Deerhound dog. Deerhound (Scottish Deerhound, Scottish Deerhound) Purpose and character of the Deerhound
The Deerhound breed is a large Scottish breed that became widespread in the early 19th century. Amazing, unusual and rare. This big dog, despite its elegance, is known for its ability to take on a deer on its own. The Scottish Staghound is designed to assist in unarmed hunting.
Deerhound dog is different friendly attitude towards people, flexible, obedient and easy to train. Balance is considered an advantage of the breed. The dog is not characterized by attacks of anger, aggression or distrust. In any situation, the Deerhound behaves calmly and confidently.
History of the Deerhound breed
There is no consensus that could become indisputable evidence of the formation and origin of this breed: Some researchers believe that it was the Deerhounds that became the descendants of the hunting dogs of the ancient Picts. To prove their theory, they cite hunting scenes depicted on pottery from the 6th century, where dogs similar to deerhounds are depicted next to the hunters. According to defenders of another theory, it is a descendant of the Irish wolfhound, which over time acquired a type best suited for hunting deer.
In any case, deerhounds were the favorite of the Scottish nobility, who were fond of hunting. Each clan had its own greyhounds, with which the mountaineers hunted. The decrease in the number of deer in Scottish forests has led to the fact that the dog is practically out of work. And the English greyhound has practically replaced its Scottish “colleague”, as it runs faster. Scottish greyhounds are not even used in greyhound racing, as they are inferior to the greyhound and the Australian greyhound. New story Deerhounds date back to 1825, when lovers of this breed Archibald and Duncan McNeil began saving this primordial Scottish breed. Representatives of this breed came to America, where they were used in hunting coyotes, since deer hunting is strictly prohibited in the United States.
And the advent of firearms, and their use in hunting, played a role. Hunting with a greyhound began to lose its popularity: a bullet does the dog’s work, and even more efficiently. Now this type of hunting is a hobby for rare enthusiasts.
DESCRIPTION
The Reindeer Hound is similar to the Greyhound, only larger and with a coarser coat. Males at the withers reach 75–80 cm and weigh 40–50 kg, females 70 cm and weigh 35–43. The most common color is gray or sand, with a black mask on the face. But there are many colors, including those with white markings on the chest and paws. The coat is coarse and hard, 7-10 cm long on the body and neck. On the chest, head and belly the fur is softer and shorter. The tail is straight or curved, covered with hair, almost touching the ground.
Deerhounds have long, flat heads with high-set ears. The ears are small, dark in color, hanging, soft. Eye color ranges from dark brown to light brown with black outlines. Scissor bite.
Characteristics of the Deerhound
Height: females – from 70 cm, males – from 75 cm. Weight: females – from 35 kg, males – from 46 kg. Average duration life - 12 years.
This is a long-legged, muscular dog with a deep chest. It has a flat, elongated head of medium size with high-set, hanging ears of small size. Scissor bite. The eyes are brown in various shades. The end of the nose is black or blue. Long, slightly curved tail.
The wool is hard, 7-11 cm long.
Acceptable colors:
- gray-blue;
- gray, various shades;
- brindle;
- pale yellow;
- sand.
Deerhound character
Deerhounds are calm, balanced dogs. They are distinguished by high intelligence and devotion. Well suited for families with children who are loved and treated with care. They prefer to constantly be with their family.
Deerhounds do not make good watchdogs due to their friendliness.
Calmly perceive large dogs, but small pets may be treated as potential prey.
For all their friendliness, deerhounds are distinguished by their wayward character and require competent training and discipline.
Deerhounds are not suitable for apartment living as they require a lot of space to move around. They need serious physical activity. Ideal for long runs or cyclists.
Scottish greyhounds are not used to apartment conditions; they are more comfortable in open space. Better conditions content - the ability to move freely around the yard. The Deerhound needs physical exercise, the opportunity to run, and exercise its hunting instincts. This dog will be happy to engage in horse riding, coursing, and running with its owner.
The Scots do not handle heat very well, do not like water, and are poor swimmers. Therefore, it is not recommended to bathe them unnecessarily. Coarse coat requires brushing several times a week. As a rule, no other special care procedures are required. Keep your rare pet's eyes, ears and teeth clean, give him good nutrition, show him love - and the deerhound will become your most faithful assistant and friend. 
Care
Dogs of this breed have a hard time adapting to apartment life. Dogs are more comfortable in nature, where they can run around to their heart's content. Do not like hot weather. Proper care Caring for a Deerhound is no different from basic care for dogs of other breeds.
