When I set out to recreate the English Deerhound, it wasn’t just about aesthetics or pedigree—it was about purpose, dignity, and, above all, welfare. A dog is more than a breed standard or a historical ideal; it’s a living, breathing companion that deserves a life of health, care, and respect. From the very beginning, welfare has been at the heart of everything we’ve done with the English Deerhound.
Over the years, as this noble breed has found its way into homes and kennels around the world, I’ve remained focused on one core principle: no matter where they go, English Deerhounds must be given the life they deserve.
Breeding With Integrity
Bringing this breed back involved years of careful, thoughtful selection. It wasn’t just about appearance—it was about function, temperament, and long-term health. We avoided the trap of excessive inbreeding and were meticulous about genetic diversity, ensuring that the dogs would not just survive, but thrive.
The English Deerhound, as it stands today, is a strong, resilient dog with sound structure, good movement, and calm temperament. But it doesn’t stay that way without responsible ownership and continued welfare-focused breeding practices.
Welfare Is Ongoing, Not One-Time
Welfare doesn’t stop once a puppy is placed in a home. It’s an ongoing commitment, and that’s where Jackie Sykes has been absolutely vital. As our breed coordinator, Jackie ensures that every dog is placed thoughtfully, every owner is supported, and every breeder follows the values we started with.
She liaises with families and international contacts, helping to track the wellbeing of each dog and ensure that we never lose sight of the individual lives behind the breeding program. Jackie is also instrumental in maintaining open communication between breeders and owners, guiding health testing, and addressing concerns before they become problems.
Together, we’ve built a network that puts the welfare of the dog before the prestige of the pedigree.
Highlighted in the Documentary by Newmount Films
These principles of welfare are also discussed in depth in the Newmount Films documentary, which follows the journey of the English Deerhound’s recreation. I speak openly in the film about the responsibility we carry as breeders—not just to the breed’s image, but to every dog we bring into the world.
The documentary goes beyond the history and genetics to focus on the living dogs themselves—how they are raised, housed, exercised, and treated. With powerful footage and honest conversation, it shows that welfare is not an afterthought in our work—it is the foundation.
It also includes insights from Jackie Sykes, who reinforces the importance of ethical placements, lifelong support for owners, and keeping the dogs’ wellbeing at the centre of the breed’s future.
The film is available to view at www.nmfilms.co.uk, and I encourage anyone interested in the breed to watch it—not just to learn about the English Deerhound’s past, but to understand the depth of care involved in its present.
