Formerly known as the "Scottish Deerhound" this dog was used to hunt red deer in the highlands of Scottland. The general description of the Deerhound appearance is that of a Greyhound of larger size and bone, and of course the addition of wiry coat! The Chest should have good depth instead of width, but shouldn't be too narrow either. The reason for deeper chest is to provide more oxygen to the muscles, resulting in greater stamina and power. The Deerhound is equipped with sufficient size and strength suchgthat they can pull down a stag. They can be dressed in a variety of colors, more commonly observed in colors such as dark or light grey, dark blue/grey, brindle and yellow, sandy-rust or red or fawn, and it is ok to have a small amount of white.
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Temperament in the Deerhound
The Deerhound is a very large dog that needs a good deal of exercise to keep it healthy. However, it does not necessarily mean that large quartering is needed in which to live. Many reside in smaller homes, townhouses and condominiums and do very well. This is mostly due to the fact that, although they need good activity to stay fit, nevertheless, the Deerhound demeanor exhibits calmness around people - unless instigated to play, of course! The fully developed Deerhound spends large portions of the daylight hours sprawled across the floor, or a sofa, snoozing. They are gentle beasts, and generally quiet inside the house and are superb as the "gentle giant" for children.
Out of doors, with room to stretch, they are all but docile. They have a lengthy exteneded canter, and cover a large amount of ground in a relatively short period of time. A concentrated effort is needed while these dogs are off-leash, paying close attention to where they are allowed to run, as their prey instinct can cause them to bolt after quarry in any circumstance, including where heavy traffic may be present.
As a companion the Deerhound is tractable and easy to train and possesses a great deal of loyalty and devotion toward his owner.
Scottish Deerhound History and Origins
"The Royal Dog of Scotland" carried a variety of monikers, "Scotch Greyhound," "Rough Greyhound," "Irish Wolf Dog," "Highland Deerhound.", before settling on the simple name of "Deerhound". He appeared in a book of English Dogs as early as 1576.
He was first used to assist the Scottish Highlands hunter, who after wounding the red-deer, may have needed the assistance of these dogs to bring the deer down. Hunting of game with antlers is largely prohibited worldwide, but they are still being effectivey used on other game, such as wolf and rabbit, or any other animal in the wild that runs.
Scottish Deerhound Grooming requirments
The coat is harsh to the touch, but surprisingly very little grooming is required. The quintessential "Wash and Wear" dog.
Health Issues in the Scottish Deerhoundo
Life expectancy is about 12 years.
Scottish Deerhound Trivia
Sir Walter Scott, who owned Deerhound, which he described as "The most perfect creature of Heaven."
Formal Breed Standard for the Scottish Deerhound
The most important overview of a dog is to be examined in light of comments of the respective breed clubs. There is always only one corresponding breed club - for every breed of dog - which defines what standard should be published by the AKC - The AKC are record keepers only. However, the AKC is the only organization that is sanctioned by all breed clubs to store and collect data on those records. A similar pattern is followed in other parts of the world.
Scottish Deerhound Club of America
American Kennel Club-Scottish Deerhound
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