A CAMPAIGN for a much loved breed of dog to get its Scottish identity back has been launched.
Currently the ‘Scottish Deerhound’ is only recognised as the ‘Deerhound’ by The Kennel Club.
But now hundreds of people are are putting pressure on the canine governing body to change its stance.
Almost 400 people have signed an online petition calling on the secretary of The Kennel Club to re-designate the breed – Scotland’s only native hound.
It has gained support from people as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.
Dog lover Claire Cartmell from Kinglassie in Fife, is the organiser of the petition and has 10 Scottish Deerhounds herself.
The 72-year-old believes the “Scottish” was dropped in the late 19th century due to a loss of Scottish national identity in an era of British empire.
She thinks now is the time for change.
Mrs Cartmell said: “A lot of people in Scotland now don’t know about the breed, but I think if they became Scottish Deerhounds again, the profile would be raised and people would be much more aware of them.”
Charlie Spence, who has four of the dogs, is also throwing his weight behind the campaign.
The 88-year-old from Moray said: “It has been narking us off for a long time.”
He continued: “In America, Canada, Australia and France they call them Scottish Deerhounds but why are they not called that in their own homeland?.”
Dawn Redley from Australia has signed the petition. She said: “I always introduce my beautiful Miss Audrey as a Scottish Deerhound – anything less is not worthy of her regal bearing.”
A kennel Club spokesperson said: “Any discussions to change the name should be made to the Deerhound breed club.
“If the breed club wanted a name change they would then lodge an application with the Kennel Club.”
The original purpose of Scottish Deerhound dog breed was to hunt and bring down the Scottish roe deer, more than twice their size.
Affectionately known as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland’ they are large creatures often depicted in paintings and have a wiry coat and greyhound-type build.
