When discussing the revival of the English Deerhound, the name Dave Platts stands at the centre of the conversation. But to reduce his legacy to that of a breeder alone would be a dramatic understatement. Dave is a larger-than-life figure with deep roots in British tradition—his life woven from threads of heritage, working animals, and a fiercely independent spirit.
From his early days in Coalville, where his family—famously known as the Toons—were well-known horse dealers, to his global reputation today as a master dog man, Dave Platts’ story is a fascinating blend of grit, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to working animals.
A Heritage of Horsemen and Hustle
Dave was born into the Toons of Coalville, a storied family known for their long-standing tradition in horse dealing. With this background, Dave was steeped in the world of livestock, trade, and animal handling from the very start. That experience laid the foundation for his later success with dogs and game fowl.
He grew up around the rhythm of working animals—not as pets or showpieces, but as living tools with purpose, strength, and dignity. This hands-on upbringing taught him not only practical skills but a deeply ingrained respect for animal welfare and breeding ethics.
Breeding Game Fowl and Dogs From Youth
From a remarkably young age, Dave began breeding game fowl and running dogs, quickly developing an eye for conformation, drive, and stamina. He has produced some of the most respected coursing and hunting dogs in the UK, and his bloodlines are sought after around the world.
Dave has won countless awards for his running dogs over the years, not only for their performance in the field but for their structure, health, and temperament. He is widely regarded as someone who understands the true balance between function and form—a trait that’s become increasingly rare in modern breeding circles.
Film and Media Work
Dave’s charisma and authenticity have also made him a natural fit for film. He’s starred in several film productions, including the cult favourite “Chickens, Cobs and Running Dogs,” which delves into traditional rural lifestyles and a detailing show of his livestock. His straight-talking, no-nonsense presence on screen resonates deeply with audiences, offering a window into a world rarely portrayed in mainstream media.
Most recently, Dave became the central figure in the acclaimed Newmount Films documentary, “The Recreation of the English Deerhound,” which premiered at Cineworld NEC Birmingham in 2021 and holds an impressive 9.2/10 rating on IMDb. The film documents his mission to revive a long-lost British breed with historical accuracy, sound structure, and a noble temperament.
Working With Terrier Legend Ken Gold
Throughout his career, Dave has collaborated with some of the most respected names in the working dog world, including the legendary Ken Gold, a renowned terrier man. Their shared passion for purpose-bred, working dogs led to a strong partnership rooted in traditional fieldwork and ethical breeding.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, Dave Platts isn’t just a breeder—he’s a living link to Britain’s rural past, a standard-bearer for the preservation of working breeds, and a respected mentor across multiple animal communities. Whether it’s dogs, horses or game fowl, Dave brings integrity, depth of knowledge, and a fierce love for the old ways done right.
With support from breed coordinator Jackie Sykes, his work with the English Deerhound continues to reach global heights, influencing breeders and dog lovers from Australia to America. Yet at heart, Dave remains rooted in the same values he learned growing up in Coalville: work hard, stay true, and never forget the animal comes first.
Final Thoughts
In a world often driven by trends and shortcuts, David Platts represents something rare and real. His life’s work speaks not only to his talents as a breeder and mentor, but to the enduring value of heritage, hard work, and doing things the right way—no matter how long it takes.
