Deerhound

[Troy]

The Deerhound

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=117 )

Group: Group 4 (Hounds)

General Appearance: Resembles a roughcoated greyhound of larger size and bone.

Characteristics: The build suggests the unique combination of speed, power and endurance necessary to pull down a stag, but general bearing is one of gentle dignity.

Temperament: Gentle and friendly. Obedient and easy to train because eager to please. Docile and good tempered, never suspicious, aggressive or nervous. Carries himself with quiet dignity.

Head And Skull: Broadest at ears, tapering slightly to eyes, muzzle tapering more decidedly to nose, lips level. Head long, skull flat rather than round, with very slight rise over eyes, with no stop. Skull coated with moderately long hair, softer than rest of coat. Nose slightly aquiline and black. In lighter coloured dogs black muzzle preferred. Good moustache of rather silky hair and some beard.

Eyes: Dark. Generally dark brown or hazel. Light eyes undesirable. Moderately full with a soft look in repose, but keen, far-away look when dog is roused. Rims black.

Ears: Set on high and in repose folded back. In excitement raised above head without losing the fold and in some cases semi-erect. A big thick ear hanging flat to the head or a prick ear most undesirable. Ear soft, glossy and like a mouse's coat to the touch; the smaller the better, no long coat or fringe. Ears black or dark coloured.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Very strong with good reach sometimes disguised by mane. Nape of neck very prominent where head is set on, no throatiness.

Forequarters: Shoulders well laid, not too far apart. Loaded and straight shoulders undesirable. Forelegs straight, broad and flat, a good broad forearm and elbow being desirable.

Body: Body and general formation that of a greyhound of larger size and bone. Chest deep rather than broad, not too narrow and flat-sided. Loin well arched and drooping to tail. Flat topline undesirable.

Hindquarters: Drooping, broad and powerful, hips set wide apart. Hind legs well bent at stifle with great length from hip to hock. Bone broad and flat.

Feet: Compact and well knuckled. Nails strong.

Tail: Long, thick at root, tapering and reaching almost to ground. When standing dropped perfectly straight down or curved. Curved when moving, never lifted above line of back. Well covered with hair; on upper side thick and wiry, on under side longer, and towards end a slight fringe is not objectionable. A curl or ring tail undesirable.

Gait/Movement: Easy, active and true, with a long stride.

Coat: Shaggy, but not overcoated. Woolly coat unacceptable. The correct coat is thick, close-lying, ragged; harsh or crisp to the touch. Hair on body, neck and quarters harsh and wiry about 8-10 cms (3-4 ins) long; that on head, breast and belly much softer. A slight hairy fringe on inside of fore and hind legs.

Colour: Dark blue-grey, darker and lighter greys or brindles and yellows, sandy-red or red fawns with black points. A white chest, white toes and a slight white tip to stern are permissible but the less white the better, since it is a self-coloured dog. A white blaze on head or white collar unacceptable.

Sizes: Minimum desirable height: Dogs 76 cms (30 ins) at withers

Bitches 71 cms (28 ins) at withers

Weight: Dogs about 45.5 kgs (100 lbs)

Bitches about 36.5 kgs (80 lbs)

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Deerhound

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Deerhound

Deerhound Breeders

Deerhound Puppies For Sale

[Trisven13]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

First time owner

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Grover has a spectacular temperament - he is a big smooch who thinks he is a lapdog. He adores my kids and I honestly think he would lie there whilst they used him as a trampoline if I allowed it. From what I've heard this is typical. The only downside to Grover and I've heard this is not typical of the breed - he is a barker .

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Grover loves nothing more than going for a walk with Steve but he doesn't require a huge amount of exercise. I enjoys going out to my parent's house and going for a real run around the paddocks but he never wanders far from Steve.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I would think so

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Don't know because he doesn't have to.

9. How much grooming is required?

A brush once a week or so.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

As a puppy they can be pretty bouncy but training will fix that. He does tend to have no idea of body space and bumps into things and people - I wouldn't want to be in the middle of a zoomy either as that could send you flying.

[Meea]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

4 time owner (puppy buyer/rescue not breeder) Pet and Show, OT and Agility, Endurance. Will have deeries forever.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

the actual name is Scottish Deerhound (note CLUE to origin) and pairs of deerhound hunt the Red Deer. Prior to guns a pair would hunt, kill (nibble) and guard the corpse until the hunter caught up (sometime later as he was on foot). Subsequent to guns being invented and the Scots getting ponies the deerhound would course and corner the deer. Killing discouraged.

