BACKGROUND
The Deerhound, the Royal Dog of Scotland, has been bred in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland since time immemorial. Bred to run down, catch and kill the red deer, it is built for speed and stamina. Revered for his courage and tenacity as a stag hunter, it was not until the introduction of improved firearms that its skills were no longer in great demand. Deerhounds have been in Australia since early colonial times and were a much-needed source to supply meat by keeping down the kangaroo population; later they were used for killing the dingo and fox that preyed upon the sheep flocks.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
(7-8 years) A Deerhound in good health, given lots of affection and regular veterinary check-ups, can live to be 9 or 10 years old, occasionally longer. They are long lived for a giant breed, females living longer than males.
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
Size is desirable in this breed and a Deerhound should be as tall as possible consistent with quality. Height should be not less than 76cm (30") at the shoulders for a male and 71cm (28") for a female. Dogs should weigh 39-48kg (85-105 Ibs): bitches 30-37kg (65-70 lbs.)
BREED PERSONALITY/CHARACTER/TEMPERAMENT
The Deerhound is loyal and dignified and adores children. Mr George Cupples, in a book titled 'Scotch Deerhounds and their Masters" writes. "How perfectly docile is the thorough-bred deer hound of our own Scottish forests and stalking-ranges. His inveterate keenness, no less than his strength renders him about as bad a foe as mortal creature need wish to face. Yet how gentle and familiar a house-mate is he; of all dumb favorites the most decorous by the hearth and table; a marvel of patience with little dogs; and among the children a plaything that can be handled as they will."
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
A Deerhound should live happily with other household pets. However, since they were bred to chase and catch game, the sight of a small animal running by may trigger a response. Your Deerhound may share companionship with your indoor cat but may change its attitude outdoors when a cat, even its indoor cat, runs past. Most owners report their Deerhound and other pets get along just fine, but it is best to use caution to prevent any 'chasing mishaps'.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
The adult Deerhound enjoys as much exercise as you can give it. A young puppy will exercise sufficiently by just playing with the family, itself or other dogs each day. Some Deerhounds can be extremely sensitive and need almost no disciplining, where others try your patience to the limit. The Deerhound requires only moderate grooming, having an easily managed coat of a rough wiry texture that does not readily harbor dirt. If a Deerhound is an outdoor dog it needs to be provided with a draught free kennel not too far from the house; Deerhounds like to be close to the family and will feel rejected if banished outside. Deerhounds like to jump and can easily clear the average garden fence or even higher. A secure yard must be provided as Deerhounds have almost no road sense and can travel at over 60 kilometers an hour.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE
If a Deerhound is not given infinite companionship and direction as a youngster, it can develop into a headstrong, boisterous and unruly adult.
IDEAL OWNER/S
There are many things to consider before you bring a Deerhound into your home. Deerhounds are wonderful dogs for those who have a large, safely fenced area for them to exercise in, and who do not spend long hours away from home on a regular basis. Its probably not going to bring back that stick you throw, most likely will not bark and growl when someone approaches your front door, and that nice roast you put on the kitchen counter to defrost is an open invitation for a Deerhound to snack. It's big, busy as a puppy and prone to long naps as an adult. Deerhounds are sweet tractable lazy dogs not excelling in obedience work. You will need to accommodate its size need for exercise, quality food and good health care. In return you will have a faithful companion who will reward you with love and devotion throughout its life. Those who share their lives with Deerhounds wonder why they are not more popular, but the Deerhound is really not for everyone.
IN CONCLUSION
Now you know a little about the Deerhound and have decided this is the dog for you contact the breed club or your state controlling body for purebred dogs as listed on the reverse of this brochure. They will be able to give you information about available puppies, suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