- The dog's coat requires regular weekly brushing, and trimming is required around the ears and muzzle.
- It is recommended to periodically brush your teeth, eyes, ears, trim your nails.
- The key to a healthy dog is quality food. physical activity, availability of space, communication with other dogs and the owner.
It is better to get greyhounds in own home. If your dog walks outside a lot, it is important to ensure there is a shaded area. The Deerhound has a negative attitude towards heat. When choosing a dog in an apartment, keep in mind that you will need to provide the dog with daily exercise in the fresh air.
Deerhound puppies are active, prefer to spend most of their time on the move, and love to frolic in nature. However, with age, Deerhound dogs sometimes become lazy; it is important not to forget to take them for a run and let them run without a leash. You should carefully choose a place for such walks: an area surrounded by a fence or a field away from the road.
Feeding
The Deerhound is not picky about food. If the diet is balanced, the dog will not get sick. It is advisable to frequently include raw meat in your diet. He will eat porridge from cereals and meat perfectly. It is advisable to feed the dog twice a day - morning and evening. The breed shows enormous size, eats little, and overfeeding is not recommended. Always leave fresh water available.
The Deerhound will not be offended by its owner when fed once a day. This is normal for adults. The main thing is that the diet is well balanced. The pet must receive the required amount minerals and vitamins.
According to veterinarians, ready-made food is considered fully balanced and is purchased in specialized stores or supermarkets. This food has the necessary nutritional properties and provides complete nutrition. 
If you become the owner of a small pet, find out what to feed Deerhound puppies. The approximate diet of a puppy up to two months old includes:
- 200-250 g of beef, including 50 g of raw minced meat;
- 200-250 g of cereal (preferably millet, wheat groats or oatmeal);
- 80-100 g of vegetables (preferably carrots and cabbage);
- 25-40 g of greens (dill, parsley, lettuce, nettle);
- 500-800 g of milk or kefir;
- 4 grams of salt;
- 1-2 grams of calcium gluconate.
To diversify the diet, it is permissible to periodically replace meat with eggs or cottage cheese at the rate of 100 g of meat = 1 egg or 300 g of cottage cheese. It’s good if chicken meat is present in the diet of a small puppy, just avoid tubular bones, ingestion is fraught with serious difficulties with the intestines. It is better to replace bones with cartilage; products are easier to digest by the stomach.
Give it to your puppy instead of meat a couple of times a week boiled fish, having previously removed the sharp fins. The basis of a small pet's diet will be porridge. Their presence in the diet will guarantee that a grown dog undergoes proper metabolic processes. A dog accustomed to porridge from childhood is unpretentious to food in adulthood. Vegetables and herbs are added to the cooked porridge. If your puppy eats boiled vegetables better, that’s okay.
Milk in a puppy’s diet is considered a separate dish, in pure form or in the form of milk soups.
Deerhound puppies under the age of one year need vitamins A and D; in the spring, provide children's multivitamins, such as Revit or Oligovit. 
Exterior standards:
- general form– a large animal, height up to 73 cm, weight up to 45 kg, elongated body, has developed muscles, miniature head, long and slender legs, hard and long hair;
- head– flat skull, elongated muzzle, softer fur than on other parts of the body, strong jaws, the muzzle gradually tapers towards the nose;
- eyes – oval shape, inner eyelid has a black color;
- ears– small size, set high, at rest laid behind the head;
- frame– extended square shape, neck without dewlap, deep chest, protruding loin, powerful croup;
- paws– strong and muscular, compact limbs;
- tail– becomes thinner towards the end, keeps curved in dynamics, and is covered with coarse hair;
- hairline– shaggy coat, coarse structure, close-fitting, coat length up to 10 cm, hanging from the body, softer cover on the chest, belly and head;
- color– gray, gray with a blue tint, sand.
FAQ:
Deerhound breed cost
It is quite difficult to acquire such a friend in Russia, because there is no National Breed Club. And the number of pets is calculated in units. And not every owner wants to breed animals. Therefore, to buy a puppy, you will most likely have to go to Europe. The average price fluctuates around 60,000 rubles, excluding travel expenses.
Deerhounds are stately and aristocratic animals, so their nickname should correspond to their status. The following names are often chosen for male dogs: Caesar, Mustang, Gray, Iris, Apollo, James. Nicknames for girls: Ellie, Stela, Tori, Blair, Jena.
