WOW your deerhound pics are gorgeous - what a lovely breed
Thanks for this thread full of such great information.
Our Present
We're not ready for a new dog yet but we love all the sighthound breeds so the beautiful deerhound is an option for us down the track. We miss our Kipper heaps - she was a huge labradoodle (not what we thought we were looking for) rescued from The lost dogs home. She was 5 years old.
A bit about our doggie history
My partner are in our mid 40s, both work, have a large (suburban) back yard and stay in most nights. We walked our dog daily and let her romp around in off-lead parks at least twice a week (day or evening) and maybe head to the dog beach or go visiting friends (both human and doggy) on weekends. She slept in a custom built kennel (she prefered the master bed and was occassionally found in there) sheltered from rain, was groomed and bathed at home and professionally clipped when needed. Kipper was fed good quality dry food and was trained with treats and rewarded with love, affection and companionship. She hated being alone while we were working and would have a lamb bone or pigs ear or treat filled kong while we were out. I've previously owned x breed medium/small dogs a male australian terrier who died naturally at 21, a medium x breed pound puppy (49 variety) female who died vet assisted at 19, a medium female poodle (lost, found and adopted by us with pups on board) who died vet assisted at 16, her crazy mix female pup who looked like a miniature wolfhound who died naturally at 17 and a small x breed female terrier who died naturally at 17. My partner's family have owned a female doberman who was re-homed to a larger yard and room to run and chase, a female collie and a male puli who died at 16. Dogs are in our blood and it doesn't feel right to not have one in our lives.
Next Steps
Looking to the future we're carefully investigating what breed is right for us now. We'd ideally love a large, quiet, clever, obedient, trainable, loving, gentle girl. I prefer a non shedder (not imperative) and a not too smelly dog (not imperative) as I love to lie with them on the floor for snuggles and play. My partner loves to run around and play chasey and hide and seek with them. We have much love to give to our next one. Nothing against breeders at all but we'd both prefer a rescue dog/s and happy to adopt an older animal as compared to a puppy and will adapt a x breed if it's the right dog. When it's the right dog you just know.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
Yes, an adult will happily snooze all day!!
Questions
With the view to point 8. above a further question is
Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods for FIVE days in a row?
Other Questions
Is a deerhound/sighthound the right breed for us?
What are (if any) the benefits of having two dogs (I'd like) compared to one (he'd like).
Any further recommendations or advice will be greatly received.
Thanks Kipper's Mum (always)
Dana
