such a reason and feature the hunting hound as their crest - but more of that in a future blog. In the meantime - enjoy this little piece of Deerhound related history and culture.

Thanks to the contemplator - Lesley Nelson-Burns’ Folk Music site for some of the information and inspiration for todays blog - and as per usual - follow the links for related interesting histories.

Chevy Chace

GOD prosper long our noble king,
Our liffes and safetyes all;
A woefull hunting once there did
In Chevy-Chace befall.

To drive the deere with hound and horne,
Erle Percy took his way;
The child may rue that is unborne
The hunting of that day.

The stout Erle of Northumberland
A vow to God did make,
His pleasure in the Scottish woods
Three summers days to take;

The cheefest harts in Chevy-Chace
To kill and beare away:
These tydings to Erle Douglas came,
In Scotland where he lay.

Who sent Erie Percy present word,
He wold prevent his sport;
The English Erle not fearing that,
Did to the woods resort,

With fifteen hundred bow-men bold,
All chosen men of might,
Who knew full well in time of neede
To ayme their shafts arright.

The gallant greyhounds swiftly ran,
To chase the fallow deere;
On Munday they began to hunt,
Ere day-light did appeare;

And long before high noone they had
An hundred fat buckes slaine;
Then having din'd, the drovyers went
To rouze the deare againe.

The bow-men mustered on the hills,
Well able to endure;
Theire backsides all, with speciall care,
That day were guarded sure.

The hounds ran swiftly through the woods,
The nimble deere to take,
That with their cryes the hills and dales
An eccho shrill did make.

Lord Percy to the quarry went,
To view the tender deere;
Quoth he, "Erle Douglas promised
This day to meet me heere;

"But if I thought he wold not come,
Noe longer wold I stay."
With that, a brave younge gentleman
Thus to the Erle did say:

"Loe, yonder doth Erle Douglas come,
His men in armour bright;
Full twenty hundred Scottish speres,
All marching in our sight.

"All men of pleasant Tivydale,
Fast by the river Tweede:"
"O cease your sport," Erle Percy said,
"And take your bowes with speede.

"And now with me, my countrymen,
Your courage forth advance;
For never was there champion yett
In Scotland or in France,

"That ever did on horsebacke come,
But, if my hap it were,
I durst encounter man for man,
With him to breake a spere."

Erle Douglas on his milke-white steede,
Most like a baron bold,
Rode formost of his company,
Whose armour shone like gold.

"Show me," sayd hee, "whose men you bee,
That hunt soe boldly heere,
That, without my consent, doe chase
And kill my fallow-deere."

The man that first did answer make
Was noble Percy hee;
Who sayd, "Wee list not to declare,
Nor shew whose men wee bee.

"Yet will wee spend our deerest blood,
Thy cheefest harts to slay;"
Then Douglas swore a solempne oathe,
And thus in rage did say;

"Ere thus I will out-braved bee,
One of us two shall dye:
I know thee well, an erle thou art;
Lord Percy, soe am I.

"But trust me, Percy, pittye it were,
And great offence, to kill
Any of these our guiltlesse men,
For they have done no ill.

"Let thou and I the battell trye,
And set our men aside."
"Accurst bee he," Erle Percy sayd,
By whome this is denyed."

Then stept a gallant squier forth,
Witherington was his name,
Who said, "I wold not have it told
To Henry our king for shame,

"That ere my captaine fought on foote,
And I stood looking on:
You bee two erles," sayd Witherington,
"And I a squier alone.

"Ile doe the best that doe I may,
While I have power to stand;
While I have power to weeld my sword,
Ile fight with hart and hand."

Our English archers bent their bowes,
Their harts were good and trew;
Att the first flight of arrowes sent,
Full four-score Scots they slew.

[Yet bides Earl Douglas on the bent,
As Chieftain stout and good,
As valiant Captain, all unmov'd
The shock he firmly stood.

His host he parted had in three,
As Leader ware and try'd,
And soon his spearmen on their foes
Bare down on every side.

Throughout the English archery
They dealt full many a wound;
But still our valiant Englishmen
All firmly kept their ground.

And throwing strait their bows away,
They grasp'd their swords so bright:
And now sharp blows, a heavy shower,
On shields and helmets light.]

They clos'd full fast on everye side,
Noe slacknes there was found;
And many a gallant gentleman
Lay gasping on the ground.

O Christ! it was a griefe to see,
And likewise for to heare,
The cries of men lying in their gore,
And scattered here and there.

At last these two stout erles did meet,
Like captaines of great might;
Like lyons wood they layd on lode,
And made a cruell fight.

They fought, untill they both did sweat,
With swords of tempered steele;
Until the blood, like drops of rain,
They trickling downe did feele.

"Yeeld thee, Lord Percy," Douglas sayd
"In faith I will thee bringe,
Where thou shalt high advancèd bee
By James our Scottish king.

"Thy ransom I will freely give,
And thus report of thee,
Thou art the most couragious knight
That ever I did see."

"Noe, Douglas," quoth Erle Percy then,
"Thy proffer I doe scorne
I will not yeelde to any Scott,
That ever yett was borne."

With that, there came an arrow keene
Out of an English bow,
Which struck Erle Douglas to the heart,
A deepe and deadlye blow:

Who never spake more words than these,
"Fight on, my merry men all;
For why, my life is at an end:
Lord Percy sees my fall."

Then leaving liffe, Erle Percy tooke
The dead man by the hand;
And said, "Erle Douglas, for thy life
Wold I had lost my land!

"O Christ! my verry hart doth bleed
With sorrow for thy sake;
For sure, a more renownèd knight
Mischance cold never take."

A knight amongst the Scotts there was,
Which saw Erle Douglas dye,
Who streight in wrath did vow revenge
Upon the Lord Percye;

Sir Hugh Mountgomerye was he call'd,
Who, with a spere most bright,
Well-mounted on a gallant steed,
Ran fiercely through the fight;

And past the English archers all,
Without all dread or feare,
And through Earl Percyes body then
He thrust his hatefull spere

With such a vehement force and might
He did his body gore,
The speare ran through the other side
A large cloth-yard, and more.

So thus did both these nobles dye,
Whose courage none could staine;
An English archer then perceiv'd
The noble erle was slaine.

He had a bow bent in his hand,
Made of a trusty tree;
An arrow of a cloth-yard long
Up to the head drew hee.

Against Sir Hugh Mountgomerye,
So right the shaft he sett,
The grey goose-wing that was thereon
In his harts bloode was wett.

This fight did last from breake of day
Till setting of the sun;
For when they rung the evening bell,
The battel scarce was done.

With stout Erle Percy, there was slaine,
Sir John of Egerton,
Sir Robert Ratcliff, and Sir John,
Sir James, that bold Baròn.

And with Sir George and stout Sir James,
Both knights of good account,
Good Sir Ralph Rabby there was slaine,
Whose prowesse did surmount.

For Witherington needs must I wayle,
As one in doleful dumpes;
For when his legs were smitten off,
He fought upon his stumpes.

And with Erle Douglas, there was slaine
Sir Hugh Mountgomerye,
Sir Charles Murray, that from the feeld
One foote wold never flee.

Sir Charles Murray of Ratcliff, too,
His sisters sonne was hee;
Sir David Lamb, so well esteem'd,
Yet savèd cold not bee.

And the Lord Maxwell in like case
Did with Erle Douglas dye;
Of twenty hundred Scottish speres,
Scarce fifty-five did flye.

Of fifteen hundred Englishmen,
Went home but fifty-three;
The rest were slaine in Chevy-Chace,
Under the greene wood tree.

Next day did many widowes come,
Their husbands to bewayle;
They washt their wounds in brinish teares,
But all wold not prevayle.

Theyr bodyes, bathed in purple blood,
They bore with them away:
They kist them dead a thousand times,
Ere they were cladd in clay.

This newes was brought to Eddenborrow,
Where Scotlands king did raigne,
That brave Erle Douglas suddenlye
Was with an arrow slaine.