3. How common is it in Australia?

About 30 reg dogs in NSW last year - many more in Vic and WA is also growing. Some up north but they are not fans of the heat. My first dh came from rescue in Brisbane 25 years ago and I didn't see another for 6 years untilwe moved to Sydney.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Used to be single digits but due to better understanding of the nutritional needs of giant breed pups (eg do not over feed/keep lean and limit exercise while young etc) there are many examples of early teens. Previously dogs tended to be put down due to arthriticky problems which are much less now.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Sighthoundy. Very loving to all. They assume all folk are fabulous until proven otherwise. Standard puppy socialisation criteria applies.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A sprint. Dinner and a looong Nap. day is done.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes. The early years were feeding and exercise requirements are a little nonstandard are the only differences to any breed. Commitment to ensuring the sprint part of the exercise is important - eg. unfortunatley you have to wait for them to do it - you must not force them when young.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

See 6. Looong nap. I have had singletons, pairs and threesys. Pattern is the same each time. They are true sighthounds. If it is not moving they don't care.

9. How much grooming is required?

Grooming? Seriously a quick weekly rake does it. Most things just drop from the coat. There is a woolie coat which is v. rare that is more work. This is a fault in the showring and much higher maintenance as a pet.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Once well socialised they have exeptional instincts and good manners.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

No. Generally very healthy breed and Australia has a good line of functional dogs. (some poor front end angulation popping up but this is easily noted by seeing the parents as it is completely first line hereditary. If it there you will see it - it is not a throw back condition). While dogs do have individual health issues the % across the breed is very small in everything. Even some of the issues which are getting discussed o/s e.g Factor IV (?) and shunts etc are rare to unheard of in Australia.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be).

Not really - Look at mum and dad and see if they can do what they are meant to do (run real fast for a short while). If you like them you will like their offspring.

[jacobite]

I agree with Trisven13 and Meea,

we have had Scottish Deerhounds since 1979, will NEVER be without one, we have 5, 1 being exported to UK just before Christmas.

Dave

[miniluv]

This will be my next breed, they are just gorgeous. ;)

[jacobite]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) We bought our first Deerhound in 1979 and bought her with us when we moved here. Since then we have had several litters. We have bred numerous Ch and one Gr Ch, the first one in the breed, also had the pleasure of owning another Gr Ch.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?The Deerhound was developed in the Highlands of Scotland many centuries ago for the huntiong of the Red Stag. This is a formidable beast standing about 14 hands high and weighing about 300 to 350 kilos. There are many stories of the huge Deer hunts arranged for Mary Queen of Scots by her Highland Nobles but the Deerhound had been around long before that. They are one of the oldest and least changed breeds in the UK.

3. How common is it in Australia?Not very. The Deerhound Club has about 180 members and most people would have 1 or 2 and some of us have more, but they are not a breed that you see every day.

4. What is the average lifespan?Not long enough! They are a giant breed and their lifespan would be somewhere between 8 and 12 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?They are an extremely laid back breed who adore people and get on well with other dogs. A Deerhound likes nothing better than being with it's owner, whether it's walking in the country or snoozing on the couch.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?A good walk every day and somewhere for free running once or twice a week.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?Yes, so long as they have done some research and know that they want a large breed of dog.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?Yes, an adult will happily snooze all day!!

9. How much grooming is required?A good brush once a week.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?Young dogs certainly could be, an older one would be fine.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?Not really, they are a very healthy breed.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)Basically try to see the parents both of whom should be calm and friendly. Some testing is done for PSS (Liver Shunt), but this is not a problem often seen in the breed. If testing is done the results should of course be clear.

Edited September 20, 2009 by jacobite

[Wazzat Xolo]

Beautiful dogs,

Question to all hope its non offensive, Is the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound in any way realted ?

What are the differences?

J

[Tinne]

I agree whole heartedly with jacobite.

A very laid back breed.

I bought my first Deerhound in 1986 & have had several litters. Own four at the moment. Lost three of my 'old girls' earlier this year (a month apart) at the age of 12 1/2 years old. Their father also lived to 13 but most live to average 9 - 10. I have been very lucky with my 'old' dogs.

A Deerhound doesn't mature until around 3 years of age & can still be a bit boisterous. At 3 they suddenly tend to start taking it easier & even start leaving gardens alone. Deerhounds of all ages are great with kids but a young one could easily knock over a child (& probably try to pull them back up again). As Jacobite said - an older dog is excellent with children. They are beautiful natured breed & only try to please & love being with people.

A most beautiful dog that I would never be without.

[jacobite]

Beautiful dogs,

Question to all hope its non offensive, Is the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound in any way realted ?