Education and training of the Scottish Deerhound
Even beginners have no problems with training, because this is an intelligent and understanding dog. The deerhound remembers commands quickly, but does not like being forced to repeat the same thing over and over again. So be patient and create fun things for your dog while training. The reindeer greyhound is trained in coursing, running, bikejoring, and is taught to ride a bike or ride a horse. Sometimes on walks, due to the hunting instinct, a deerhound runs away and begins to chase a cat, squirrel, or bird. This behavior must be stopped from puppyhood.
A hardy aristocratic dog with an unusual appearance that is capable of catching up and killing a deer is the Deerhound or Scottish Deerhound. One of the oldest hunting dogs.
The Scottish Greyhound or Deerhound is a large, muscular, slender dog with a build similar to a Greyhound.
Height at withers: males minimum 76 cm, females minimum 71 cm
Weight: 36.5-45.5 kg
Color: bluish-gray, fawn, sand-red, shades of gray and brindle. White markings on the toes, chest, and tip of the tail are acceptable.
- The hair on the body is bristly, long (hair length is up to 10 cm). On the chest and belly the fur is softer; on the muzzle it creates a mustache and beard.
- Square or elongated body. The legs are long and straight.
- The head is elongated, but proportional to the body, with straight lines, with a smooth transition from the forehead to the muzzle, and strong jaws.
- Acceptable eye color is dark brown.
- The ears are small, hanging on cartilage, and set high. When the dog is calm, he pulls them back or presses them to his head.
- The color of the nose is black, and in fawn-blue dogs it is blue.
- The long tail is lowered when at rest, sometimes curved. When moving, the dog raises it, but not higher than the level of the back.
History of the breed
The first mention of these dogs in the chronicles of Scotland dates back to the 16th century; they were the favorite breed of the nobility. Although dogs similar in appearance lived before with the Picts, the oldest people of Scotland. Proof of this is the discovered ceramic items painted with images of hunting scenes with deerhounds or dogs similar to them.
There is an opinion that the Deerhound and the Irish Wolfhound are relatives, but whether this information is reliable is unknown.
They were bred for deer hunting and were valued for their intelligence, speed, and courage. A dog could single-handedly chase and kill a deer. The breed eventually spread throughout Great Britain and was in demand. Gradually, the number of deer in the forests decreased, and the deerhounds were replaced by greyhounds, hunters of hares.
In the middle of the 18th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction. In the 19th century, thanks to Archibald and Duncan MacNeil, deerhounds appeared at exhibitions and spread beyond Great Britain. In 1889, the Breed Club was created, and in 1892 the first exterior standard appeared. In the same year, the breed was officially recognized.
In the United States, where deer hunting was prohibited, deerhounds were used to bait coyotes. With the advent of firearms, dogs completely faded into the background, and the breed survived only thanks to rare enthusiasts and lovers of hunting with greyhounds.
Today the breed is widespread in England, where the aristocratic Reindeer Greyhound is still the dog of the nobility.
Character and temperament
The Deerhound is a gentle and loyal, calm and dignified dog. He is noble and will not show aggression towards humans, although he is distrustful of strangers.
It is interesting that the reindeer hound manages to combine “duality” in itself: at home there is peace itself, but in the forest or on the street a hunting passion immediately awakens in it.
- smart;
- loyal;
- calm;
- passionate hunter;
- not aggressive;
- patient;
- does not bark for any reason;
- loves children.
- does not protect;
- doesn't like to be alone;
- active;
- has a strong hunting instinct.
Scottish Deerhound and man
Today it is more of a companion dog than a hunter, despite the hunting instincts that have not been lost. This is a pet that adores its owner’s family, sensitively capturing everyone’s mood. He does not need a lot of space; the Deerhound feels good in the city, provided it is given good walking. In the apartment he is calm and not prone to destruction. The dog loves comfort, so you need to make sure that he does not encroach on chairs and sofas. But he will be glad to have a soft bed where he can spend the whole day, blissfully and luxuriating.
The Deerhound is patient and loves children. He greets guests with dignity and may wag his tail a couple of times. This dog is not suitable as a guard.
The breed gets along with dogs and other pets.
Choosing a nickname
The Deerhound is a dog full of dignity, and the name of a puppy of this breed should be chosen accordingly.
Nicknames for males: Caesar, Wulf, Gray, Max, Leon, Jack.
Nicknames for bitches: Maxi, Nega, Jena, Ellie, Maida, Tori.
The Scottish Greyhound does not require much space, so it is easy to keep and in a city apartment. Although in a private house With local area the dog lives much better.