"O heavy newes," King James did say;
"Scottland can witnesse bee,
I have not any captaine more
Of such account as hee."

Like tydings to King Henry came,
Within as short a space,
That Percy of Northumberland
Was slaine in Chevy-Chace.

"Now God be with him," said our king,
"Sith it will noe better bee;
I trust I have, within my realme,
Five hundred as good as hee.

"Yett shall not Scotts nor Scotland say,
But I will vengeance take,
I'll be revengèd on them all,
For brave Erle Percyes sake."

This vow full well the king perform'd
After, at Humbledowne;
In one day, fifty knights were slayne,
With lordes of great renowne.

And of the rest, of small account,
Did many thousands dye:
Thus endeth the hunting in Chevy-Chace,
Made by the Erle Percy.

God save our king, and bless this land
In plentye, joy, and peace;
And grant henceforth, that foule debate
'Twixt noblemen may cease!

A footnote of interest: Ben Johnson is quoted as saying he would rather have been the author of Chevy Chase than all of his works.

Deerhound Newsletters

2009-09-10T12:17:00.006Z

The Summer Newsletters of the US Scottish Deerhound Club and UK Deerhound Club are now available.

You may have noticed the absence of ‘Oor Rogue’ in the UK magazine - allegedly there was some grumblings within the club about it featuring Rogues blog ‘URL’ or something or other - who knows if this claim were a nonsense or not? We heard it at the breed show.

Not to worry. Folks grumbling about such petty things are not worthy of sharing a walk with a Deerhound, never mind a home - so we will publish ‘Oor Rogues’ photo strip adventures to the blog in future for all our worldwide followers to enjoy.

Keep enjoying the Deerhound club Newsletters and websites tho, and we are happy to contribute to them when they are happy to publish anything we do. It was grand doing the pics for the breedshow at Dunblane Hydro earlier this year and you can enjoy many of them in the Summer 2009 UK newsletter along with many other fine articles and images.

Enjoy!

Plaque

2009-09-04T17:35:00.003Z

Sometimes nice just happens.

And it happened yesterday - A visiting friend from Canada gave us this superb little enameled deerhound and thistle plaque.

Wonderful and a huge thankyou with love!

The Origin of Deerhounds

2009-09-02T12:28:00.010Z

So where do we deerhounds come from? . . . and does Peter Savolainen have the answer?

If you find this interesting, there is a superb little documentry to enjoy over at the Nature programe website from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Peter Savolainen contributes to the educational two part series Dogs that Changed the World - I particularly liked the Saluki skeletal running clip - check it out.

Deerhounds at todays Scottish Kennel Club Show

2009-08-30T20:24:00.010Z

Well it seems to have been an age since we last updated the blog (not including yesterdays little entry), so today we attended the deerhound show ring at the Scottish Kennel Club Show at Ingliston and turned snap and video happy. To view 100 or so hi-rez shots of todays event click this link to pop over to flickr and view the show collection or enjoy the samples below as a little taster of what’s available.

It’s good to be back.

A Roman Tribute

2009-08-29T12:49:00.004Z

But can you waft across the British tide
And land undangered on the further side,
O what great gains will certainly redound
From a free traffic in the British hound.
Mind not the badness of their forms or face —
That the sole blemish of the gen'rous race.
When the bold game turns back upon the spear.
And all the Furies wait upon the war.
First in the fight the whelps of Britain shine,
And snatch, Epirus, all the palm from thine.

Would you chase the deer.
Or urge the motions of the smaller hare.
Let the brisk greyhound of the Celtic name
Bound o'er the glebe and show his painted frame.
Swift as the wing that sails adown the wind.
Swift as the wish that darts along the mind.
The Celtic greyhound sweeps the level lea,
Eyes as he strains and stops the flying prey.
But should the game elude his watchful eyes
No nose sagacious tells him where it lies.

Whitaker (Faliscus).

Deerhound a Sign

2009-07-10T22:49:00.003Z

If you could read my mind

2009-06-10T23:53:00.001Z

Summer time and the living is easy

2009-06-09T22:19:00.009Z

Rogue and Rascal have spent the last few weeks enjoying Scotland’s sensational, sizzling, summer sunshine and no work has been generated at blog central. But never fear, deerhounds are here and we have a collection of little Scottish History deerhound ditties to blog in the coming weeks for deerhound bloggers to enjoy so stay tuned - it’s also not easy for deerhounds to get on the computer with all the wedding arrangements going on in the lodge, Rogue Glen - meanwhile, enjoy our sun-fun-snaps.

Cover Star Hound

2009-05-04T15:05:00.010Z

Imagine you were to photograph gardens in Scotland, what hound would you expect to find? Well, what other hound would be more at home in the Highland garden than the Deerhound. In the recently published book Close, we find photographs of just such a hound, happy in Gerald Laings’ garden at Kinkell in Ross and Cromarty. If you would be interested in viewing more Scottish Gardens, check out the book published by Northfield Print (see the publishers synopsis below) - you can also catch a little taster of the Gardens and Photographs at the Telegraph website here.

Close: A Journey in Scotland
by Allan Pollok-Morris

Photographer Allan Pollok Morris travels the mainland and islands of Scotland documenting contemporary works by garden designers, architects, plants people and artists within the country's varied landscape. With foreword by Sir Roy Strong and the words of 22 people including Andy Goldsworthy, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Charles Jencks and Penelope Hobhouse. The book is presented in an exhibition in the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh until January 2009.With 170 colour photographs by Allan Pollok-Morris, the collection has been designed by the agency Drew Creative to give it a classic/contemporary feel and is presented as a journey by degrees north. The thread bound hardback book is printed by Trento in Italy on A4 landscape 180 gsm matt paper to give it a very high quality feel.

Deerhound Parade of Champions

2009-04-30T12:43:00.010Z

I seem to have misplaced my breed standard guidelines but thought it would be fun to display this little image from the recent Deerhound Breedshow Parade of Champions.

If we look closely, it’s apparent that all on display are quite different - the coat colours, the posture, girth of chest and loin. Some may be more athletic than others and I wonder how many could run down a deer under their own steam, or sleep out in a misty highland glen of a spring evening.

Then there’s the temperament, are they all blessed with the good old Scottish traits for hospitality, dignity and strength and still capable of retaining humility and compassion. Unfortunately photographs do not capture all these elements . . . or should that be fortunately? . . . as some have bad habits, some quiet - others noisy, we have the cheeky wee chaps as well as the polite but these are all things that make up the wonder of the breed show.

Now, if I could only find their breed standards guidelines sheet, . . . ahh! But enough talk of the human types for now.

I will say this, that as usual, the hounds at the show did look good.

Oh! and don’t forget to enjoy the Festival of Bealltainn!

Scottish Deerhound Sporran and Kilt Belt

2009-04-26T21:43:00.006Z

Whilst attending the Deerhound Breed Show this year, quite a few deerhound people enquired after certain dress attire worn by one of the Rogues Clan in attendance at the show.

These items were, the sporran and belt worn with the kilt. See the images below to closer inspect the said Scottish National Dress items of which we speak.

Well, a few years back when looking for a new sporran to wear with his Brodie Weathered Hunting Tartan Kilt oor ‘Chief’ decided to have a sporran and sword belt hand tooled by the finest craftsmen around Loch Lomond. The result causing quite a stir at functions for it’s unique appearance and Celtic Hound appreciating statement.

If you are interested in one of these beautiful works or perhaps a Targe to hang on your castle wall along with your crossed Claymores contact Jim or Karen at Leather Sporrans Cashel Forest
The National Park, Balmaha, Scotland and they post worldwide. Follow the Links and of course, don’t forget to tell them Rogue sent you.

