A NEW TV series shines a light on man’s best friend — and why breeds are dying out in Scotland.
The BBC Alba show Cù Leis Thu? – A Puppy for Pàdruig will see Peter MacQueen — also known as The Highland Hutter — journey around Scotland to find the perfect pet.
And Peter, who lives with Hebridean Baker star Coinneach MacLeod, said it was emotional searching for a new companion following the death of their beloved Westie.
He said: “This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time. We lost our beloved Westie, Seòras, last Christmas at the ripe old age of 15, leaving us heartbroken.
“It’s been a tough goodbye but, as any dog lover knows, the best way to mend a broken heart is with a new furry friend. This adventure was a tonic for the soul and helped me think about welcoming a new pup into the family.”
The six-parter celebrates native dog breeds. In each episode, he meets a breed, dives into its history, and talks to the people protecting them. Peter discovered some, such as the Dandie Dinmont, Skye Terrier and Scottish Deerhound, are disappearing as people scramble to buy more fashionable furry friends, like doodles.
He said: “Sadly, many of our Scottish breeds are endangered, with their numbers dropping as trends shift towards new and fashionable breeds.
“Through this series, I hope to shine a light on these national treasures and share the stories of the people working tirelessly to preserve them.
“The history of dogs in Scotland is woven into our culture. You can see it in the ancient carvings on Pictish stones, which I visited at the National Museum of Scotland, and in the writings of Sir Walter Scott, who was a devoted dog lover.
“We also delve into the legend of Greyfriars Bobby — the faithful wee dog whose statue is a must-see in Edinburgh, though there’s still a mystery about whether Bobby was a Skye Terrier or a Dandie Dinmont.”
The show, which runs over the next few weeks, also sees Peter talk to dog-owners about the impact the pets have on their lives.
He says: “This might be a small country, but it’s got a big heart when it comes to dogs; especially our native breeds. From the hairy Hebridean Skye terriers to the majestic Scottish Deerhounds that look like small horses – the variety is astonishing, and I loved every minute spent getting to know them.
“Studies show dog owners tend to enjoy better physical and mental health, live longer and even recover more quickly from major health events.
“But, let’s be honest, the best reason to have a dog is simply because life is just sweeter with a furry friend. Their wagging tails come straight from the heart, and they have a magical way of making our hearts sing.”
And while Peter considers what breed is best for him, he also looks at the possibility of adopting a dog.
With shelters home to a growing number at this time of year, he wanted to highlight their work.
DYING OUT
DANDIE DINMONT TERRIER
Small with a long body, short legs and a distinctive topknot of hair. The breed is named after a character in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Guy Mannering. There were 102 Dandie Dinmonts born last year.
SKYE TERRIER
Long, low, hardy and one of our most endangered breeds. The dogs were originally from the Isle of Skye and one is said to have been present under the petticoat of Mary, Queen of Scots, at her execution. Only 36 Skye terriers were born in 2023.
SCOTTISH DEER-HOUND
Large dog once bred to hunt red deer by coursing. Looks similar to a greyhound but is larger and more heavily boned with a rough coat.
In 2023 there were 132 of the dogs born in the UK, less than half the number in 2017.
He said: “Animal shelters often see an increase in abandoned dogs after the festive season, when some owners realise they can’t keep up with the demands of their dog.
“I met a few rescue dogs on this journey and heard some harrowing stories, but thankfully there are teams throughout the country devoted to helping dogs in need.”
- Tune in to Cù Leis Thu? – A Puppy for Pàdruig which is on Tuesdays at 8.30pm on BBC Alba and on iPlayer.
