The Medieval Scenthound. Sources and Iconography from its Origens to the Hunting Treatises of the 14th Century

Abstract

A scenthound is hunting dog used by Celtic tribes since Antiquity. Very few written or artistic references to hounds have been preserved in the High Middle Ages. From the 13^th century onwards encyclopaedias, hunting treatises and artistic images offer a clear portrait of the morphology and use of scenthounds. Late medieval art and illuminated manuscripts show that scenthounds were the dogs most valued by kings and noblemen for their hunting skills. Thus, these hounds played an extremely relevant role in the medieval art of the chase.