The English Deerhound is a breed that impresses at first glance with its striking form and majestic presence. But what truly sets this dog apart is not just its physical elegance—it’s the calm, intuitive temperament that makes the English Deerhound such a unique and rewarding companion.
Calm and Composed Nature
English Deerhounds are known for their serene temperament. Unlike more excitable breeds, they carry themselves with quiet confidence and rarely display hyperactive or erratic behaviour.
Anecdote:
One of the most remarkable testaments to this trait came during the filming of the Newmount Films documentary with Dave Platts, titled ‘The Recreation of the English Deerhound.’ Over many days of shooting, with cameras, lights, crew, and plenty of movement, not a single English Deerhound disrupted the filming process. They remained composed and quietly observant throughout. Director and crew members alike were amazed at how naturally the dogs adapted to their surroundings, calmly lying in shot or watching from a distance without interfering once.
Independent Thinkers
As a sighthound bred for chasing large game, the English Deerhound retains a strong independent streak. They’re intelligent and quick to assess a situation, but may not always respond to commands with the same enthusiasm as more obedience-driven breeds. They prefer mutual respect to strict discipline and thrive with positive reinforcement and consistency.
Quiet and Non-Intrusive
One of the breed’s most appreciated qualities in a home setting is its quietness. English Deerhounds rarely bark unless there’s a good reason, and they tend not to be attention-seeking or demanding. They’re content with a soft bed, a calm environment, and occasional stretches across open land.
A Breed of Balance
The English Deerhound’s temperament is a beautiful balance of strength and softness, independence and loyalty, calmness and capability. Whether gracing the hillsides of old England or lying peacefully at your feet, their presence is never loud, but always deeply felt. Thanks to the Newmount Films documentary, which showcases not just the history and physical attributes of the breed but also these essential behavioural qualities, a new generation of dog lovers is discovering the quiet majesty of the English Deerhound. And, as the filmmakers will tell you, their unshakable calm and impeccable behaviour on set only reinforced what enthusiasts already know: these dogs are every bit as noble in spirit as they are in form