What are the differences?

J

Certainly not offensive. In the 19th century the IW became almost extinct and the Deerhound was one of the breeds used to re-create them, I think the others were the Mastiff and the Great Dane. I would think though that the IW and DH have a common root in some far off Celtic hunting dog.

Pam

[Wazzat Xolo]

Thanks Jacobite My parents have had Wolfhounds ( have a rescue xbred at the moment, sadl;y all have died of cancer way to soon, they are beautiful dogs,

Good luck for the future

J

Beautiful dogs,

Question to all hope its non offensive, Is the Scottish Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound in any way realted ?

What are the differences?

J

Certainly not offensive. In the 19th century the IW became almost extinct and the Deerhound was one of the breeds used to re-create them, I think the others were the Mastiff and the Great Dane. I would think though that the IW and DH have a common root in some far off Celtic hunting dog.

Pam

[Missymoo]

I fell in love with Dave and Pams deeries!!!

[raz]

4. What is the average lifespan?Not long enough! They are a giant breed and their lifespan would be somewhere between 8 and 12 years.

How does that compare to the lifespan of a Grey?

Pam, I think I met you at Canberra Royal a few years ago. Gorgeous deeries.

[WreckitWhippet]

What would you expect to pay for a puppy ?

[jacobite]

What would you expect to pay for a puppy ?

You would expect to pay between $800 and $1000 for a puppy. Having seen the price of some other breeds maybe we should ask more, but I would rather the pups go to a good home than get mega bucks for them. This is just me, other breeders may ask more for pups.

Pam

[Tinne]

What would you expect to pay for a puppy ?

You would expect to pay between $800 and $1000 for a puppy. Having seen the price of some other breeds maybe we should ask more, but I would rather the pups go to a good home than get mega bucks for them. This is just me, other breeders may ask more for pups.

Pam

I agree, Pam. Deerhounds have hardly gone up in price over the years. I bought my first Deerhound 24 years ago for $400. In all those years I still only sell mine for $800 to $1000. Not a very great increase, but as Pam said I would rather them go to good homes. Also at some times it is hard to sell a deerhound. Some peaople say they don't want a large breed but then others go for Irish Wolfhounds. I can never figure that one out.

Now that Deerhounds are now starting to get a better look in at shows thay may have better selling power but that's only for show dogs. The vast majority of pups that I have sold go to pet homes & I think it's the same for all breeders. We never want them to become so popular that we loose sight of their purpose & standard.

[WreckitWhippet]

I was expecting to see somewhere around $1500 or more for them.

[deerhound owner]

We paid $500 for our limit register bitch 5 years ago, she was from hunting lines though not show lines so that might have made a difference. 3 years ago we brought a show boy on main register for $1000.

They are the nicest natured dogs and we couldn't be without one now.

[lovemymutts]

My friend has got me hooked on deeries!!

I have always loved big dogs like the deerhounds, wolfhounds, staghounds.

She has two deeries - Cerydwyn & Lilly & a staghound - Django, her previous staghound boy Jabberwocky was stunning!

Now I have two rescued deerhound x's the boy (Tashi) is smaller is hairier & the girl (Elsa) is taller & less hairy. Both were classified at the pound as wolfhound/staghounds but the boy looks more deerie.

They are the most wonderful breed & I'll never be without one again!

[RealityBites]

I am going to look at Jacobite's doggies on Monday Can't wait! Am hoping that one of these lovely dogs will fit into our 'organised chaos' of a household :D If we get one it will have to put up with 5 kids, 5 cats, two guinea pigs, 2 mice, numerous fish and a doberman :D oh and 2 horses!! Am after a couch potato really as my dobe is hyper and he's 4 years old now and still hasn't grown up I have always loved the deerhound, hubby wants a dane, but I think he'll compromise on a hairy big dog instead

[deerhound owner]

I am going to look at Jacobite's doggies on Monday Can't wait! Am hoping that one of these lovely dogs will fit into our 'organised chaos' of a household If we get one it will have to put up with 5 kids, 5 cats, two guinea pigs, 2 mice, numerous fish and a doberman ;) oh and 2 horses!! Am after a couch potato really as my dobe is hyper and he's 4 years old now and still hasn't grown up ;) I have always loved the deerhound, hubby wants a dane, but I think he'll compromise on a hairy big dog instead :D

Congratulations on a great choice I'm sure you will find a deerhound will slot into your life very easily. make sure you pop into the sighthound thread with lots of puppy pictures and if you're after any more information check out www.scottish-deerhound.com.