The dog can live in a spacious enclosure or in a kennel, but if severe frosts strike, it is better to let the deerhound into the house. It is impossible to keep such a freedom-loving creature on a leash.
In hot weather, the deerhound should be able to hide from the scorching sun under a canopy, since it's hard for him in the sun.
Walks should be long, with active games and interesting activities. A greyhound is walked at least 2 times a day, one of the walks should last at least an hour. It is good if during this walk the dog can run freely or exercise with the owner, accompanying the owner during cycling or jogging.
Feeding an adult deerhound 2 times a day in small portions. Prone to recruitment excess weight, so pay close attention to how much food your dog eats.
He is not picky about food, but respects fresh lean meat and porridge.
The diet should be balanced: include sea fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits, dairy products. The dog will not refuse premium dry food.
sheds a lot, so it is not recommended to let him lie on the bed or sofa. Brush your dog's coat daily to remove dead hair and prevent tangling and matting. Trimming is required periodically around the face and ears. Ears are cleaned as they become dirty, claws are trimmed if they do not grind down on the asphalt and ground.
Education and training
Even beginners have no problems with training, because this is an intelligent and understanding dog. Deerhound Teams remembers quickly, but doesn’t like being forced to repeat the same thing over and over again. So be patient and create fun things for your dog while training.
The reindeer greyhound is trained in coursing, running, bikejoring, and is taught to ride a bike or ride a horse.
Sometimes on walks, due to the hunting instinct, a deerhound runs away and begins to chase a cat, squirrel, or bird. This behavior must be stopped from puppyhood.
Health and life expectancy
Representatives of the breed are not long-lived, they live on average 10 years.
Deerhounds are prone to the following diseases:
- portosystemic shunt (pathology of the blood vessels of the liver);
- hypothyroidism (pathology thyroid gland);
- stomach torsion;
- respiratory allergies;
- cardiomyopathy (heart pathology);
- cystinuria (hereditary kidney disease).
Price and where to buy
It is difficult to buy a Deerhound in Russia - the number of dogs of this breed in our country is only a few, and there is no national club for the breed. You will have to go to Europe to get the puppy.
Puppy price: 30-70 thousand rubles.
Breed photo
A selection of photos of the Scottish Reindeer Greyhound.
The Deerhound, or deer hound, is a large greyhound that has become widespread in Scotland. The breed's popularity peaked in the 19th century. The dog has a rather unusual anatomy; it was bred to corral and kill artiodactyls. Despite her formidable qualities, she treats people kindly. He has a balanced, flexible character and a slender body designed for lightning-fast throws.
Story
In the Scottish chronicles of the 15th-16th centuries one can find quite detailed description deerhound. This is not surprising, since at that time of the widespread passion of noble people for hunting, the Deerhound was especially loved for its unique qualities.
The Picts, the indigenous tribes of Foggy Albion, who lived there even before the settlement of the island by the Anglo-Saxons, owned similar animals many years before the events described. A large number of rock paintings found in the territory of modern Scotland provide grounds for such statements. 
Did you know? The Deerhound is in ninth place on the list of the thirty largest dogs.
From this we can conclude that the immediate ancestors of the Deerhound were known to man long before the era of Mary Stuart.
The main qualities that have always been valued in this breed:
- speed;
- intelligence;
- bravery.
After this, the dog ceased to be as in demand as before. She was replaced by a greyhound, a hare specialist.
The second half of the eighteenth century almost became fatal for the breed. The number decreased so much that the dog was on the verge of extinction. The Scottish Stag Hound owes its salvation largely to D. McNeil and A. McNeil, who seriously took up the restoration of the breed in the mid-1820s.
The first English club for dog breeders, lovers of the breed, was organized in 1886. Three years later, the breed standard was approved, and in 1948 changes and additions were made to it. The first deerhound club in the United States opened in 1974.
Breed standard
- A country: Great Britain.
- Height: male - 76 cm, female - 71 cm.
- Weight: 50 kg.
- Lifespan: 10-12 years.
- Shedding: pronounced seasonal molting. Soft fur is considered a fault.
- Color: Not clearly described, but dark gray is better. White spots are acceptable, but the smaller the number, the higher the value of the dog. Availability white spot on the head or white chest - a deviation from the norm.
- Purpose: hound, hunting, companion.
- Group: greyhound.
- Confession: FCI, CKC, AKC, UKC, NKC, ANKC, ACR, APRI, NZKC.
