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Non-sporting Breeds
Deerhound
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Pedigree Points
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
Height: Dog: 30-32 in (76-80cm) Bitch: at least 28 in (71cm)
Weight: Dog: 85-110 lb (38-48.5kg) Bitch: 75-95 lb (33.5-42.5kg)
Coat: Shaggy but not overcoated
Color: Dark blue gray and lighter grays; brindles and yellows; sandy red or red fawn with black points
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One of the most ancient British breeds, the Deerhound
may have arrived in Scotland with Phoenician traders
about 3,000 years ago, and thereafter developed its
thick, weather-resistant coat to combat the colder
climate. The breed became a favorite of chieftains
in the Scottish Highlands, hunting with them by day
and gracing their baronial halls by night. Today, the
Deerhound is used for coursing and draws good
entries at dog shows.
Although gentle in the home, the breed needs
careful training around livestock, for it can kill
when its hunting instincts are roused. With its shaggy
coat, it is no hardship for this breed to be kenneled
outdoors-in fact, it does not like intense heat. It
needs lots of exercise but the minimum of grooming
just the removal of stray hairs for showing. |
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