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HOUGHTON SIRES
Houghton Imperial Sires
Elaphurus davidianus
About Père David Sires
Once lost to the wild, the Père David Deer stands as a living symbol of preservation and renewal.
Resident at Houghton for the last 40 years, Houghton’s sires descend from some of Europe’s most important bloodlines, combining gentle temperament with rare genetic heritage. Broad-chested and expressive, they bring distinction and conservation value to any estate herd, continuing a lineage that began centuries ago in the imperial parks of China.
The species gets its name from Père Armand David (1826–1900), who was a French missionary and naturalist working in China during the 19th century. He is credited with first bringing the deer to the attention of Western science; this indirectly led to its preservation and they are named "Père David Deer" in his honour.
They offer an interesting and quirky addition to a larger park.
Houghton Imperial
Origin: Native to China. Extinct in the wild.
UK Status: Captive and park herds only.
Key Traits:
Size: Large; stags 180–250 kg.
Coat: Reddish-brown in summer, dull grey in winter. Long tail (unique among deer).
Antlers: Distinctive — the main beams sweep backwards, with tines pointing in opposite directions.
Behaviour: Docile and social; prefers wet, low-lying ground.
Call: Bellow-like groans during rut.
Benefits/Uses: Historically significant species in conservation breeding. Attractive and unusual for park settings; less suited to commercial venison.