The Deerhound Breed Show

2009-04-21T23:18:00.008Z

Here is some footage from the Deerhound Breed Show at Dunblane Hydro Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland. These highlights were filmed on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April, 2009. We didn’t capture enough video unfortunately, having spent most of our ringside time capturing the event as digital still photography for The Deerhound Club. Near on one thousand images were generated and will be featured in the Deerhound Club UK newsletter, on their website and a couple here on our blog just for the Rogue of it!

Check them out, as there will be photographs exclusive to each of the aforementioned. In the meantime, enjoy the video below . . . and if you were at Dunblane attending this show, you may spot yourself in the video - keep those eyes peeled.

Deerhound Club Newsletter, Spring 2009

2009-04-15T12:07:00.002Z

Deerhound Breed Show

2009-04-12T20:50:00.003Z

Details Here

Location Here

Weather Here

How to dress here

Pictures from the vaults

2009-04-10T12:30:00.004Z

Looking through some old digital files today, we found this photograph captured over twenty years ago, featuring Brodie the first deerhound of the house.

I think this was preparation for a set of supersize deerhound rollerskates which Brodie was overseeing the maintenance to, or it may just have been a cleaning of our 1969 SS/RS 396 Camaro’s wheels in preparation for a show and shine on the day back in the enjoyable eighties.

Whatever it be . . . Roll on all Deerhounds!

A ‘Rascal’ preparing for the future

2009-04-05T23:21:00.002Z

Lady Lupin’s Book of Etiquette

2009-04-03T13:16:00.012Z

What better a method of learning etiquette, than from the noble deerhound and Lady of Castle Longtail near Lochbone.

Lady Lupin’s book will have them little Lord and Lady hounds whipped into shape faster than a change of weather in a highland glen.

A well illustrated guide to etiquette for all the household and not just the hounds. I actually laughed aloud when I read this little gem and I highly recommend it to all. Written and illustrated by Babette Cole this book is a joy, although, unfortunately out of print.

If you don’t own a copy and desire one, I’m sure if you forage about on the marvelous inter-web and search using Babette Cole, Lady Lupin’s Book of Etiquette or ISBN 0-241-14096-X in your search criteria, you’ll unearth a copy.

Or perhaps if you follow the above link and pester Babette, she may seek or encourage a re-print. Oh! and let her know that the Rogue sent you.

Lure Coursing in Scotland

2009-04-02T13:24:00.005Z

Is your hound fun enough to run enough ?

This Sunday 5 April at Rumbling Bridge from 11.00 am, we have an open invitation for Deerhound and Sighthound coursing - come along.

gentiehundeerhounds@tiscali.co.uk for information.

Scottish Breeds Show

2009-03-30T21:16:00.007Z

Saturday 28th March, Random pics

2009-03-22T20:16:00.006Z

Published 1860 by The London Printing and Publishing Company come these interesting engravings, from an era that could be considered the Golden age of England’s fascination with Scotland and the Scots, especially amongst London Society (thanks to Queen Victoria’s period of mourning and HRH’s purchase and withdrawl to Balmoral Castle.

These aforementioned factors may have contributed to the following work. The wonder of the highlands and it’s wilderness, the Society dress of our Lady, the hunting with deerhounds, the morbidity of death and, including a touched upon aspect of history with the mention of the Forty-five and Prince Charles Edward Stewart.

View the printed art plates read the excerpts and form your own opinion but most of all . . . enjoy!

The Faithful Stag-hound

“No, Oscar! no; your young master is deer-stalking to-day. Don't you hear the gun, which has startled Jessy so wofully? He does not want you just now, Oscar. His view, before firing that startling nin, which, wo is me! will have more than frightened the poor, pretty deer; for Allan is such a shot, that he seldom misses his aim, his view, before he frightened Jessy, and awakened the echoes and brought down the red deer with that sudden shot, was to creep towards them quietly and stealthily. He does not want the good hound, Oscar, to day! Oscar must stay with his mistress.” And as the lovely Agnes Macdonald spoke coaxingly these coaxing words, her small, fair hand thrown around Oscar’s neck, as he stood beside her, the noble animal looked up in her face with his bright intelligent eyes, delighting in the sweetness of the voice, comprehending, or seeming to comprehend, the meaning of the words, and acquiescing most contentedly in her decision. There was, certainly, no great hardship in standing at the side of Agnes Macdonald, the beautiful and the kind; and with looks that spoke, as plainly as looks could speak, his affection and his gratitude, her honest and faithful favourite (somewhat of the largest and roughest for a lady’s pet), lay down in calm and quiet happiness at her feet. Her fair companion, the high-born and graceful Jessy Stewart, who, startled, as Agnes had truly said, at the sudden sound of Allan Macdonald’s gun, had been standing in some dismay behind her friend, now that the shock was passed, advanced smilingly, and found a seat upon the bank beside her. “How fond you are, Agnes, of that huge dog! What would the exquisites who hovered round you in London and in Paris say, if they saw you, in full dress too, not as I am, snooded and plaided like a Highland lassie, with your jewelled hand resting upon that shaggy head, and his long, rough body reclined upon the satin skirt! What would they say to that, ‘my dainty leddy,’ as old Annot is wont to call you?” “And what matters what they say or think, Jessy?” responded the warm-hearted maiden, kindling into a dignity of youthful beauty and unconscious stateliness, pure, delicate, and graceful as the attitude of a swan upon mountain or lake, or the station of a doe amongst her native glens. “What care I for the exquisites of Paris or of London? Not half as much as for the mountain posy which you have been collecting the harebell, and the heather-sprig, and our own elegant and abundant Scottish rose.”

The Highlander’s Dog

THEY who have had a favourite dog—and who has not? who have felt the solace of his mute sympathy in affliction, and the animation and gaiety which his gambols throw around our happier hours, will not disdain to participate in the grief of the humble family of Angus Cameron, as they gazed upon the faithful creature, who, after lifting up his head, and looking in his master's face for the last time, sank patiently down, and, whilst poor little Jeanie flung herself beside him, stroking his stiffening neck, and mixing her fast-falling tears with the life-blood that dabbled his shaggy coat, stretched out his limbs, gave two or three convulsive twitches, and died. Jeanie would not believe that Luath was dead, and even her grandfather, although contradicting her assertion that he still lived, with the irritability of sorrow, deepened by indignation, raised the body of his favourite, with a half hope that life was not extinct, and when it fell back a heavy weight upon the clay floor of their cabin, broke into bitter denunciations upon the cowardly tyrant who had slain, in wantonness of anger and power, the best and bravest dog that ever trod the braes of Glendorroch.

The peculiar circumstances of the people and the time lent a double force to the old clansman's malediction. It was about twenty years after the Forty-five, in which unhappy insurrection the chief of that branch of the Camerons, together with many chieftains of that brave and ancient house, had adhered to the last to the fortunes of Charles Edward, had been attainted and forfeited, and had died broken-hearted and in exile. His only son, too young at the time of the rebellion to partake of his father’s guilt (the old retainer did not give that name to the part his leader, Glendorroch, took in that remarkable rising), was deprived of his inheritance, whilst the large property from which he derived his territorial title was bestowed upon a Campbell, the sworn enemy of the clan, who had intermarried with a distant kinswoman of the Camerons. He, too, was dead, leaving only a daughter, reared and educated in England, whilst an Englisher, or, at the best a lowland Scot, an Elliott of the debateable land, was placed by the Campbells, her father's kindred, as agent, looker, factor (whichever was the obnoxious word for a most obnoxiotis office), over the estates and vassals of the young heiress. He it was, a keen sportsman, and a hot and fiery man who already deeply unpopular amongst the clan, with whose language and manners he was anacquainted, and whom he at once mistrusted and despised—he it was, this very Gilbert Elliott, who had now filled up the measure of his sins, by shooting Luath.

King Arthur and the Deer at the round table

2009-03-20T17:21:00.004Z

Sometimes we just post for little more reason than the discovery of deerhounds featured in an illustration.

