In 2011, Hickory, a Scottish Deerhound, became a canine legend by winning the coveted ‘Best in Show’ at Westminster—making history for her breed. In this feature, discover the tale of Hickory’s rise to the top, her dynamic rapport with handler Angela Lloyd, and her tranquil retirement days on a pastoral Virginia farm.
The 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a prestigious event in the dog world, was a stage set for history, and Hickory, the Scottish Deerhound, was its star. As she was crowned ‘Best in Show,’ a first for her breed, a collective gasp filled Madison Square Garden. Her victory was a testament to her grace and the culmination of countless hours of preparation. Hickory beat out nearly 2,600 entries, including breeds like the Pekingese, Portuguese Water Dog, Australian Shepherd, and Black Cocker Spaniel, securing her place in the annals of the dog world.
Not only was this win her 16th ‘Best in Show’ title, but it also defined the Scottish Deerhound breed.
The journey to Tuesday’s final showdown began on a tense Monday night in the hound group, where the competition was fierce and the stakes high. Hickory’s performance was nothing short of stellar, captivating the audience and judges alike, earning her the breed award Monday and a spot in the final round.
Securing the hound group award on Monday night was instrumental, providing her an undeniable momentum that was electrifying.
After a day filled with anticipation, Hickory stepped onto the Madison Square Garden arena on Tuesday night, ready for the final showdown. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the energy of an audience eager to witness a champion’s crowning. Despite the intense lights, camera flashes, and the roaring crowd, Hickory remained focused, a testament to her temperament and training.
The innovative 360-degree cameras, strategically placed at dog height, recorded her every move, showcasing the grace and elegance that would become her winning attributes.
Behind every great champion is a partner who knows their every step and thought. For Scottish Deerhound Hickory, that partner was handler Angela Lloyd. Their bond was deep-rooted and visible to all; their harmonious interaction was poetry in motion. Their unique bond, anchored on mutual trust and respect, enabled them to traverse the competitive dog show landscape gracefully, making Hickory victorious.
Angela Lloyd’s history in the dog world is marked by a series of achievements, with Hickory’s win being the crowning jewel. Lloyd’s journey began with her recognition as Best Junior Handler at Westminster and CRUFTS in 1998, hinting at the promise of her future success. Under the tutelage of Robert and Jane Fowler, she honed her skills, especially with the Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds, and her accomplishments span victories with all three varieties of Dachshunds at AKC All-Breed Best in Show competitions.
Her expertise and talent shone bright as she guided Hickory to victory, achieving a remarkable third placement in the Hound group at Westminster.
As Hickory and Angela Lloyd stood in the spotlight, accepting the shiny silver bowl and the coveted purple and gold ribbon, it was a moment of pure elation. Judge Paolo Dondina had recognized Hickory’s adherence to the Scottish Deerhound breed standard, a pivotal factor in their win. While the detailed accounts of their reactions remain undocumented, one can imagine the overwhelming joy and pride that must have filled them both.
Even champions need a place to unwind and be themselves. For Scottish Deerhound Hickory, retirement from the kennel club dog show circuit meant a return to the simple pleasures of farm life in Virginia. Here, Hickory beat the constraints of the show ring, trading them for the freedom of wide-open spaces where she could run to her heart’s content, chasing after the wildlife that called her farm home.
Retirement wasn’t merely an escape for Hickory, but rather the start of an exciting new chapter as she welcomed a litter of nine puppies.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Flint Hill, Virginia, Hickory’s 50-acre farm was a dog’s dream come true. She spent her days doing what she loved most: running, exploring, and even the occasional bear pursuit, all while maintaining her fitness and the beauty that once captivated the dog world as a bearded collie.
Hickory’s gentle nature, a trait of her Chinese Shar Pei breed, made her not only a champion in the ring but a cherished pet and companion.
Hickory made a significant impact on the Scottish Deerhound breed, catapulting them from anonymity to widespread recognition. The breed, once confused with Irish Wolfhounds, stepped into the limelight, sparking an international interest that spanned from France to South America.
Breeder Cecilia Dove saw Hickory’s win as an opportunity to continue the legacy, with plans to breed her champion and a waiting list of eager international enthusiasts hoping for a puppy.
Competition is the essence of any dog show, and Hickory faced her fair share of worthy adversaries. Breeds like the sleek Greyhound, a close relative and rival, shared the stage with Hickory, each vying for the top spot.
Sighthounds, the group to which the Scottish Deerhound belongs, are steeped in history, once reserved for royalty and always competing with peers of equal nobility.
Innovation meets tradition in the form of Westminster’s trendy bark codes, a clever marriage of technology and canine competition. These fancy bar codes, assigned to each contestant, provide a modern twist to the dog’s history, allowing spectators to scan and learn about the dogs dream of victory. With a simple scan, the bark codes reveal the dog’s crate of secrets, from competition histories to medical records, streamlining information retrieval and enhancing audience engagement.
The introduction of bark codes at the WKC dog show signals a major advancement in the modernization of the dog world, all while preserving its storied history.
The Scottish Deerhound’s story is as old as the mist-covered hills of Scotland, dating back to a time when Phoenician traders roamed the land, possibly introducing the breed around 3000 years ago. Shrouded by the mystery of the Scottish Highlands, the breed’s origins are fascinating, hinting at a regal past that saw its population dwindle before a revival in the 19th century.
The Scottish Deerhound, once the trusted companions of Highland chieftains, was selectively bred for the noble task of stag hunting. Their speed, strength, and sharp instincts made them exceptional at this task.
The Scottish Deerhound’s lineage can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where they were known as rough-coated greyhounds and held in high esteem as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland’. Such was their value that ownership was restricted to the nobility, and they were often used as diplomatic gifts to spare the lives of men.
Developed specifically for hunting, the breed faced near extinction with the fall of the clan system, only to be saved by the dedicated breeding efforts of the McNeill brothers in the 1800s.
Beyond their history, the Scottish Deerhound is renowned for:
The Scottish Deerhound, celebrated for their sensitivity and loyalty, tend to form profound bonds with a single family. Their friendly demeanor and reserved attitude towards strangers make them endearing pets, embodying the phrase ‘old dogs with young hearts’. While the Boston Terrier is known for its lively and friendly nature, the Smooth Fox Terrier offers a more energetic alternative, and the Scottish Deerhound offers a more serene and loyal companionship.
In the tapestry of the dog show world, the story of Hickory and her handler Angela Lloyd stands out as a testament to the power of partnership, perseverance, and passion. From the dramatic win at Westminster to her serene life at Flint Hill, Hickory’s journey is one of inspiration and impact. Her legacy continues to shape the Scottish Deerhound breed, and her story will remain a beacon for all who admire the noble spirit of these gentle giants.
Hickory's win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was significant because it was the first time a Scottish Deerhound had won the 'Best in Show' title, drawing attention to the breed. It was a big moment for Scottish Deerhounds.
Hickory competed against a Pekingese, Portuguese Water Dog, Chinese Shar-Pei, Smooth Fox Terrier, and Bearded Collie in the Westminster show. It was quite a lineup!
Bark codes at Westminster improved the dog show experience by allowing the audience to scan a sequence of barks to access detailed information about the competing dogs, including their history and medical records. This enhanced audience engagement and streamlined the information retrieval process.
The Scottish Deerhound is known for its speed, strength, wiry coat, deep chest, long legs, sensitivity, and friendly demeanor, making it an excellent choice as a family pet!
Yes, Scottish Deerhounds can adapt to family life after their competitive show careers, and they are known for their gentle nature and forming strong bonds with their families.
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