Hounds At The Tring

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204 – June, 2024

By Caroline Coile

The taxidermy dogs at the Natural Science Museum in Tring have several named hounds of interest that will be familiar to scholars of their breeds. As with other breeds, it’s fascinating to see in three dimensions how they have changed over the last century. While some differences may be due to the taxidermists skill, most noteworthy is the height difference between these dogs and most modern-day examples of their breeds. The dogs heights are included where available, in addition to current AKC standard heights, not because they are of utmost importance, but because they are a measurable factor.

• Afghan Hound – “Mooroo” Female. From Balkh, Afghanistan. Born in Afghanistan in 1903, Mooroo was owned by Major T. Mackenzie. She looks more like a Saluki than an Afghan Hound, with long feathers only on her ears, tail and feet. (Note that there is some dispute as to whether this is actually Mooroo). She stood 22.8 inches high at the shoulder. (Current AKC standard: Dogs, 27 inches, plus or minus one inch; bitches, 25 inches, plus or minus one inch.)

• Afghan Hound – “Shahzada” Male. 1890-1901. He was imported from Balkh, Afghanistan in 1891 and was owned by Mrs. J. A. Whitbread. He won several prizes, including a First at the Royal Aquarium Show. By modern standards he is scantily coated, with long hair extending only part way down his legs and little discernable topknot. He stood 24 inches at the withers.

Click here to read the complete article
204 – June, 2024

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