Here we have an illustration from an online free clip art website, featuring King Arthur at the feasting round table, viewing a poor deer, given what appears to be little chance in the chase. A crowd of court onlookers, two hounds and one small tarrier, harrying their quarry - hopefully, prior to it’s release - for the deer to be afforded a sporting chance.

This rendering seems to feature a less than gallant slant on the hunting activity but the original art source which is likely to be a book illustration is not credited, nor does it feature any descriptions or book references.

But the hounds make it of interest here - view and enjoy.

Spring chaser

2009-03-15T21:27:00.013Z

Today deerhounds, lurchers and a selection of little hounds enjoyed another great day of fun running at Rumbling Bridge, and although the Rogue couldn’t attend following a puppy training injury, it was left down to the Rascal to run his best as a substitute courser.

A video featuring some of the events action will be posted here soon, but in the meantime - enjoy these pics. And if you wish to enjoy more photographs, follow this link to Showgirlie’s photobucket who has also posted some excellent images (The shot included here below featuring oor Rascal running, being one of them).

Don’t forget the next meeting: Sunday the 5th of April at 11am.

The Brus

2009-03-13T00:59:00.008Z

Another Friday the 13th, and, although we are primarily Scottish Deerhound Bloggers here at Rogues blogspot - every now and again some noteworthy historical event that may be of interest to Scottish Deerhounds the world over, sneaks onto our blog.

And today is one of those days.

On this day in 1395, John Barbour, the Scottish Poet died.

He is considered the first major literary voice to write in Scots, the vernacular language of Lowland Scotland.

Whilst Barbour’s English contemporary Geoffrey Chaucer gave the world The Canterbury Tales, forming the vernacular tradition of England, (read the full texts here) - John Barbour gave the world a poem based on his King Robert II’s father, entitled The Brus

Read and enjoy both works by following the relevant links!

Looking for somewhere to go this Sunday?

2009-03-12T22:20:00.004Z

What’s this? Hounds lost in the mountains of Perthshire?

Don’t Forget! Sunday the 15th from 11am at Fire Hill near Rumbling Bridge in Perthshire - Scotlands premiere, fun Deerhound lure coursing event! Bring your hounds along to enjoy the exercize - Contact Sue by e-mail: gentiehundeerhounds@tiscali.co.uk

Crufts Deerhound Results 2009

2009-03-05T22:18:00.003Z

Deerhound Results Click Here!

Crufts

2009-03-05T14:17:00.006Z

What, with a Scottish deerhound, named after a player, named after a big cat (from that Scottish creation for the ruination of a good walk, Golf), winning the US Westminister dog show hound group category - let’s see how we fare in the UK at Crufts.

Watch crufts here today on crufts telly or visit their you tube site here and good luck to all the hounds who attend.

Todays picture below was culled from the LA Times - follow the link to read the article and our comments. Hello Tiger!

Saints Day and Rogues Pictorial Alchemy

2009-03-01T21:10:00.008Z

Hi to all Welsh Deerhounds and a happy Patron Dewi Sant day.

It’s also Saint Monan’s Day in Scotland for those who know, or follow their Saints.

And for us today, here are some wee photographs taken when we traveled back in time exactly 244 years and left our Box Brownie at Nicéphore Niépce’s parents home.

Just Kidding!

But these do look like they could be the product of Nicéphore Niépce, don’t you think?

We know Nicéphore’s birthday is not for another week but we are deerhounds and we might just forget to wish him happy birthday next Sunday. So here it is one week in advance . . . Happy Birthday Nicéphore and thank you. Look where photography is today.

Gold, Silver and Bronze

2009-02-26T14:39:00.010Z

This is the second in a series of two blogs for February 2009 from contributed information. Here we have another reader contribution. I’m posting this after viewing a little broach that was posted on e-bay recently. We featured the broach and invited comments with information leading to the find. It transpires you can purchase any of a range of designs featuring various dog breeds - but of particular interest to us are the Scottish Deerhound pieces.

There are several Deerhound designs as below, and the prices range from a few farthings, to a purse full of sovereigns. All are available from the Golden Wonders Jewelry website. These adornments are available in Golds, Silvers and Bronze. Why not visit the site for a browse?

Send thanks to hecate who posted the link to our Broach blog on January 05 - just in case you missed it. We do love communication.

Alice in wonderland

2009-02-19T13:37:00.008Z

The enjoyable experience from doing a blog, is the interactivity between we deerhounds and their companions. For example, when we posted the Friday the 13th blog featuring a Landseer image plate, lifted from a 1891 book of childrens stories; we promptly received a scanned reproduction of the story which is reproduced above and included was the attached message . . .

Dear Rogue
I thought you might be interested with the enclosed from a book dated 1891 of childrens stories about some pictures after Landseer. Your BLOG pge still gives your two old aunts a great deal of happiness. Never forget we are so, so proud of you.
Your loving Aunts Flora and Betty.

For those who have yet to enjoy this sad little tale, find it transcribed below for your reading pleasure and thank Aunts Flora and Betty for sharing this.

Duke of Sutherland’s Children.

Why should the tall hound look sad and jealous because his fair young mistress twines a wreath of flowers for the fawn’s neck? She has patted his head all the way from the fine house on the other side of the Park, and often called him “good dog;” and now the tall hound does not like it, because the gentle fawn comes to be stroked and patted also.

Silly, selfish fellow! Why should he want all the love? What a pity that he cannot understand that his mistress does not love him less because she loves the fawn also.

The small dog at her feet is not so foolish. He watches with pleasure the lovely Alice wreathing the fawn’s neck. He stands up on his hind legs, begging her to add to the wreath the flower he holds between his white teeth. If he could speak he might perhaps say, “Let me be of some little use in the world to-day, let me help to make the fawn happy.”

Alice loves all her pets dearly, and she takes good care that no dumb creature she owns shall ever suffer from want of food. And she cares also for creatures better than these – the sick and the poor outside the Park gates. Ah! It is very seldom that a young girl or boy studies the wants of dumb animals, and is not also mindful of the need of human creatures.

The tall hound is cross as he leans against the trunk of the old oak, watching his mistress caress the fawn: but he is very happy when he walks in a stately way beside Alice and her young brother, carrying a basket in his mouth filled with nice things for the sick girl in the white cottage by the brook. When the cottage door opens, there is little Nelly propped up in a chair with pillows. She is very pale and thin, but her cheeks flush the colour of a rose as Alice and her young brother enter. She has a bad cough, which keeps her awake at night; and she is often thirsty. And with a bright light in her eyes she looks at the splendid purple grapes which Alice takes out of the basket; for she thinks how nice it will be to have them on the table beside her bed, to eat when her lips are dry. Nelly fades away day by day like a flower. Alice will not see her many more times smiling in her chair as she withers. The white blinds will soon be drawn down in the cottage windows, to tell that Nelly has gone to a world where “there shall be no more pain.” But Alice will smile through her tears when Nelly’s mother tells her she was her child’s best comfort.

Rogue creates a well learned Rascal

2009-02-18T22:12:00.005Z

The easy guide to deerhound puppy training. Follow me!

Dogs Today Magazine March 2009

2009-02-17T13:16:00.016Z

‘Wanna-be’ Deerhound owners should pick up a copy of Dogs Today Magazine, March 2009, for an acceptable little taster article on our breed.

The eight pages featuring deerhounds have good quality images and a fair representation of deerhound traits, facts as well as a brief history.

We would however, contest the response to the ‘Does the coat mat?’ question by suggesting ‘No’ as an answer to be somewhat fanciful. ‘Yes, if a complete brushing is not undertaken at least once a week.’ would be more accurate, as the soft undercoat tends to knot and tangle if neglected.

We do have one ‘MAJOR’ gripe within the article and that would be, under the Touch of Tartan heading, where the paragraph begins with ‘The defeat of the Scottish by the English at the Battle of Culloden in 1745 radically changed the political landscape of Scotland and put an end to such extravagent displays of power by Highland chieftains.’

