Although I have included some basic information about Deerhounds below, the best place for learning about the "most perfect creature of Heaven", the Scottish Deerhound, is the website of the Scottish Deerhound Club of America. You will find the breed standard, history, a bibliography and lots of information on the breed's characteristics. If you are interested in reading the breed standard for the Deerhound in the United Kingdom, you can find it here.
Here is a link to an excellent bibliography of books and articles about the Deerhound, compiled by Margory Cohen. Thanks for sharing, Margory!
The Deerhound is not the breed for everyone and those who wish to add one to their family need to do their research and may have to be patient as puppies are not always available. Deerhound breeders are very careful in placing puppies and screen potential homes thoroughly. A fenced yard is almost always a "must". Deerhounds, like other sighthound breeds, will chase anything that moves and can cover amazing distances in a very short time; and they are not smart about cars. Deerhound puppies require plenty of exercise in order to develop correctly and that means ample space and opportunity to gallop and play in a fenced area. They are not always good at self-exercising, so if you have no other dogs, it will take some commitment on your part to play with your puppy and find play groups where the puppy can play with other dogs. Deerhounds require the best quality food as well, whether you choose to follow a raw diet as I do, or buy commercial food. (This does not mean a high protein and fat content puppy food, but a good quality adult food. This is what my puppies were raised on before I switched to the raw diet).The Deerhound temperament is easy-going and gentle, but they can be very sensitive and can't endure harsh correction. They do not make good watchdogs and are unlikely to bark at strangers. Deerhounds are prone to certain health problems, the principal ones being heart disease (usually cardiomyopathy), bone cancer and bloat/torsion. They are sensitive to anesthetics and many drugs, particularly sulfa drugs such as tribrissen, so extreme care should be taken whenever drugs are prescribed. Check with your Deerhound's breeder or other knowledgeable Deerhounders for medications to avoid and possible side effects to watch out for. Deerhounds require minimal grooming, a good brushing once or twice a week and regular nail trimming are about all that is needed. They have little or no "doggy" odor and their wiry coat sheds dirt easily so that bathing is rarely needed.
Much more information is available at the SDCA website, so be sure and visit there. Once you have done your research, decided that the Deerhound is for you and your new puppy joins your family, you will understand why those of us who live with them say "There is nothing like a Deerhound!"
More About Chartwell | Hounds of Chartwell | The Scottish Deerhound | Deerhound Links | Other Interesting Links | Chartwell Whippets | Relatives | Deerhound-L
This webpage created and maintained by Ellen Bonacarti. All text, photos and images, unless otherwise noted, are copyright ©1998-2004 Ellen Bonacarti and may not be reproduced in any way without her permission. All other text, photos and images are copyright of their respective authors. Please respect copyright and do not reproduce without permission.
Get your own, Free Homepage