GIVE OUR DOGS A GOOD NAME

I found your article ‘Going to the Dogs’ [June 2017] of interest and concern. Frankly, in the US we are unaware of the shrinking population of indigenous dog breeds in Scotland. My wife and I have two Scottish terriers (Hamish and Duncan) and our daughter also has two Scotties (Bonnie and Brodie). We also support the North Texas Scottie Rescue group that rescues Scotties from unscrupulous breeders, dog pounds and people who can no longer care for their Scottie.

Many of the Scottish festivals in the US feature Scottish dogs, and include the Shetland sheepdog as well as the beautiful Gordon setter. From my point of view, it is clear that Scotland needs to take action to increase the popularity of Scottish breeds. Having an annual walk down High Street and including a ‘dog show’ in your Highland Games would be a start. Perhaps some of the whisky distillers or tartan weavers would be willing to be sponsors. I recall a whisky blend named ‘Black & White’ by Buchanan’s that featured a black Scottie and a West Highland terrier on their label and on assorted bar pieces such as water pitchers and ash trays. Perhaps there is another distillery that features a Scottish dog on their label?

I agree with the author that Scotland needs to actively promote Scottish dog breeds. It is part of Scotland’s heritage. It will take the cooperation of several groups to make this happen. David Leslie White, Fort Worth, Texas, USA