Er? . . . the history was not quite so clear cut as the above nonsense. The Culloden event mentioned, involved two collectives of mixed European armies. Both sides included Scots and English amongst their ranks. The Irish, Italian, French, Germans and others were also involved on the battlefield. The defeated forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie were fighting to restore the Stewarts to the throne of the United Kingdom, a union that their dynasty had created. The Hanoverians were fighting to maintain a control of the throne on behalf of the German House of Hanover under George the II.

The tragic aftermath of the battle may infact be one of the contributing factors as to why the ‘Scottish’ is no-longer included in the ‘Deerhound’ breed name within the UK. Many things Scottish were outlawed in the follow up to the event, Plaid, Bagpipes, Claymores, Dirks, Gaelic Language etc. And an unsavoury ethnic cleansing followed, in which the revulsive flaying alive of Highland men, Burning of villages, slaughter of livestock, division of families and selling of children into slavery to name but a few of the war crimes were perpetrated under the orders of The Duke of Cumberland earning him the nickname the Butcher.

Highland Chieftains still existed at this time in the form of the Hanoverian supporters. Many of the Jacobeans were later pardoned into service along with their highland troops under the condition they were to be shipped to other lands in military service, to forge what would grow to become The British Empire.

There’s much more to it than this simplified overview, and like many, having family that fought on both sides during this conflict, we felt obliged to correct the little Dogs Today error, lest we lose the truth through misinterpretation by such publications.

Anyway enough of the history, growler head - go out and fetch a copy of the wee magazine and enjoy it anyway.

Let sleeping Rascals lie!

2009-02-17T00:15:00.006Z

Give a pup a home and a little love and he will give you his heart forever.
Pam Brown, b. 1928

Ardkinglas Deerhound Puppy Rearing

2009-02-16T13:27:00.005Z

With Rogue now enjoying the company of a Rascal as a companion - what better way to rear this fine wee deerhound puppy than following Anastasia Nobles, Ardkinglas Kennel, Puppy Rearing Guide.

And we here at Rogue Estate thought that, as this little pamphlet is no longer produced or available (unless of course, you were, or can find someone who purchased an Ardkinglas hound from Tasia and retained a copy) that it would be fun to reproduce it here for posterity and for all who are interested in deerhound puppy rearing.

Simply click on the image to enlarge it and remember to hit the return button to come back to this page. Enjoy!

Rogue and Rascal

2009-02-15T21:23:00.005Z

When it comes to ‘Brewed in Scotland from Girders’ every self respecting deerhound knows it’s got to be ‘yer other national drink!’ . . . yes Irn Bru!

So what better a dram to welcome an additional, wee, alcohol free youngster in tae the family, than a snifter o the Bru?

Meet Rascal . . . ‘Bred in Scotland with Attitude!‘

So far this week, we’ve experienced every seasons weather, learned the chase, how to dig holes, how to eat plasterboard walls, apple, plum and pear trees, discovered the sin bin, oh! . . . and how to be sneakily good and we’ve had great fun in the process.

Rapscallion behaviour to the max!

All we can say is watch out when the Three “R’s” are about!

And an interesting statistical side note is; where as Coca Cola has become the number 1 selling soft drink in almost every country in the world a few countries still hold out against their global domination - Irn Bru has long been the most popular soft drink in Scotland, outselling Coca-Cola. It is also the third best selling soft drink in the UK, after Coca-Cola and Pepsi. The other countries still holding home control of their soft drink market are as follows - Brazil's Guaraná, Ireland's Club Orange, South Australia's Farmers Union Iced Coffee, Peru's Inca Kola, Malta's Kinnie and Sweden's Julmust.

Flora MacDonald with Deerhounds

2009-02-15T17:34:00.009Z

This video clip depicts Flora MacDonald upon her arrival in the Isle of Skye whilst assisting Bonnie Prince Charlie in Flight. The movie featuring David Niven as the Prince and Margaret Leighton as Flora is the 1948 London Films poduction Bonnie Prince Charlie Follow the links to find out the history of the events and details of the movie . . . for that’s not what concerns us here.

Is this a depiction of Hanoverian greyhounds or Scottish Deerhounds of the 1745/46 period charging past Flora in the movie excerpt above? If so, it’s a great piece of movie Art Direction, especially when we consider William Barnaud’s exquisite Dreaming of the Chase, Scottish Deerhounds (below) an artwork from within a century of the period. The hounds matching the colourings and coat of this painting. Colours that would be nice to see returned to the Scottish deerhound.

Also in the above video clip, the scene featuring Flora entering the castle - is that a wolfhound cross mastiff we see affront the fireplace?

I reckon that the hounds in these scenes may not have been considered to be as historically accurate as they infact, may well be. And it’s possible they were included simply as added action to the frame.

And with that thought, 10 out of 10 for hound placement . . . the rest of the movie, watch, enjoy and gather your own opinion.

Be my Valentine

2009-02-14T18:14:00.004Z

Ah? What to give to the one you love on Valentines day?

Here’s the answer in a ninteen 60’s/70’s press/magazine advertisement.

A Deerhound!

The lovely people from Aramis, who state in the copy to their advert that they offer a range of, not just cologne but ‘grooming products’ designed to create a ‘feeling of well being’.

For everybody who lives with one, they’ll know the great feeling of well being we deerhounds generate. When deerhounds are around - everything in your immediate world is ‘Just Right’.

Love to everyone on Valentines Day.

Hounds do not suffer paraskavedekatriaphobia

2009-02-13T17:05:00.002Z

To help all who suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia, look at the painting and think, ‘here is how the world really is’.

The Origin of Deerhounds

2009-02-12T21:20:00.009Z

Again, we have allowed some time to pass since our previous post, but today is a commemorative day worthy of Scottish Deerhound blogging. Infact, such a worthy day, as it marks the birth date of a certain gentleman who almost singularly, may have been responsible for much of what we today consider as ‘Dog Breeds’.

This very gentleman was also one of the catalysts in the creation of dog showing and the Dog Breeds Shows.

Who was this person?

Born on this very day 200 years ago and later the author of the then controversial On the Origin of Species. This author, the person responsible for a theory that now forms the basis of modern evolutionary theory. Charles Robert Darwin. Happy Birthday Charlie!

You may wonder the Scottish deerhound relevance to Charles Darwin but we think if you are interested in the ‘breed’ history, you might find some of the correspondence, which, believe it or not refers to the Scotch Deer Hound. Infact he may have owned or shared his home with a Scotch Deer Hound. This we have not quite established yet.

Interesting also is the attitude towards the dog and the Scotch/ English cultural exchange illustrated in the initial correspondence below. The magnificence of the deerhound as well as the Irish wolfhound, clearly at this time, called into question outside their respective countries of origin with a mongrel tagging.

This I find quite amusing, remembering back to a certain Deerhound book which repeated this sentiment as it opened it’s history with the fur ruffling line‘The Deerhound of Scotland (founded 843) hunts primarily by sight and owes its origin to the Greyhound of England’ (founded 927). The author of this work clearly misinformed or ill-researched, when of course evidence of large deer hunting hounds can be found through stone carvings and pottery relief from the Pre-Roman to Late Middle ages at locations all around, what is now Scotland.

Historically the Darwin correspondence is of great interest and much is available in the public domain, so we will include the deerhound letters here, for both there education and entertainment value to Scotch Deerhounds and their Masters. And when all become available we are sure to include them at some future date.

Letter 1646 — Fox, W. D. to Darwin, C. R., 8 Mar [1856]

Summary
Is trying to procure some cocks for Charles Darwin.
Believes Scotch deerhounds are mongrels.

Transcription f1

Delamere | Northwich
March 8

My dear Darwin

I have anxiously inspected My Dorking & Cochin friends Yards for an old Cock of Each, & written to Captain Hornbyf2 —but I fear you have not received any yet. There must be some die before long I think.

Have you a Sebright Bantam yet? f3 If not I have an old Gentleman I will send you shortly. You should have an old White Dorking also, as they are quite distinct from the other in form.