Characteristic
The Scottish deer hunter has a rather specific appearance, which only real professional. For a long time the dog was popular among the famous Scottish Highlanders. 
Important!The Deerhound has far better vision than near vision. This is a kind of canine farsightedness. It is explained simply: the dog must drive the prey, pursue it, without losing sight of it. For this reason, far vision for a dog has higher value than the sense of smell.
The greyhound has a thin bone structure, like most hunters and hounds, and a sinewy, muscular body. The body and limbs are quite long. Its shape contributes to the fastest possible speed gain.
The dog has a rather wide head, which becomes narrower towards the tip of the nose. The nose should be black. If the color of the animal is platinum, then the nose should be dark, with a blue tint.
Correct ears triangular shape, sit high on the head and hang to the sides or back. The long tail of an animal at rest dangles calmly. When hunting, the dog picks it up.
Character, habits and temperament
Deerhounds have one very interesting quality. We can say that on the hunt and at home -
these two are perfect different dogs. When hunting, a greyhound is full of energy, in constant tone and ready for a sharp charge. But at home she turns into a calm, slightly lazy pet. 
Possessing quite impressive dimensions, the dog can stay in the home all day in such a way that its presence goes unnoticed. He is capable of dozing peacefully throughout the day, showing absolutely no signs of his explosive energy. The dog is devoted to its owner and his family, subtly sensing any slightest change in mood or disruption to the usual pattern of events.
Did you know?In the United States, deer hunting is prohibited by law, as a result of which deerhounds are used to hunt hare and coyote.
Positive qualities characteristic of the breed:- smart;
- easy to learn;
- devotees;
- have a strong nervous system and a stable psyche;
- when hunting and at home they behave according to the situation;
- loyal to people;
- treat children well;
- they don't make noise.
- guarding and protecting is not about them;
- cannot stand loneliness;
- due to a heightened sense of devotion, they have a hard time with a change of owner;
- hypertrophied hunting instinct.
In the home the dog is good-natured, sweet and balanced. As soon as he finds himself in his native element, on the hunt, a completely different dog appears before you - instinct takes over. No special training is needed; the most common commands will suffice. Although the dog understands everything perfectly and easily assimilates. Coat type and color
There is no strictly described color. Preference is given to dark gray, followed by shades of gray. White spots on the head and chest are unacceptable. The coat should be stiff and fairly rough to the touch.
Important!This dog is, first of all, a hunter. She doesn't like barking, noise and is a real hunter-things are incompatible. It is in her genes that she is a deer- prey, man-Friend. She is loyal to all people, so she is not a watchman.
Features of grooming
The only grooming that the Scottish Greyhound requires is grooming its coat. To keep the fur from tangling and tangles, it is necessary to brush frequently.
The correct coat of a Deerhound should be hard to the touch, thick enough, and close to the body. The structure of “correct” wool resembles wire. The sternum, belly and head are covered with softer hair than other places. The length of the cover on the body, limbs and neck should be 7-10 cm. 
Care must be taken as follows:
- Brush your dog with a massage brush.
- You should not wash your dog frequently. If it is not possible to avoid the procedure, use a special shampoo for hard coats.
- Dry your pet well with a towel. You can finish the drying procedure by using a hairdryer.
- Repeat brushing.
- Carefully examine the dog's ears, teeth and eyes.
- The main rule in trimming a Scottish greyhound is that it should look as natural as possible.
The dog should be periodically brushed with a mitt brush or a special comb for this type of coat. During shedding, the dog should be bathed more often than usual, and after bathing, brushing should be done.
Did you know? In open space, the Scottish Deerhound can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h.
If you plan to exhibit your dog in competitions or exhibitions, first find out whether trimming is allowed according to the regulations. To keep short hair looking good, professional breeders process the coat daily with a stripping knife. You should periodically examine your dog's eyes and ears. In pet stores you can purchase special products for caring for the ears and eyes of the animal. There are no clear recommendations regarding teeth. Whether they need to be cleaned is up to the owner to decide.
In apartments, dogs may have problems due to lack of exercise. The best option is a house with a walking area. Although the dog behaves well in the apartment, it is quite large sizes there's no escape. In addition, she simply needs to periodically throw out the energy that overwhelms her.
A slender, lean and rather thin body should not be misleading. Let us remind you that the dog is able to single-handedly drive away a healthy adult deer, which can weigh up to 300 kg or more. So his muscles simply need good regular exercise. 
The Greyhound does not like hot weather, but is quite okay with cold weather. The dog does not need an enclosure; he behaves perfectly at home. In addition, loneliness is strictly contraindicated for her.
