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Information, Facts & Origins of the
Scottish Deerhound - Sighthound
The Scottish Deerhound
originates from Scotland as its name indicates - The Royal Dog of Scotland. It
is a dog of massive size with a very large powerful body, greyhound-like shape
and gracefully built. The Scottish Deerhound was bred originally to hunt stags.
It's origins can be dated back to antiquity but was specifically bred during the
1400's. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to
describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.
The
Scottish Deerhound - A Sighthound
The Scottish Deerhound Hound belongs to the collection
of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting
its quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that
hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds,
scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and
traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good
vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in
sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful
legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also
have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear
longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and
lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their
quarry. As a pet, although they were bred to hunt deer, this dog is gentle,
gracious and well-mannered. It is good around children and will adapt well to
family life but special consideration must be given to the practicalities of
keeping such a large dog.
Information, Facts and History
of the Scottish Deerhound Hound Dog
The Scottish Deerhound Hound
is a very old sight hound dog breed originating in Scotland. The
Scottish Deerhound was originally used to hunt large game, in
particular, stags. This dog is also known by the shortened name,
of simply, the Deerhound. This courageous dog was favoured by
Scottish Chieftains and Royalty and showed exceptional prowess in
hunting deer - stag hunting. The breed dates back to antiquity and
they were used in great wars and battles to pull men off their
horses - one of the famous War Dogs. The dog was given as a gift
to European royalty and greatly valued in areas where there was a
proliferation of deer. At one stage only Royalty and the nobility
were allowed to own such a dog, in fact, no one with a rank lower
than an Earl was allowed to own one - it was very much a status
symbol during the Renaissance. As the deer population declined in
England the Deerhound fell from favour, but was still greatly
valued in the Scottish Highlands where the terrain suited the wild
deer. The Battle of Culloden on Wednesday, April 16th, 1746
defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie and blasted the Jacobite hopes.
This famous defeat sounded the death knell for the old Highland
way of life and in resulted in the breakdown of the Clan system.
It also resulted in the decline of the Scottish Deerhound breed.
Changes to hunting deer with guns also added to the decline of the
breed - but their popularity rose again in the mid 1800's with the
advent of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Club. The breed was taken
around the world by immigrants and their usage as working dogs
changed according to the location. In Australia the Scottish
Deerhound was put to use to keep down the kangaroo population and
to hunt the dingo. The Scottish Deerhound was first registered by
the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1886.
Description
of the Scottish Deerhound Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Scottish
Deerhound's coat can be grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, or
fawn. The coat is harsh, rough and shaggy.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the Scottish
Deerhounds
All owners of dogs and puppies
are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with
humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog
health problems, including those of the Scottish Deerhound, can prove to be
costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining
dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of
trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors,
or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions
occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears,
Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate
to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune &
Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health
problems of the Scottish Deerhound can include:
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Cardiomyopathy
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Gastric Torsion
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional
information which we have provided via our:
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog
Health Problems
This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional. Description
of the Scottish Deerhound Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures
The pictures
above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man
(Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six
inches) in comparison to the average sized Scottish Deerhound dog
which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely
important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual
representation of the height of an average Scottish Deerhound
compared to the height of a male or female - essential
information, especially in relation to this massive dog, but
nevertheless info which is unique to this site. Use the pictures
to help to estimate the size of the Scottish Deerhound dog to each
the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to
provide a guideline to the adult size of Scottish Deerhound
Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when
comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The
dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy.
Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy
dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering
puppies.
Information about Grooming
and Care of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The Scottish Deerhound's
coat needs to be brushed once or twice weekly, the hair on the
head, chest and stomach should be much softer than the hair on the
body, neck and legs. All dog breeds require a certain amount of
grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at
their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat
and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears,
feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential
health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially
important in puppies and older dogs.
Information about the Temperament
and Character of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The Scottish Deerhound is a very independent breed of dog,
enjoying the company of other dogs and humans, they are
courageous, easygoing, patient, easygoing, and extremely
sensitive. It is good with children and will adapt well to family
life but special consideration must be given to the practicalities
of keeping such a large dog. It needs ample room to stretch out on
a soft surface and should not be required to live in cramped
quarters.
Living
conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Scottish Deerhound Dog
Breed
The Scottish Deerhound dogs and puppies require a substantial amount of daily exercise.
It prefers to live inside with its family and needs human
companionship. As a hunting dog it is inclined to chase any small
animals.The
Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes
providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Scottish
Deerhound - essential information but unique to this site. It
should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of
puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size
of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute
puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for
life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at
the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures
provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will
develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of
the family.
Information about Scottish Deerhound
Puppies
The
following considerations should be taken into account when
choosing puppies:
-
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
-
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
-
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
-
Exercising
requirements for the Scottish Deerhound
breed
-
Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
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Family
- child suitability
Age
comparison between the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed and a Human
Age
comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of
debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the
situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to
sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at
three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine
a dog's age.
Life
Expectancy of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is 8 – 11 years. Hound
Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry
by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds
have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina
necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples
being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on
the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the
Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight
is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened
by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired
traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th
Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase
useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were
intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially
introduced to help man according to specific requirements such
as:
In this day and
age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still
harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Scottish Deerhound
dog breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by
sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies
belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they
have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in
this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information
should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size
comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Scottish
Deerhound dog - essential information but unique to this site.
Examples
of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the Scottish Deerhound and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon
Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds
and Whippets.
Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds,
together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:
Scottish Deerhound
Dog Breed
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