I forget whether I ever told you that I had long considered the Scotch Deer Hound a mongrel, par Excellence. Dont tell any Scotch so, or I shall be murdered. It has long been a pet idea of mine, & I have often said I could breed them without any Deer Hound blood in them. I have also always thought the Irish Deer or Wolf Dog, was merely a cross with the Scotch & a Mastiff.

Some months ago in a conversation on this head with a Mr Lister near here, f4 he told me to my great delight that he had a Bitch 1⁄2 Deer Hound & 1⁄2 Mastiff. On looking at her it is wonderful how little the 1⁄2 Mastiff is recognisable in her. On minutely examining however, you find her mastiff Blood in neck & shoulder. I much wished this Bitch crossed back with Deer Hound. This has been done, & the result, as shown in a splendid Bitch puppy, is to completely restore the Scotch Deer Hound. I dined there last week, & met a stranger who was enthusiastic about Scotch Dogs of which by the way he gave a pretty story as having happened to himself. Walking one day in Regent St he felt something cold in his hand, & on looking, found a Scotch Dogs nose there, who had been with him Deer stalking &c 2 years before in the Highlands, & was then walking in London with his Master.

Lister, rather spitefully introduced me to this Captain Warren f5 as being one who believed in the Scotch Dogs being mongrels. Of course I maintained my ground, when, to my intense amusement he (after warning me not to go to Scotland & especially Badenoch, f6 with such views) quoted the puppy as an Example of pure blood, as might be seen by any one, & which he said was well worth £40. He was so enthusiastic that I was obliged to break the fact by degrees, “that her Grandfather was a Mastiff.”

I am trying now to get the 1⁄2 breed Scotch & Mastiff Bitch put to a pure Mastiff & I expect either the produce of that or the next cross at all events, to be the Irish Wolf Dog.

I would defy any Scot to detect the false blood in this puppy Bitch She is quite a perfect Scotch Deer Hound.

I see Tegetmeyer or some such name, who doctors all the Fowls in England says he is engaged with you in examining the anatomy of Fowls. f7 He seems to know a great deal about them from his letters in Cottage Gardener but I often think his prescriptions rather foolish. You are not meddling with Geese I think yet, are you.

Tell me how Mrs Darwin & your little ones all are also Susan Catherine & Mrs Wedgwood f8 & Believe me always Yours affecly W D. Fox.

Footnotes
f1 The letter is dated by its relationship to the letter to W. D. Fox, 15 March [1856].
f2 Windham W. Hornby of Knowsley, Lancashire, was a prominent breeder of Dorking fowl.
f3 CD had asked John Lubbock for specimens of Sebright bantams (letter to John Lubbock, [14 January 1856]).
f4 The Post Office directory of Cheshire (1857) lists ‘E. Lister, esq., Marston, Northwich’.
f5 Captain Warren has not been identified.
f6 A district near Inverness, Scotland.
f7 In the report on the ‘Annual grand show of the Philo-Peristeron Society’, Cottage Gardener 15 (1855–6): 301, it was stated that ‘Mr. Yarrell, whose name is a “household word” with all zoologists, and Mr. Darwin, whose “Naturalist's Voyage round the World” is known all over the world, were present, and with our old correspondent, Mr. Tegetmeier, were examining bird after bird, with a view to ascertain some of those differences on which the distinction between species or varieties depend.’ It is likely that William Bernhard Tegetmeier, who wrote a regular column for this journal on the diseases of poultry, was the author.
f8 CD's sisters, Susan Elizabeth Darwin, Emily Catherine Darwin, and Caroline Sarah Wedgwood.
f9 The number of CD's portfolio of notes on hybridism.

Letter 1843 — Darwin, C. R. to Fox, W. D., 15 Mar [1856]

Summary
Believes WDF's case of mongrel Scotch deerhound is very valuable for him.
Mentions his work on pigeons and chickens.
Fears sometimes he will break down: "My subject gets bigger and bigger".

Transcription

Down Bromley Kent
March 15th

My dear Fox.

I was very glad to get your note & congratulate you on your triumph about the Scotch Deer Hound, which however I do not know by sight. f1 How I wish I further knew (can you find out for me) whether the real Scotch Deer Hounds breeds true; but I suppose this must be the case, whether or no your mongrel would do so. f2 This seems to very valuable case for me, for it would be a most bold hypothesis to imagine that the real Scotch Deer Hound was a pure & distinct aboriginal race, but that your mongrel,, though identical in appearance, was essentially different: I do not even know what a common Deer Hound is.

Many thanks for your continued remembrance of me & my poultry skeletons: I am making some progress & have been working a little at their ancient History & was yesterday in the British Museum getting old Chinese Encyclopedias translated. f3 This morning I have been carefully examining a splendid Cochin Cock sent me (but I shd be glad of another specimen) & I find several important differences in number of feathers in alula, f4 primaries & tail, making me suspect quite a distinct species. f5 I am getting on best with Pigeons, & have now almost every breed known in England alive: I shall find, I think great differences in skeleton for I find extra rib & dorsal vertebra in Pouter. f6

I have just ordered the Cottage Gardener: f7 Mr Tegetmeier is a very kind & clever little man; but he was not authorised to use my name in any way, & we cannot be said to be working at all together; for our objects are very different, & he began on skulls before I had thought on subject: I have not yet looked at our pickled chickens & hardly know when I shall, for I have my hands very full of work; but they will come in some day most useful, as will a large series of young Pigeons, which I have myself killed & pickled. f8

I shd be very glad of old Sebright Bantam.

I have been in London nearly all this week, working at Books f9 & we had at Erasmus's a very pleasant dinner & sat between Mr & Mrs Bristowe & was charmed with both. f10 Bristowe often so reminds me of you some 25 years ago in certain expression of face & manner. They told me you had been far from well: why did you not mention yourself? Do not I always prose at good length about myself & pursuits. So I will say that my stomach has been better for some months than average, & I am able decidedly to work harder. My sisters are pretty well: you heard of Dr Parkers release about 2 months ago. f11

How I do wish I had you nearer to talk over & benefit by your opinions on the many odds & ends on which I am at work. Sometimes I fear I shall break down for my subject gets bigger & bigger with each months work.

My dear old friend | Most truly yours | Ch. Darwin

Footnotes
f1 See letter from W. D. Fox, 8 March [1856], in which Fox related his view that the Scottish deerhound was actually a ‘mongrel’ breed.
f2 The Scottish deerhound had been established as a distinct breed by the sixteenth century (EB).
f3 CD visited the British Museum to consult Samuel Birch, whose help he sought concerning ancient references to breeds of pigeons and poultry. See letter to Samuel Birch, [12 March 1856].
f4 The alula is the ‘bastard-wing’ of birds, consisting of three or four large quill-like feathers carried on the ‘thumb’ (EB).
f5 In wild birds, the number of feathers is generally constant and is used as a character in classification. The Cochin China cock had been sent to CD by Bernard P. Brent (see letter to W. B. Tegetmeier, 20 March [1856]).
f6 The differences in the number of ribs is discussed in Variation 1: 165–6. CD recorded that he was not sure that he had designated the vertebrae correctly; he stated the dorsal vertebrae were always eight in number (Variation 1: 165 and n.).
f7 Cottage Gardener, and Country Gentleman's Companion. See letter to W. D. Fox, 8 March [1856] and n. 7.
f8 CD's series of young pigeons was discussed in the chapter on embryology in Origin, pp. 445–6. He also used this material in his discussion of the differences between breeds of fowls in Variation 1: 248–50.
f9 There are entries in CD's reading notebooks for March 1856 relating to early ornithological works. See Correspondence vol. 4, Appendix IV, 128: 16.
f10 Probably Henry Fox Bristowe, a London barrister, and his wife Selina. Bristowe was Fox's nephew. CD was staying with Erasmus Alvey Darwin.
f11 Henry Parker, physician to the Shropshire Infirmary and CD's brother-in-law, had died in January 1856 (Eddowes Salopian Journal, 16 January 1856

Interestingly Charles Darwin went on to communicate with George Cupples who some twenty years following his series of letters as below, then went on to have published, a book Scotch Deerhounds and their Masters. Edinburgh: William Blackwood, 1892.

