When most people hear the word “Deerhound,” they naturally think of the Scottish Deerhound—a breed long celebrated for its noble stature, wiry coat, and deep roots in Highland hunting traditions. But fewer know about its lesser-known relative: the English Deerhound—a breed that, thanks to the work of dogman and historian Dave Platts, has been painstakingly recreated after fading into obscurity.
So what separates the Scottish Deerhound from the English Deerhound? Are they two sides of the same coin, or distinct breeds with their own identities?
Let’s explore the similarities, the differences, and the story behind the English Deerhound’s remarkable comeback.
A Shared Ancestry
Historically, both breeds trace their lineage back to ancient sighthounds that roamed the British Isles. These tall, fast, and powerfully built dogs were used for hunting large game—particularly deer, wolves, and boar. Their ability to chase and bring down such formidable prey required speed, stamina, and courage, all of which were bred into these dogs over centuries.
The Scottish Deerhound, as its name suggests, was refined in the Highlands of Scotland, eventually taking on a distinct form with a shaggy coat and somewhat more elegant features. Meanwhile, the English Deerhound was developed in parallel in England, with regional variations influenced by different terrain, game, and hunting styles.
But over time, as hunting methods changed and coursing fell out of favour, the English Deerhound faded into history, its lines diluted or lost entirely.
Enter Dave Platts: Recreating the English Deerhound
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the English Deerhound would likely have remained a footnote in sighthound history—if not for the passionate efforts of Dave Platts.
A lifelong breeder of running dogs and game fowl, Platts is known for his deep knowledge of traditional British bloodlines and working dogs. Drawing from his background—rooted in the famed horse-dealing Toon family of Coalville—Dave set out on a decades-long mission to recreate the English Deerhound from the ground up.
Through careful breeding, selection, and study of historic sources, he has established a line of dogs that reflect the original English type: a heavier, more powerful animal than the Scottish variety, with shorter coat, broader frame, and more rugged working drive. These dogs aren’t bred for the show ring—they’re bred for function, health, and the quiet nobility that defined the breed centuries ago.
Key Differences: Scottish vs. English
While similar in spirit, the Scottish and English Deerhounds differ in several ways:
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | English Deerhound |
| Coat | Long, wiry, rough | Shorter, dense, and coarse |
| Build | Tall, lean, elegant | Broader, heavier, more powerful |
| Head Shape | Narrow, fine-boned | Wider, stronger jaw, blunter muzzle |
| Purpose | Primarily show and companionship today | Revived as a functional coursing and running dog |
| Temperament | Gentle, aloof | Calm, loyal, with strong hunting instinct |
The Scottish Deerhound has largely transitioned into a companion and show breed, whereas the English Deerhound, under Platts’ guidance, has remained firmly rooted in function and working purpose.
Global Recognition and Growing Interest
Since the English Deerhound’s reintroduction, interest in the breed has grown rapidly across Europe, North America, and Australia. Dave Platts, alongside breed coordinator Jackie Sykes, has exported carefully selected dogs worldwide—always ensuring that welfare and working integrity come first.
The story of this breed’s revival is beautifully captured in the Newmount Films documentary “The Recreation of the English Deerhound”, which features Dave, owners, and experts such as Colonel David Hancock. The film premiered at Cineworld NEC Birmingham in 2021 and has earned critical acclaim with a 9.2/10 IMDb rating. It explores the history, breeding process, and future of the English Deerhound.
Conclusion: Two Breeds, One Legacy
The Scottish and English Deerhounds may share a common past, but today they represent two distinct expressions of the British sighthound legacy. The Scottish Deerhound continues to charm admirers with its regal looks and gentle spirit, while the English Deerhound has returned to reclaim its place as a robust, intelligent, and loyal working dog.
Thanks to the tireless work of Dave Platts the English Deerhound is no longer just a name in a book. It is alive, thriving, and running once again across open fields—just as it was meant to.
Learn more about the English Deerhound’s revival by watching the documentary at www.nmfilms.co.uk.
