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Hound breeds: Scottish Deerhound
Origin
The origin of the Deerhound is unknown. At one time, he may have been the same as the ancient Irish Wolfdog. He is clearly identified and described in the 16th and 17th centuries. He is named for his specialized talent of hunting and killing deer. In the Middle Ages, he was alluded to as a charming hound with tremendous courage in the chase and gentle dignity in the home.
The Deerhound, also known as the "Royal Dog of Scotland," was so highly esteemed that he almost became extinct. So strong was the desire for exclusive ownership that at one time, only the highland chieftains owned them. By 1769, the breed physically and numerically ran very low. This is attributed to the collapse of the clan system in Scotland after Culloden in 1745. It was not until 1825 that the breed was successfully restored. The breed was badly decimated again after World War I, when the large estates of England and Scotland were broken up.
Although the Deerhound is shown in both England and America, he remains a relatively rare breed.
General description
Height: males, 30-32 inches or more; females, 28 inches or more.
Weight: 75-110 pounds
Color: The dark blue-gray color is preferred, but almost any color except white is allowed. A white chest or white on the toes is allowed.
Grooming requirements
The Deerhound needs to be brushed with a sisal brush, and then a metal comb. The ears and top of head should be stripped with a stripping knife to remove any unruly hairs. The elbows can be thinned with thinning shears. The eyebrows and beard can be lightly neatened. They require brushing weekly. Bathing this breed is akin to washing a car. It is a big job, and not for those who don't like getting wet. If you start your Deerhound off on a regular bathing schedule when he is young, the less problems you will have as he ages. You need to remember that a dog's body temperature is higher than yours, so if the water is cold to you, it's colder to him. Do not bathe your dog outside with the cold hose water. Especially with older Deerhound, this can exacerbate joint or hip problems and arthritis. If you do not have the means to bathe this dog at home, you will need to have him groomed at a grooming shop.
Health considerations
The Scottish Deerhound is prone to bloat. As with other very large, fast-growing breeds, the Deerhound can have bone problems while growing, such as panosteitis (juvenile growing pains); hypertrophic osteodystrophy, an abnormal inflammation of bones with pain while growing; and osteochondritis dessicans, inflammation of the cartilage of joints.
Breed characteristics and personality
The Deerhound can be lazy but needs his exercise. He needs to live in the home and does not do well living outdoors or in a kennel. He needs a fenced yard, as he will chase anything that runs.
The Deerhound is loyal, tranquil, affectionate, obedient, and has a tendency to timidity and laziness. Sir Walter Scott described him as "the most perfect creature of heaven." He is seldom raised as a kennel dog because of his need for human companionship. He is quiet and dignified, keen and alert. He is not aggressive.
The Deerhound is an ideal companion. He is tractable and easy to train and has the most dependable loyalty and utmost devotion to his master. He is gentle with children and has an insatiable desire for human companionship.
Uses
The Deerhound was bred to hunt deer. In the United States, the use of dogs in hunting antlered game is not allowed, so the Deerhound has made a success of hunting wolves, coyotes and rabbits.
Web links
AKC Scottish Deerhound page
The Scottish Deerhound Club of America
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