Mary Allen
A Deerhound is a sight hunter. Even if overtime it was no longer necessary for hunting due to the use of firearms – this greyhound has never lost its popularity. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the Deerhound dog breed in the profile.
“Deer” means stag in English, which goes back to the original use of this breed: the Deerhound or Scottish staghound was used by the Scottish clans for deer hunting. The breed, which is more than 1,000 years old, was once very popular, but almost became extinct in the 18th century. During this time, the English triumphed over the Scots, which almost meant the end of the breed, which was then rebuilt, so that the British Deerhound Club was founded in 1886. This set the breed standard. The Deerhound goes back to the large Celtic sighthounds.
General Appearance
The Deerhound looks like a rough-coated Greyhound that is slightly larger and more powerful. The skull is flat rather than arched, and the physique gives the impression of speed and elegance. The moderately round eyes should be brown and have a gentle expression. The ears should be set high and folded back when at rest, as small as possible and without long hair. The long tail reaches almost to the ground. The shaggy, shaggy hair should lie close-lying and are colored dark blue-gray, gray, or brindle, and yellow, reddish-sand, or reddish-brown.
Behavior and temperament
He looks gentle and in a way very majestic – and that’s how the nature of the Deerhound can be described. Rough shell (if you look at the fur), softcore, could be an apt description for the somewhat “sensitive” one. A Deerhound is relatively easy to handle and can be trained well. He can be quite reserved, but also very cuddly when he feels like it. He is never aggressive, suspicious or unpredictable, but always maintains his innate friendliness.
Need for employment and physical activity
A Deerhound is a sighthound bred to hunt deer – this should always be kept in mind when it comes to using this breed in a species-appropriate manner. As a greyhound, he wants one thing above all: to run! Extensive walks, where a higher speed is sometimes possible (running on a bike is very suitable for this) are a must, and hobby racing clubs are also great, where the Deerhound can really let off steam on the racetrack. He is an ideal sports dog, for example when coursing.
Upbringing
A Deerhound is easy to lead, wants to please, and therefore obeys well if properly trained. Properly trained means in this case to act with a lot of love, because with this sensitive breed hardness is out of place and not even necessary – because a Deerhound obeys willingly and voluntarily if you train it consistently and lovingly from the beginning.
Maintenance
The rough fur is relatively insensitive and does not require much care. But even if it is shaggy by nature: the Deerhound should still be brushed regularly.
Did you know?
A Deerhound is a sight hunter. Even if overtime it was no longer necessary for hunting due to the use of firearms – this greyhound has never lost its popularity.