Letter 6157 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 1 May 1868
Has read Variation;
is preparing a monograph on Scotch deerhounds. Offers Charles Darwin information on size of male and female deerhounds.
Might not the effect of human mother's imagination on "character of offspring" support Pangenesis?

Letter 6169 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 11–13 May 1868
Answers Charles Darwin's queries on difference in size of male and female Scottish deerhounds; female preference for larger males; details about ratio of sexes born. Quotes from letter of Archibald McNeill on difference in size of male and female Scotch deerhounds.

Letter 6171 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 13 May [1868]
Quotes from letter of Archibald McNeill on difference in size of male and female Scotch deerhounds.

Letter 6211 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 26 May 1868
Refers to letter from John Wright offering to help CD on his queries about deerhounds and sexual preferences.
More details about a terrier bitch previously referred to [letter missing].

Letter 6257 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 22 June 1868
Weighing ten deerhound puppies for CD each week.

Letter 6273 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 13 July 1868
Notes, with excerpts from letters from Peter Robertson and John Wright, relating to difference in size between male and female deerhounds. Reports on weight statistics of ten [deerhound] puppies being observed.

Letter 6274 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 13 July 1868
Offers deerhound puppy.
Asks for photograph.
Encloses letter from George Cupples of notes, with excerpts from letters from Peter Robertson and John Wright, relating to difference in size between male and female deerhounds. Reports on weight statistics of ten [deerhound] puppies being observed.

Letter 6555 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 15 Jan 1869

Forwards A. McNeill's letter on deer horns. McNeill wrote portion on deerhounds in William Scrope's book [The art of deer-stalking (1838)].

Letter 6657 — Cupples, George to Darwin, C. R., 11 Mar 1869
Differences in size and weight in deerhounds, with tables of comparative weights according to sex. Promises information on weights of deerhound puppies. Effects of cross- and inbreeding.

Letter 7000 — Darwin, C. R. to Cupples, George, 20 Nov [1869]
Thanks GC for his assistance. "The data for all that I have to say about the Scotch deer-hound are, owing to you, almost sufficient; and much better data than I have got in many other cases." [See Descent 2: 260.]
Believes Dr Stirling would be compelled to admit some change in "the famous protoplasm in our domestic races, both in regard to the structure of the body & qualities of the mind".

Transcription
The full text of the above George Cupples letters are not yet available online.

Don’t forget to visit Darwin’s correspondence online website and spend an age trawling with your inter-NET and if you’d prefer to visit an actual reality Festival try the University of Cambridge later this year for the bicentenary of Darwin’s birth, the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal work, ‘On the Origin of Species’, and the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge.

Not only does Charles Darwin’s correspondence reflect deerhound interests but the information wa put to use in his published works.

Take ANIMALS AND PLANTS UNDER DOMESTICATION. VOL. II. from 1868 where he comments on close interbreeding . . .

Mr. Meynell's famous foxhounds have been adduced, as showing that no ill effects follow from close interbreeding; and Sir J. Sebright ascertained from him that he frequently bred from father and daughter, mother and son, and sometimes even from brothers and sisters. Sir J. Sebright, however, declares,15 that by breeding in-and-in, by which he means matching brothers and sisters, he has actually seen strong spaniels become weak and diminutive lapdogs. The Rev. W. D. Fox has communicated to me the case of a small lot of bloodhounds, long kept in the same family, which had become very bad breeders, and nearly all had a bony enlargement in the tail. A single cross with a distinct strain of bloodhounds restored their fertility, and drove away the tendency to malformation in the tail. I have heard the particulars of another case with bloodhounds, in which the female had to be held to the male. Considering how rapid is the natural increase of the dog, it is difficult to understand the high price of most highly improved breeds, which almost implies long-continued close interbreeding, except on the belief that this process lessens fertility and increases liability to distemper and other diseases. A high authority, Mr. Scrope, attributes the rarity and deterioration in size of the Scotch deerhound (the few individuals now existing throughout the country being all related) in large part to close interbreeding.

Also of interest and published in The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex. VOL II comes reference to deerhounds under the PREFERENCES IN PAIRING. CHAP. XVII. as follows . . .

As so little is known about the courtship of animals in a state of nature, I have endeavoured to discover how far our domesticated quadrupeds evince any choice in their unions. Dogs offer the best opportunity for observation, as they are carefully attended to and well understood. Many breeders have expressed a strong opinion on this head. Thus Mr. Mayhew remarks, "The females are able to bestow their affections; and tender recollections are as potent over them as they are known to be in other cases, where higher animals are concerned. Bitches are not always prudent in their loves, but are apt to fling themselves away on curs of low degree. If reared with a companion of vulgar appearance, there often springs up between the pair a devotion which no time can afterwards subdue. The passion, for such it really is, becomes of a more than romantic endurance." Mr. Mayhew, who attended chiefly to the smaller breeds, is convinced that the females are strongly attracted by males of large size.41 The well-known veterinary Blaine states42 that his own female pug became so attached to a spaniel, and a female setter to a cur, that in neither case would they pair with a dog of their own breed until several weeks had elapsed. Two similar and trustworthy accounts have been given me in regard to a female retriever and a spaniel, both of which became enamoured with terrier-dogs.

Mr. Cupples informs me that he can personally vouch for the accuracy of the following more remarkable case, in which a valuable and wonderfully-intelligent female terrier loved a retriever, belonging to a neighbour, to such a degree that she had often to be dragged away from him. After their permanent separation, although repeatedly shewing milk in her teats, she would never acknowledge the courtship of any other dog, and to the regret of her owner, never bore puppies. Mr. Cupples also states that a female deerhound now (1868) in his kennel has thrice produced puppies, and on each occasion shewed a marked preference for one of the largest and handsomest, but not the most eager, of four deer-hounds living with her, all in the prime of life. Mr. Cupples has observed that the female generally favours a dog whom she has associated with and knows; her shyness and timidity at first incline her against a strange dog. The male, on the contrary, seems rather inclined towards strange females. It appears to be rare when the male refuses any particular female, but Mr. Wright, of Yeldersley House, a great breeder of dogs, informs me that he has known some instances; he cites the case of one of his own deer-hounds, who would not take any notice of a particular female mastiff, so that another deer-hound had to be employed. It would be superfluous to give other cases, and I will only add that Mr. Barr, who has carefully bred many blood-hounds, states that in almost every instance particular individuals of the opposite sex shew a decided preference for each other. Finally Mr. Cupples, after attending to this subject for another year, has recently written to me, "I have had full confirmation of my former statement, that dogs in breeding form decided preferences for each other, being often influenced by size, bright colour, and individual character, as well as by the degree of their previous familiarity."

Also in the 1882 printing of The descent of man, and selection in relation to sex.

