The revival of the English Deerhound is a story that stretches far beyond British shores. What began as a passionate effort by breeder Dave Platts to bring back one of Britain’s noblest lost breeds has blossomed into a global community of owners, breeders, and admirers—each with their own stories to tell.

Thanks to Newmount Films, many of these voices are finally being heard. In their documentary “The Recreation of the English Deerhound,” the filmmakers conducted intimate interviews with English Deerhound owners across the UK, offering a rich and heartfelt portrait of what it truly means to live with this extraordinary breed.

A Global Family of Dog Lovers

Today, English Deerhounds are found in homes and kennels across Europe, North America, Australia, and more. These aren’t show dogs or status symbols—they are working companions, family members, and gentle giants woven into the daily lives of the people who care for them.

From countryside estates to suburban gardens, English Deerhound owners share a deep respect for the breed’s calm temperament, athletic grace, and loyal companionship. While each household is unique, a common theme shines through: these dogs change lives.

Voices from the UK: Margaret Hague & Dave Sleight

In the UK, Newmount Films sat down with several long-standing English Deerhound owners whose knowledge and affection for the breed run deep. Among them were Margaret Hague and Dave Sleight, two passionate keepers of the breed who offered valuable insight into life with Deerhounds.

Margaret spoke eloquently about the breed’s emotional intelligence & winning abilities. “They don’t shout for attention,” she said, “but they’re always there beside you—quiet, watching, understanding. This is a stark contrast to when they compete, they are a breed of champions, constantly winning acelades.”

Dave Sleight, a working dog enthusiast, emphasised the breed’s practicality as well as its nobility. “They’ve got presence, speed, and a mind of their own. But they’ll follow you anywhere if they know you’re worth following.”

Their stories, and others like them, bring depth to the breed’s growing legacy—not just in the fields or on pedigree charts, but in real homes, in real lives.

Capturing Connection on Film

The interviews filmed by Newmount Films go far beyond surface-level testimonials. Each segment captures the emotional connection between dog and owner—the kind of bond that doesn’t come overnight, but through time, trust, and shared experience.

Filmed in natural home environments, fields, and familiar surroundings, the interviews paint an authentic picture of how English Deerhounds live and interact in everyday life. From peaceful naps on the hearth to bursts of speed across open countryside, the film captures what words alone cannot.

Why These Stories Matter

While breed standards and lineage matter, it’s the lived experience that defines the soul of a dog breed. By interviewing owners across the UK and the world, Newmount Films has helped document the cultural and emotional reality of the English Deerhound—a breed that is as much about presence and partnership as it is about heritage.

Watch the Film

The full range of interviews and stories can be seen in “The Recreation of the English Deerhound,” produced by Newmount Films. With a remarkable IMDb rating of 9.2/10, it has been praised not just as a dog documentary, but as a heartfelt record of what it means to share your life with a breed that’s as noble in spirit as it is in stature.

The film is available now at www.nmfilms.co.uk.

Final Thoughts

The English Deerhound is no longer just a piece of forgotten history—it’s a living legacy, kept alive by passionate owners across the globe. Through the lens of Newmount Films, and the voices of people like David Hancock and Dave Sleight, we are invited into that legacy and reminded that some of the most enduring bonds are built quietly—on four legs, with grace, loyalty, and love.