Nutrition
The dog does not require special feeding. The only necessary condition is that the diet must be balanced. You can opt for super-premium food, or, if funds allow, “holistic”.
Approximate diet nutrition for a two month old puppy:
- red beef - 0.25 kg;
- cereals - 0.25 kg;
- vegetables - 0.1 kg (onions, peas, corn, carrots, pumpkin);
- kefir - 500 ml;
- cottage cheese - 0.2 kg;
- vitamins and minerals.
Adult
If you decide to feed your pet natural products, you should remember the following proportions:
- meat (preferably beef, rich in myoglobin) - 60%;
- cereals, vegetables, milk and dairy products - 40%.
Health and characteristic diseases
There are several diseases that the Deerhound is prone to:
- problems with the liver vessels;
- endocrine problems caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- allergic reactions of the respiratory tract;
- heart pathologies;
- kidney diseases.
Life expectancy is influenced by the correct distribution of loads and nutrition of the dog. And although the Scottish greyhound cannot be called a long-liver, with proper care, as already mentioned, it can live up to 12 years. Training and education
Deerhounds are very smart and understanding dogs. For this reason, their training is a pleasure for everyone involved in the process. The dog is glad to have the opportunity to please the owner, and he, in turn, is no less pleased with complete mutual understanding and compliance with his commands.
Training must certainly include an element of play; there is no need to make it a training session with multiple repetitions. If the dog feels pressure from you, or sees an exceptional focus on results, he may not like it. Then the pet, despite its good disposition and adoration of the owner, is capable of rebellion. You should not bring the animal to this state.
You should start with simple commands. The dog usually understands them without difficulty and quickly learns. Then you should start running. After mastering the initial level of training, try coursing (imitation of hunting a hare or other game) and bijoring (the dog is harnessed to a bicycle, driven by the owner). 
Monitor your pet closely during active activities. The Deerhound can get carried away in training and seriously chase a moving target. It could be a cat, some kind of rodent, or maybe someone's dog. Such classes should be carried out in places where there is no traffic.
Don't forget about rewards for correctly executing commands. You shouldn’t overindulge in sweets, but a small piece of your favorite delicacy is necessary. The dog loves it very much when his actions bring joy to his owner, and he, in turn, does not forget to admire and thank him. Only you should train the dog. He loves family members and treats them well, but recognizes the leader only in the owner.
Perhaps you are interested this breed, and you decided to buy yourself a puppy. Before you do this, you should know that in the territory of the post-Soviet republics (with the possible exception of the Baltic states) not a single club of this breed is officially registered. Hence the corresponding difficulties. If you still haven't changed your mind and you're not scared possible problems With the search and registration of the puppy, all that remains is to wish you good luck and patience in raising your pet.
Scottish Deerhound This is the oldest breed of hunting dog on earth. Another name for the breed is the Reindeer Hound and descriptions of these majestic hunting dogs can be found as far back as the 16th century. In those ancient knightly times, deerhounds were highly valued, and only a very noble person could become their owner. The high cost of such dogs is evidenced by the fact that a nobleman sentenced to death could defer the sentence by giving a pack of Scottish Deerhounds as a fine. The combination of strength, agility and endurance distinguished the Deerhound from other dog breeds. This amazing hunter alone could drive and kill a large Scottish deer, whose weight usually exceeded 100 kg. Gradually, large game disappeared from the forests of England and southern Scotland. The only places where stag deer continued to be introduced were the mountainous regions of Scotland. The leaders of the Scottish clans appropriated all ownership rights to the Deerhounds and the breed was on the verge of extinction. The Scottish Deerhound breed was revived in 1825, when Duncan MacNeil and Lord Archibald took up the breed. Official breed standards were approved in 1935.
The Scottish dirham is one of the most large breeds dogs, the height of some representatives can reach up to 80 cm. This is a sports hunting dog with well-developed muscles. The Deerhound has an elongated, medium-sized head, which it holds high and does not lower when working. The ears are small and high-set; at rest they are folded back, and when active state rise above the head, remaining folded. Regardless of the color of the Scottish Deerhound, its ears should be black or dark color, and long hair should not cover them (this is considered a defect). Dogs of this breed have medium-sized, dark-colored eyes with black eyelids. The neck is very strong and strong so that the dog can hold a deer. The body is strong, elongated, and square in shape. The limbs are long, straight and muscular. The long tail is thick at the base and tapering to the tip and should not rise above the back. The Scottish Deerhound's coat is shaggy, coarse, harsh and wiry, lying close to the body. The hair on the head and belly is softer. In the color of the Scottish Deerhound, preference is given to bluish-gray and blue-black colors; yellow, orange-brown and sandy-red colors are also found.
