Origin: United Kingdom (Scotland)
Origin of Name: The Scottish Deerhound, or simply the Deerhound, is a large breed of hound.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Large | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The breed is so old, we cannot separate Deerhound's true origins from myth and legend. Evidence suggests that large deer hunts were in Scotland before the Scots themselves arrived there in the ninth century. As far as anyone knows, clan chieftains used packs of huge, shaggy Hunting Dogs to chase and bring down wild red deer: a fast 400-pounder with punishing horns. The breed's home ground - the rocky, rain-swept highlands - was remote, but the deerhound adventure became cosmic throughout Britain.
The hardened, somewhat wiry coat of the Scottish Deerhound is very easy to care for, requiring only one or more brushes and combing every week. If they do not deteriorate naturally, they will also require trimming of their nails every few weeks. Grooming tools to keep on hand include a slicker brush, a fine-toothed metal dog comb, and an electric nail grinder or a pair of heavy-duty dog nail clippers. An occasional bath will help reduce the odor of any dog. A grooming session is a good time to inspect the dog for any new lumps or skin problems, and to check that the eyes and ears are healthy and hassle-free.
The most beautiful deerhound puppy in the world will turn into a wonderful adult if given plenty of soft human companionship, exercise and proper nutrition. Deerhounds are sensitive and respond best to positive training methods. When their people go to work they do not do well in the kennel or live in the crate. While he has a calm and dignified personality in the house, the Scottish Deerhound can try to chase away any cute animals that run after him. For this reason, the breed should be used in a leased or fenced area. Although he enjoys his family, his size can scare young children.
Without a fellow playmate and a large, safely fabricated play area it is difficult to raise Deerhound puppies to their potential. This breed cannot be left to crate at home while the owner is at work all day, if it is to develop physically and mentally properly to adulthood. Both puppies and adults need to be able to exercise independently on a daily basis and do what the Dearhounds were bred to do for the pleasure of running. Destructive puppies are usually not receiving enough exercise. Forcible exercise, such as running on a bike, should avoid immature wounds. It is difficult to get old deer out of your couch, but they require regular daily exercise. While nutrition and exercise are important for raising a puppy in a fit, well-muscled adult, the secret to a healthy, long-lived deerhound (other than good genes) is being happy and exercising well. It is not a breed that handles stress well, nor is it a breed that will thrive with just a daily leash-walk around a city block. Fitness should be maintained in old age.
The Scottish Deerhound should do well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared at home with the supervision and approval of your vet. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are at risk of being overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight levels. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Due to the risk of bloat, several small meals per day are preferable to one large meal, and strenuous exercise before or after is not recommended.
Like other smallpox, Dearhounds can be dangerously sensitive to anesthesia and some medications. Large and deep-breasted breeds are susceptible to swollen, sudden, fatal stomach conditions. Owners should learn what signs to pay attention to and what to do. Reputable breeders will examine health conditions such as heart disease and Factor VII deficiency. While nutrition and exercise are important for raising a puppy in a fit, well-muscled adult, the secret to a healthy, long-lived deerhound (other than good genes) is being happy and exercising well. It is not a breed that handles stress well. Nor is it a breed that will grow with just one daily leash walk around the city block. Fitness should be maintained in old age. If you have neutered your deerhound, keep in mind that like all larger breeds, deerhounds should never be neutered under one year of age, preferably after the dog has matured (at least two years of age ). Detailed information about the health of the breed can be found on the website of the Scottish Deerhound Club of America, the breed's parent club.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: