For enthusiasts of classic literature and canine lore, the phrase “The Hound Of The Baskervilles Dog” immediately conjures images of Dartmoor’s eerie moors and a terrifying, supernatural creature. As the editor for “Dog Care Story” and a passionate SEO expert, my goal is to create high-quality content that captivates dog lovers and ranks prominently on search engines. This article details the fascinating journey of bringing the iconic hound of the Baskervilles dog to life for promotional materials for a dedicated tour, ensuring its legendary menace was perfectly captured.
One of my most cherished endeavors has been delivering the Hound of the Baskervilles Tour, an immersive experience that transports guests to the very locations that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterpiece. From tranquil villages to isolated bogs and ancient Bronze Age settlements, the tour uncovers the intriguing true story behind the fictional tale. I aimed for this tour to be a flagship offering, recognizing the enduring global popularity of Sherlock Holmes and, crucially, the titular hound of the Baskervilles dog. While Holmes often dominates his narratives, it is the fearsome canine that truly defines this particular story in the public imagination, making its visual representation paramount for effective publicity.
The Quest for the Mythical Hound’s Image
Understanding the powerful visual impact of the story’s central antagonist, my primary mission became securing a suitably menacing photograph of the hound of the Baskervilles dog. During the early stages of structuring the tour, I had captured various evocative images of Dartmoor’s landscapes, which proved useful for website and promotional content. However, I felt a strong need for something more, an image that would instantly encapsulate the story’s chilling essence. Unlike other Sherlock Holmes adventures where the detective is the most memorable character, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” is indelibly linked to its spectral canine.
An early attempt involved a chance encounter at Fox Tor Mire, a location visited by Conan Doyle in 1901 and the clear inspiration for the deadly Grimpen Mire. I met a local man with his Lurcher, Alfie, and seized the opportunity for a photoshoot. While Alfie was a beautiful and cooperative dog, it quickly became apparent that he lacked the formidable presence required to convincingly portray the legendary Baskervilles Hound. This initial setback reinforced the need for careful consideration of breed and appearance to truly do justice to the literary icon.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and a first edition of The Hound of the Baskervilles
Researching the Archetypal Baskervilles Hound
Returning to the drawing board, I embarked on a deeper research phase to determine which dog breed would best embody the archetypal hound of the Baskervilles dog. My investigation began with Sidney Paget’s original illustrations for the story, commissioned by Conan Doyle himself. These powerful depictions strongly suggested that the fictional beast was most likely based on a Great Dane, a breed renowned for its powerful physique, imposing stature, and large, commanding head. The visual cues from these classic illustrations were invaluable in guiding my selection process.
Further validation came from my favorite screen adaptation, the 1939 film starring Basil Rathbone. In this iconic version, the role of the Hound was famously played by a Great Dane initially named ‘Blitzen.’ Interestingly, due to concerns about the name’s Germanic connotations just before World War II, Fox Studios rebranded the dog as ‘Chief’ for all promotional materials. This confirmed the Great Dane’s historical association with the role, solidifying my conviction that this majestic breed was the correct choice for representing the fearsome literary creature.
Sidney Paget's iconic illustration of the fearsome Hound from the first edition
The Great Dane Photoshoot on Dartmoor
With the breed identified, the next step was to find suitable Great Danes for a photoshoot. I posted a slightly unconventional request on a Great Dane Owners Forum, seeking owners willing to meet on Dartmoor. To my surprise and delight, within days, I had four magnificent dogs lined up! I enlisted the support of friends from the Newton Abbot Photographic Club, ensuring we had ample photographic expertise to capture the essence of the hound of the Baskervilles dog. On a beautiful March day, four Great Danes, three owners, and four photographers converged at Fox Tor Mire, ready for the shoot to begin.
The dogs were, in a word, fabulous. Despite the need to keep them on leads due to lambing season, we managed to capture some truly striking images. Among them, Luther, a stunning “Blue” Great Dane, stood out as the ideal Baskervilles Hound. His immense size, powerful head shape, and characterful jowls perfectly embodied the intimidating yet majestic qualities required. Luther’s playful personality also shone through, making the photoshoot an enjoyable and productive experience for everyone involved.
A beautiful blue Great Dane, Luther, posing perfectly as the Hound
After capturing numerous photos of Luther and the other dogs, the challenging task of transforming these beautiful canines into terrifying, monstrous hell hounds began. Through careful post-processing, we aimed to imbue the images with the chilling atmosphere of the book, making them suitable for the website and other marketing collateral. The before-and-after transformations were remarkably effective, successfully conveying the legendary horror associated with the hound of the Baskervilles dog.
Luther, a magnificent Great Dane, transformed into the iconic Hell Hound
This entire day was a joyous blend of literary homage and canine appreciation, working with wonderful dogs and their generous owners. The resulting images, featuring Luther as the perfect hound of the Baskervilles dog, have been instrumental on the Unique Devon Tours website and various marketing materials. It was a testament to the power of careful planning, research, and a touch of creative magic to bring one of literature’s most iconic creatures to life.
Luther standing majestically, captured in an image for The Hound of the Baskervilles Tour
The next challenge, as always, is finding an equally authentic Sherlock Holmes to complete the promotional material. However, the success of capturing the spirit of the iconic hound remains a highlight. For those fascinated by the blend of history, literature, and the majestic dogs that inspire such tales, our Hound of the Baskervilles Tour offers an unforgettable journey. To learn more about this captivating experience and explore the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor, visit our tour page at www.uniquedevontours.com/things-to-do-in-devon/hound-baskervilles-tour.
