It was my husband Charlie Spence’s, aspiration of a dream for the breed to have its rightful recognition as others and reflect the name of its country of origin Sadly, very unexpectedly and suddenly, I lost him last year but I hope to carry on in his memory to achieve his ambition.
The breed had originated in Scotland and became popular at the time of the British Empire due to deerstalking in the Highlands. The registration of the Scottish Deerhound with the Kennel Club as the Deerhound and the formation of the Club took place in the late nineteenth century but unfortunately both omitting the word "Scottish" for historical reasons.
While it is important to understand the historical position, we cannot be bound by what was decided at that time. Now when a country or a city can have a more appropriate name formally acknowledged in recognition and in honour of the past why should our breed not be registered with the addition of "Scottish" in a formal acknowledgement of its heritage which everyone recognises anyway?
It is the remit of the Kennel Club to always have registration, welfare and the interest of dogdom as a priority.
The Scottish Deerhound is a breed which the Kennel Club do acknowledge as to its Scottish heritage. They have approved scheduled classes at the Scottish Breeds shows and the Hound Association of Scotland, which incidentally has the head of a Deerhound on its Club badge. The breed has the distinction of being the only Scottish hound!
Over this last year there has been ongoing communication with the Kennel Club and the Club to achieve the rightful name, therefore it is hoped you will contemplate the rationale behind the desire to achieve the historical reflection and please make your voice heard as to the re-designation of the breed's rightful name to "Scottish Deerhound".
Why therefore does there seem to be so much animosity against the Deerhound achieving its rightful title? Especially as there are no politics involved whatsoever, as unfortunately some seem to think.
There is no request or indeed requirement for our Club to change its name, but only the nomenclature for the Breed Standard, thus reflecting in litter registrations and breed classification at shows. Many web sites, breeders and owners of the breed, and indeed overseas members name the breed as Scottish Deerhound as have many authors over the centuries.
It would now seem to be a great opportunity for the Club to take part in recognising this iconic breed's historical origins with the re designation of the name to Scottish Deerhound and take the breed forward on a par such as - other breed clubs have done - in having their origins successfully recognised through their name.
It would seem fitting that the re designation of name be recognised - and approved by the Club's committee and members.
Moira G Spence