From these considerations I was anxious to obtain information as to the Scotch deerhound, the sexes of which differ more in size than those of any other breed (though bloodhounds differ considerably), or than in any wild canine species known to me. Accordingly, I applied to Mr. Cupples, well-known for his success with this breed, who has with great kindness collected for me the following facts from various sources. Fine male dogs, measured at the shoulder, range from 28 inches, which is low, to 33 or even 34 inches in height; and in weight from 80 pounds, which is light, to 120 pounds, or even more. The females range in height from 23 to 27, or even to 28 inches; and in weight from 50 to 70, or even 80 pounds.38 Mr. Cupples concludes that from 95 to 100 pounds for the male, and 70 for the female, would be a safe average; but there is reason to believe that formerly both sexes attained a greater weight. Mr. Cupples has weighed puppies when a fortnight old; in one litter the average weight of four males exceeded that of two females by six and a half ounces; in another litter the average weight of four males exceeded that of one female by less than one ounce; the same males when three weeks old, exceeded the female by seven and a half ounces, and at the age of six weeks by nearly fourteen ounces. Mr. Wright of Yeldersley House, in a letter to Mr. Cupples, says: "I have taken notes on the sizes and weights of puppies of many litters, and as far as my experience goes, dog-puppies as a rule differ very little from bitches till they arrive at about five or six months old; and then the dogs begin to increase, gaining upon the bitches both in weight and size. At birth, and for several weeks afterwards, a bitch-puppy will occasionally be larger than any of the dogs, but they are invariably beaten by them later." Mr. McNeill, of Colonsay, concludes that "the males do not attain their full growth till over two years old, though the females attain it sooner." According to Mr. Cupples' experience, male dogs go on growing in stature till they are from twelve to eighteen months old, and in weight till from eighteen to twenty-four months old; whilst the females cease increasing in stature at the age of from nine to fourteen or fifteen months, and in weight at the age of from twelve to fifteen months. From these various statements it is clear that the full difference in size between the male and female Scotch deerhound is not acquired until rather late in life. The males almost exclusively are used for coursing, for, as Mr. McNeill informs me, the females have not sufficient strength and weight to pull down a full-grown deer. From the names used in old legends, it appears, as I hear from Mr. Cupples, that, at a very ancient period, the males were the most celebrated, the females being mentioned only as the mothers of famous dogs. Hence, during many generations, it is the male which has been chiefly tested for strength, size, speed, and courage, and the best will have been bred from. As, however, the males do not attain their full dimensions until rather late in life, they will have tended, in accordance with the law often indicated, to transmit their characters to their male offspring alone; and thus the great inequality in size between the sexes of the Scotch deer-hound may probably be accounted for.

And on a final point as to the conclusion of the origin of deerhounds - Charles Darwin actually wrote his views on the matter thus . . .

On the other hand, the upholders of the view that the several breeds of dogs, horses, &c., &c., have descended each from one stock, may aver that their view removes all difficulty about fertility, and that the main argument from the high antiquity of different breeds, somewhat similar to the present breeds, is worth little without knowing the date of the domestication of such animals, which is far from being the case. They may also with more weight aver that, knowing that organic beings under domestication do vary in some degree, the argument from the great difference between certain breeds is worth nothing, without we know the limits of variation during a long course of time, which is far from the case. They may argue that almost every county in England, and in many districts of other countries, for instance in India, there are slightly different breeds of the domestic animals; and that it is opposed to all that we know of the distribution of wild animals to suppose that these have descended from so many different wild races or species: if so, they may argue, is it not probable that countries quite separate and exposed to different climates would have breeds not slightly, but considerably, different? Taking the most favourable case, on both sides, namely that of the dog; they might urge that such breeds as the bull-dog and turnspit have been reared by man, from the ascertained fact that strictly analogous breeds (namely the Niata ox and Ancon sheep) in other quadrupeds have thus originated. Again they may say, seeing what training and careful selection has effected for the greyhound, and seeing how absolutely unfit the Italian greyhound is to maintain itself in a state of nature, is it not probable that at least all greyhounds,—from the rough deerhound, the smooth Persian, the common English, to the Italian,—have descended from one stock? If so, is it so improbable that the deer-hound and long-legged shepherd dog have so descended? If we admit this, and give up the bulldog, we can hardly dispute the probable common descent of the other breeds.

The evidence is so conjectural and balanced on both sides that at present I conceive that no one can decide: for my own part, I lean to the probability of most of our domestic animals having descended from more than one wild stock; though from the arguments last advanced and from reflecting on the slow though inevitable effect of different races of mankind, under different circumstances, saving the lives of and therefore selecting the individuals most useful to them, I cannot doubt but that one class of naturalists have much overrated the probable number of the aboriginal wild stocks. As far as we admit the difference of our races due to the differences of their original stocks, so much must we give up of the amount of variation produced under domestication. But this appears to me unimportant, for we certainly know in some few cases, for instance in the Dahlia, and potato, and rabbit, that a great number of varieties have proceeded from one stock; and, in many of our domestic races, we know that man, by slowly selecting and by taking advantage of sudden sports, has considerably modified old races and produced new ones. Whether we consider our races as the descendants of one or several wild stocks, we are in far the greater number of cases equally ignorant what these stocks were.

From The foundations of The origin of species. Two essays written in 1842 and 1844. Published CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS - Edinburgh: 100, PRINCES STREET Which supports breeding for advantage to suit purpose, climate, conditions, terrain etc but questions our evidence of source. Interesting.

If you wish to investigate origins further, find Darwin’s complete works here.

Deerhound Chips

2009-02-04T22:58:00.006Z

Where Deerhounds turn up ?

From a series of collectible dog button/badges/tokens found inside a packet of Canadian potato chips, comes the little chip numbered 52, the Scottish Deerhound or Deerhound Écossais pour le langue française et de la lecture des visiteurs.

Err . . . the Rogue here thinks Number 1 might have been in order. And hey! . . . that’s a mighty smooth coat for a deerhound, then there’s the stop on the head . . . and the heavy foreleg and . . .

. . . oh well! - hunt for them on the internet if you want one - anything deerhound can’t be that bad.

Happy Birthday Rabbie

2009-01-25T13:15:00.004Z

Happy Birthday to Rabbie Burns. Today, deerhounds everywhere should be looking forward to tucking into a wee piece o Haggis, alang wi ‘tatties and neeps’ to celebrate the 250th anniversary o’ the birth o’ The Bard.

To celebrate this anniversary, there is so much going on, infact a full year of celebrations begin in Scotland. All Scottish deerhounds who have ever considered visiting their country of origin – this is the year to do it. The year of Homecoming.

What’s more the deerhound club are holding their annual breed show at Dunblane hydro from the 17th ’til 19th of April 2009. Why not come along and visit? For further information on Dunblane follow this link.

And if there was someone who knew how to capture the emotions of every deerhound in words, it was our very own Robert Burns

My Heart's In The Highlands

My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go.

Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,
The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth ;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.

Farewell to the mountains, high-cover'd with snow,
Farewell to the straths and green vallies below;
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods,
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.

My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands, a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go.

To enjoy a recital of the above work by HRH The Prince of Wales follow this link.

Further links for Rabbie Burns and preperations for Burns suppers can be found by clicking the links within todays post and should you want music for this evenings Burns Supper – go here to visit the world's first website to offer every single Burns song as a download.

Enjoy the celebration.

Deerhounds - how we ‘Broach’ the subject

2009-01-05T23:54:00.003Z

Here’s a fine little piece of art I can tell you little to nothing about. I don’t know the period from whence it came, if it’s gold and silver, nickel and more nickel or if it is a one off or mass produced object. What I can say is it measures no-more than two inches across and clearly depicts a deerhound in pursuit of the quarry. What can you tell us about this brooch?

2009

2009-01-03T10:26:00.002Z

Hogmanay Hounds

2008-12-31T11:01:00.003Z

With only minutes until 2009 begins we would like to wish ‘A the best’ to all who enjoy oor blogspot and even those who don’t - ‘lang may yer lum reek’.

And here’s a wee advert from the November edition of Life magazine 1937, for Hiram Walker’s, ‘Canadian Club’.

Although the image may reflect a wee celebratory gathering, hounds and all - ye canny whack a guid Scotch classic malt to see in the new year . . .

Meerkats in wellies

2008-12-30T16:01:00.004Z

Les Sports Modernes

2008-12-27T11:49:00.005Z

Lets travel back in time one hundred and one and a half years.
Paris Vogue ?
Featured on the cover of Les Sports Modernes - Edition 26, published June 1907 - the Paris Illustré magazine were . . .

. . . well what else would one expect to find on this blog ?

A day to box the old wrapping

2008-12-26T20:00:00.003Z