There are various tales of fairy dogs or Cu Sith across Scotland with a well known story/stories being the Green Fairy Dogs of Kingussie in the Cairngorms.  The last one being spotted near Ruthven Castle (the site of the remains of Ruthven Barracks) near the modern town and these fairy dogs are now presumed to be extinct.
 
Tales of Cu Sith vary but most tell how 3 barks from one are an omen of death and mention their green fur. Some say they have either braided tales or a curled tail with fiery eyes and crimson ears. They are said to be terrifying in sight and sound but some of the tales have them being helpful in return for kindness given to them. We’ve used the form and colour of the deerhound as a base for these fairy dogs but with added green hairs, red eyes and red fur to the ears and tail fur shaped as being braided.
 
Scottish Deerhounds are large grey dogs with wiry hair once used to hunt deer and are a very old Scottish dog breed. There are stories of how they descend from an even larger, more ancient breed and depicted on The Hill of Cadboll Pictish stone (Christian Stone, 300-900AD) but this could be legend with no definite link between Pictish dogs and the modern breed. There are also tales Deerhounds are Celtic Scots in origin and linked to the predecessor of the Irish Wolfhound. Some call them the royal dog of Scotland due to being owned by the nobility for sporting (deer hunting) purposes.  Deerhounds fell out of favour as newer methods for deer stalking took over and land divided into smaller sporting estates. 
I think these Deerhound figures are a good addition to the range alongside the green Cu Sith. The more I read about Deerhound origins the more I think it plausible they could be linked to the fairy dogs…
 
Price is for one figure only, please choose between the green Fairy dog and the Deerhound versions in the pop down menu when ordering.
 
These figures measure approximately 14cm in length, 12cm tall and 2.8cm wide.  All our figures are cut out and then shaped by hand carving and painting making each one a little unique in shape and look and so will differ from the photographs shown. Minor manufacturing marks, carving misshaping and paint errors are not seen as flaws but as enhancing the individual nature of each piece, please bear in mind you are purchasing a handmade product.
 
Items can be cleaned using a slightly damp lint free cloth and would benefit from future occasional (like all wooden product) refinishing with a clear wax or other child safe EN71-3 certified finish to extend its protection. 
 
Our products have been tested and made to be UKCA conformant as suitable for children aged 3 years and over that are no longer mouthing their toys due to the risk of small parts forming if the product breaks and our base wood hasn’t been tested for heavy metals.  All stains, paints and sealers used are EN71-3 certified as child safe.
 
Warning: small parts choking hazard not suitable for those under 36months!