I first saw Deerhounds in 1972 while living in Colorado and acquired my first hound in that year; I have had them continuously ever since. My first litter was born in 1976, at which time I lived in New York state, and I have bred 18 litters to date. I moved to Michigan in 1981 and met my husband, Grant Winchell, at dog shows; we have been married since 1988. Grant, who had himself been involved in dogs for many years before we met, has wholeheartedly embraced his "new" breed and enjoys living with and showing our Deerhounds very much; I have always shown my own dogs, but now share this activity with Grant. Our emphasis is on conformation exhibition, but we also occasionally lure course our dogs.

The Lehigh Deerhounds are all house pets; we have no kennels. We enjoy each dog's individual personality, and consider temperament and personality type to be extremely important aspects of the total hound.

I feel the stewardship of a breed is a vitally important endeavor, requiring a great deal of ongoing study, contemplation and observation. There is always more to be learned. The Internet is providing today's breeders and fanciers with a marvelous tool with which to learn more about dogs in general, their breed in particular, canine health and husbandry, breeding concepts, etc. We are also able to easily share photos and information with one another via this wonderful medium. I trust this site will serve to acquaint the reader with the Lehigh dogs as individuals.

I owe a great debt of gratitude to Caroline Deal for the creation of this site. Her skill, creativity, enthusiasm, generosity and patience have resulted in this site, of which I am very proud. I hope it will be enjoyed by many.

top