Character
The Scottish Deerhound has dual personality traits, which is why its owners joke that all Deerhounds are born under the sign of Gemini. Representatives of this breed combine lightning-fast reaction, strength, agility and pressure in hunting; and at the same time a calm, sleepy and imposing state in the house. The Scottish Deerhound is difficult to raise in kennels because it requires constant human interaction. These dogs become very attached to their owner and other family members, they are very affectionate and are quite sensitive to children, taking care of them. True, families with small children are not recommended to have a Scottish Deerhound because of its large size, and it also has a very strong tail, which can accidentally injure a child or knock over various objects. IN ordinary life The Scottish Deerhound shows virtually no aggression, they are extremely calm and balanced and almost never bark in the house. These dogs are quite good psychologists and are very sensitive to changes in the owner’s mood. And here good watchmen Such dogs will not work out, because... They usually treat strangers very trustingly. The Scottish Deerhound is very easy to train as it is naturally very intelligent and obedient breed. These dogs have no problem remembering a large number of commands and are easily accustomed to order.
The Scottish Deerhound is a hunting dog that needs a lot of space and life in a city apartment is not suitable for it. Such dogs require quite a serious jog and a certain amount of physical activity every day. During a walk, the Dirham's hunting instincts can take over and the dog can break loose and chase someone. Therefore, from the very early age It is necessary to educate your pet and immediately stop such antics. If you let your dog off the leash, it is better to put a muzzle on it so that it does not harm small animals. The Scottish Deerhound is quite ascetic in its diet and, despite its large size, eats relatively little. These dogs are fed twice a day, morning and evening, and their diet must include raw meat. Long wool The deerhound perfectly protects him from the cold, but in the heat such dogs are uncomfortable. The coat requires regular care in the form of brushing and trimming.
Scottish Deerhound considered one of ancient breeds on the planet. Historical references indicate its existence back in the 16th century; during excavations, images of a similar animal were found on the territory of ancient Britain.
In the Middle Ages, only noble people could afford to keep a large dog. During the day she helped them in horse hunting, and in the evenings she decorated the fireplace rooms and lay devotedly at their feet. The Deerhound breed, little known these days, was officially accepted by cynological associations in 1892 and classified as a group.
Main feature Scottish Deerhound is its true purpose - unarmed hunting (baiting) for and other small-hoofed animals. The second name of the breed sounds like a Scottish deerhound dog.
The Deerhound is the embodiment of endurance, calmness, hard work and boundless love for the owner. He has excellent sense of smell and is able to detect prey from a distance, his reaction is like lightning.
In pursuit of a deer, a deerhound can reach a speed of 50 km/h for open area. With such greyhound speed deerhound dog unable to pursue prey in the forest, having the opportunity to crash into trees. In addition to deer, deerhounds also chase. Currently, such dogs are not shown bad results in sports competitions.
The character of the deerhound is balanced, it does not show aggression towards others and cannot be guard dog. He protects his territory only from other dogs, but not from people. The Deerhound is not a noisy dog and practically does not bark; it has a good ability to understand the mood of its owner and will not bother him without reason.
He treats children adequately and is able to accept and even love them. However, given its large dimensions, it is still better to refrain from active communication between small children and the deerhound. This wonderful sprinter is completely clumsy at home and can harm a child with his clumsiness.
The Scottish greyhound has good mental abilities and is easy to train; it has a stable psyche, which allows it not to tear at its prey and quickly calm down after an active race for the animal.
Looking at photo of deerhound one can note its inherent elegance, but together with visual grace it is very strong dog, one on one he is able to defeat an adult.
The Deerhound can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h in open areas.
Keeping such a large dog on a leash is almost impossible. Therefore, when training such a giant, the main condition is to achieve unquestioning obedience and obedience to the owner, upon request. Otherwise, you can get a lazy, disobedient and useless giant rare breed.
Description of the Deerhound breed (breed standard)
The first thing that distinguishes Deerhound dog- this is appearance. He cannot be called a cute or cute dog. He looks like a long, sullen giant who came down to us from medieval frescoes.
An animal of this breed is very large and takes an honorable 9th place among the thirty largest dogs in the world. The weight of an adult deerhound can reach 50 kilograms or more. The height at the withers is 0.76 m for males and, accordingly, 0.71 m for females.
