Mary Allen
Shoulder height: 71 – 78 cm
Weight: 35 – 45 kg
Age: 10 – 12 years
Colour: blue-grey, grey, sandy, yellow, red-brown, also brindle
Use: sports dog, companion dog, the family dog
The Deerhound is a Scottish sighthound breed of imposing size. With a bit of consistency, it is easy to train and, with plenty of opportunity to exercise, is an uncomplicated, adaptable and lovable family dog.
Origin and history
The Deerhound is a very old breed of dog that goes back to Celtic greyhounds. Their main task was to hunt deer, elk, and wild boar in the Scottish Highlands. Not only were they hunting companions, but they were also considered status symbols in the early Scottish clans. With the dismantling of the clan system and the advent of firearms, racial differences fell sharply in the 18th century. However, interest in Scottish Deerhounds remained. The British Deerhound Club was founded in 1886 and set the breed standard that is still valid today.
Appearance
The Deerhound is large to very large sighthound whose body conveys speed, strength, and endurance. With its rough, wiry coat, it is optimally adapted to the British highland climate. It is bred in the colors blue-grey, grey, sandy to yellow, and red-brown, also brindle. The hair is about 7-10 cm long, harsh and wiry, and softer to the touch only on the head, chest, and belly.
The eyes are dark brown or hazel, and the ears are small, set high, and folded back when at rest. The tail is long and hairy and almost reaches the ground when standing.
Nature
The Deerhound is a quiet and unobtrusive companion in the home. It is very affectionate, sensitive, and gentle and forms a close bond with its people. He is reserved towards strangers and relaxed towards strange dogs.
With loving consistency, the docile and intelligent Deerhound is also easy to train and is obedient and willing to subordinate in everyday life. Still, a Deerhound is essentially a racing machine and, like most sighthounds, has a fanatical drive to hunt. So that a Deerhound can develop its full mental and physical potential, you should also allow it to let off steam regularly. Cross-country races (coursings) are ideal for this, in which the great urge to move in open terrain can be lived out. Deerhounds also make good equestrian companions.
Because of its imposing size, a Deerhound needs plenty of living space. A spacious plot of land where he can let off steam with his kind is ideal. When used to capacity, the Deerhound is a friendly and uncomplicated companion. The robust rough hair is easy to care for.