The Scottish Deerhound National Specialty (SCDA) was held at a lovely, long established resort situated on Lake Champlain in Vergennes, Vermont. The Basin Harbor Club is a terrific location for a Parent Club Specialty Show, and this club takes advantage of every opportunity this locale affords. The patina of the huge resort property is reminiscent of the Catskill's in their heyday era. You are transported back in time with the Basin Harbor Club bungalows and cottages nestled throughout the resort property, with some on or near Lake Champlain. The accommodations are very comfortable, and there is a surplus of grassy lawns, lanes, and paths among hundreds of acres of land to stroll with your dogs. Dinner functions are held on site in the main lodge as well as daily, complimentary breakfasts. If one so desires, there is a separate restaurant serving lunch and dinner as well. For those spouses who like to change things up, there is an 18-hole championship golf course to enjoy. All right at your fingertips and all quite marvelous.

The show ring site itself is superb with polo grounds-like turf surrounded by two enormous sided tents. A section of one tent is reserved for a ringside luncheon that is offered on all three days of judging. Arranged in this area are clothed dinner tables, and guests are provided with dinner plates, cloth napkins, silverware, and glass salt & pepper shakers. Absent were Chinet heavy-weight paper plates, paper napkins or traveling packets of salt & pepper as there is an easily perceived air of graciousness and etiquette at this function. The Lure coursing performance events were held adjacent to the show grounds, after the conclusion of Best of Breed, on a fabulous grassy area called the airstrip. It could not have been more convenient for both the lure spectators and its entrants.

I must also mention that the spectators and exhibitors were friendly and welcoming to outsiders. Moreover, among the Deerhound fanciers, I perceived a cheerful camaraderie and benevolence but also a conscious respect for one another that was wholly refreshing to see, especially for we fanciers from other breeds. There also was a large contingency of friendly foreigners at the show who appeared as if they were having a perfectly lovely time. Personally, I enjoy seeing our fellow, global brethren because our interests are all very much interconnected. What happens to our breed here will happen across the pond and visa versa.

As for continued learning, there were two seminars held that appeared quite interesting and refreshing, not only for their subjects but also because of the apparent effort this organization advances to educate its members. Unlike other Specialty Clubs who sponsor inane grooming and handling seminars, this club is unquestionably earnest in their purpose. Both Seminars were presented by Dr. R. Scott Dove, DVM. On the Wednesday, from 2:00 – 4:30 pm, there was an "In Depth Breeders Seminar and Wet Lab."

This hands-on practicum allows participants to use cadaver puppies while learning how to stomach tube feed, draw blood, give injections, as well as other potential lifesaving techniques. Participants will also learn how to collect semen and inseminate this semen. There is a limit of 10 participants due to the nature of this seminar.

The cost for the Wetlab was $50.00 per person limited to 10 participants with the proceeds donated to a particular Health Fund. On Thursday, there was a "Health & Wellness Seminar" presented in the evening after dinner.

This seminar covers the Scottish Deerhound throughout his lifespan, from puppy to veteran. Age-related issues, gender specific issues and breed specific issues will be covered. Other topics covered will include proactive and preventative measures to maximize the health of your dogs, as well as current viruses and concerns will be discussed. This is an interactive seminar, and discussion will be encouraged.

Both Best of Breed and the highly regarded and much-anticipated Veteran class judging were and customarily are honored on each separate day with heartwarming Parades bringing tears to one's eyes as the competitors are led in by Scottish Bagpipes in full dress. On the second day of judging, twenty of twenty-three Veteran entries marched into the ring with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years, and was a wonderful sight to behold! The third and final day of judging opened with 35 Champions parading behind the harmonic, emotional sounds of the bagpipes as the show judge and club officials led the way.  

I must say that I saw some beautiful specimens of the breed, and I was impressed with so many possessing overall balance and symmetry with the greyhound-like contours and length of limb very critical for our galloping sighthound. I saw mostly long frames and classic, long heads with tapering aquiline muzzles. Additionally, there were many entries with a light, springy gait. I did see occasional instances of very concerning flat-backed toplines, short backs, and an absence of the much-desired nape or crest so characteristic of this breed.

Still, it fills my heart with gladness that the Scottish Deerhound Parent Club and its devoted fanciers continue to embrace, honor and celebrate this magnificent breed. They have refused to relinquish their breed's illustrious origins both in spirit and phenotype and, I for one, am confident that their ancestors would be proud.