A Deerhound alone can take down a full-grown deer.
It is typical for the Deerhound breed sharp vision, interesting fact that they see far better than up close. Vision is more important for them than smell, since their main goal is to pursue prey, and not track it.
Characteristics of the Deerhound breed contains a whole set of unique qualities. Scottish Deerhound characterized by dry, sinewy muscles and has a thin bone structure, characteristic of the hunting greyhound group.
It corresponds to a lean, elongated body and high paws. It is this streamlined physique that allows the deerhound to perform dynamic movements comparable to the running of a fleet-footed deer.
The head of the Deerhound breed is wide, narrowing towards the nose area, the color of which, according to the standard, is black, and in fawn individuals it is dark blue. The eyes are dark brown with a chocolate tint.
The ears are set high, in the form of small hanging triangles. In a calm position, they are laid back and pressed to the head. The tail is long, sometimes saber-shaped. When moving, it is slightly raised, and lowered when at rest.
Color Scottish greyhound dog breed deerhound does not have a clearly described standardization and the range of shades is varied. They can be either dark gray, red or fawn.
White spots are allowed, however, the fewer of them, the better, and those with a white chest or a white spot on the head are considered a deviation from the norm and are disqualified at exhibitions. The Scottish Deerhound's coat is hard and rough to the touch. Soft coat is a breed defect. Seasonal molting is pronounced.
The Scottish Greyhound is not a long-lived breed. The lifespan of deerhounds depends on the conditions of detention and proper feeding, as well as from physical activity, it ranges from 10 to 12 years.
Care and maintenance of the deerhound
The Deerhound breed is not difficult to care for. The only thing it requires is care for the coat, which needs to be combed as often as possible to avoid the formation of tangles.
Eyes and ears require regular examination. Behind the ears is required special care, it is advisable to clean them from dirt and dust with special veterinary drugs. Clean eyes and healthy ears are a sign general health animal. It is advisable, but not necessary, to brush your teeth, at the discretion of the owner.
The Scottish Deerhound is completely unsuitable for keeping in a city apartment. He needs a large area for walking, so a country house with a large and spacious yard is suitable.
Pictured is a deerhound puppy
But it is unrealistic to limit it only to yard walking; this dog is created for running and needs regular physical training. Without them, the Deerhound will lose muscle tone, which is required to maintain it. big body.
The Deerhound does not tolerate heat well, but cool weather will be just right for him. An enclosure is not suitable for him, despite his impressive dimensions, this is quite a pet. Feeding the Scottish greyhound is standard, the main thing is that it is as balanced as possible. A good option is feeding premium dry food.
At natural nutrition 60% should be meat and 40% cereals, vegetables and dairy products. The Deerhound is not picky about food. Red beef and cereals (rice, buckwheat, millet), as well as seasonal vegetables (carrots and pumpkin), are good for him.
You can feed it with sea fish, but not more than once a week. Be sure to have calcium-containing products: kefir and cottage cheese. Don't forget about complex vitamins. As with all other dogs, tubular birds and sharp ones are especially dangerous. fish bones. Drinking water must be clean and available in an accessible place.
Deerhound cannot be called super healthy dog, he is prone to some hereditary diseases, among which are noted: liver vascular pathologies, thyroid dysfunction, gastric problems, respiratory allergies, heart pathologies, kidney diseases.
Deerhound price and owner reviews
On one of the online forums dedicated to pets, people leave their reviews about their pets. So Valentina L. from Krasnodar writes: “My husband is an avid hunter. He had huskies and Russian hounds.
We thought for a long time what new breed start. We chose deerhound. Buy deerhound it was quite difficult. I had to go to Stavropol to get him.
Now he works mainly for roe deer, and. My husband is very pleased with such an agile hunter. The Deerhound has become a true friend for him, and our refrigerator is full delicious meat.
This big dog gets along well with our children and does not create a fuss in the house. He is not at all aggressive, although his menacing appearance inspires respect from those around him.” Buy a Deerhound in Russia difficult, currently not a single club for their breeding is officially registered. The breed is considered rare and acquiring it will require a lot of effort.
The Scottish Deerhound is suitable for people leading an active lifestyle, athletes or avid hunters. He is not suitable as a companion or nanny, and beginners and those who do not have experience in dog breeding should not get him. Deerhound price conditional and can vary from 30 to 70 thousand rubles. It depends on the exterior and pedigree of the line.
