Scottish Deerhound

Sir Walter Scott described them as "the most perfect creature of Heaven."� It's true that few dog breeds contain all that the Scottish Deerhound does in one perfect package: majesty, beauty, sweetness, calm, hardiness and hunting ability. These are true "gentle giants"� laid-back and friendly. Striking in appearance, the Scottish Deerhound sports a medium-length shaggy, wiry coat that presents in various shades of fawn, brindle, and gray with a darker muzzle. This breed, like many of its sight hound cousins, is tall, slender and graceful. Males stand on average from 30 to 32 inches, but may be taller. Females average a few inches smaller. Average lifespan of the breed is 9-11 years, although healthy individuals do live longer. In the rugged Scottish Highlands, the coat and constitution of the Scottish Deerhound made it well-suited to travel, long periods of time out in harsh elements, and hard days all the traits which combined to make it ideal for hunting expeditions in a time before the introduction of the rifle. The Scottish Deerhound is first documented in literature in the 16th century, but most historians believe it dates to antiquity, perhaps before recorded history. It was likely a companion to tribes living in the pre-Christian era in continental Europe and the British Isles, specifically the Scotti (from whom are descended the modern Irish) and Picts (from whom come the modern Scots) who surely used the great dogs to help in bringing down large game. Roman pottery from the 1st century AD, found in Argyll, Scotland, features pictures of a large, lean, shaggy hunting dog. This is likely the earliest depiction of a Deerhound. A few centuries later in Scotland, standing stones were erected in several areas which show a similar hound. Historians believe that Highland chieftains from the early Middle Ages used the Scottish Deerhound to hunt the large red deer found in Scotland. The breed, fleet of foot, could chase for miles and bring down the mighty red stag. By the medieval period, only nobility was allowed to own a Scottish Deerhound; the reasoning was that the only reason someone of lesser social class would keep one is to be able to poach the nobleman's deer, and so unlawful ownership was considered evidence of intent to steal. Penalties could be harsh. When long-distance bow-hunting equipment arrived, and then the gun, the landscape was changing. Fences were established around farms, cutting off the open country through which the Scottish Deerhound could previously run when on the hunt. Its innate job becoming scarce, its population began to dwindle. But in the more remote areas of Scotland there was still open land, and the deer continued to thrive. Here there was an effort to preserve the breed. By the late 1800's ownership was more common amongst those outside the nobility, guaranteeing the breed's survival. The effort was helped by the paintings of Landseer which depicted the Scottish Deerhound on the hunt, and as loyal companion to its high-bred owners. Sir Walter Scott and other writers owned the breed and used their popular writings to call attention to its majesty. Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century also became an admirer of the breed. These elements all combined to raise awareness of the breed, and its population grew. As is true of many breeds, the coming of WWII nearly made the Scottish Deerhound extinct. But in the Highlands of Scotland it survived in pockets where its devotees made certain that it didn't disappear, and after the war the population was re-established. Today, the Scottish Deerhound is recognized by kennel clubs the world over, and by the American Kennel Club, although it is still rare in the U.S. Care of the Scottish Deerhound is relatively easy. Its shaggy coat, measuring a wiry 3-4 inches, does need occasional brushing to keep it clean of debris and parasites. Baths are needed infrequently. Few diseases plague this breed, and healthy individuals can live beyond 11 or 12 years. Common diseases include cardiomyopathy and osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Although hardy, the Scottish Deerhound may be sensitive to extreme cold and extreme heat. Care should be take to provide shade. In climates with a milder winter and temperate summer, the Scottish Deerhound is happy outdoors, but can make a fine, calm indoor companion as well. Young deerhounds up to about 2 years old can be quite exhuberant and energetic. Because they are also big and gangly, indoor life is a challenge but only temporarily. Like other large sight hounds such as the Greyhound, the adult Scottish Deerhound is calm, quiet and considerable lazy indoors, given to long periods of blissful napping. The adult of the breed will need at least one long walk daily, however, and the younger dog will need more. Especially in the young Deerhound, pent-up energy can lead to destructive behavior. It's best for the owner to live by the rule that "a tired Deerhound is a good Deerhound."� The Scottish Deerhound is not overly protective or dominant. It will not make a good guard dog, although the occasional individual may bark to alert the owner to a trespasser. Its carriage is noble and proud, but sweet-tempered. Loving and peaceful by nature, the Scottish Deerhound can be excellent with children of all ages. Care should be taken with very small children simply because of the size of the breed: a youngster may easily be knocked down. This breed is generally good with other dogs and larger pets. It is a sight hound, however, down to the bone, and is bred to give chase. So small dogs, cats and other small pets must be introduced with great caution. Individual Deerhounds can and do learn to live successfully with companion cats and other small mammals. The Scottish Deerhound is faily easy to train. At times it can be defiant and choose to ignore the command, but it isn't for lack of intelligence more likely it finds the repetitive exercise a bore. Generally, it is a very obedient, easy-going dog. For the dog lover who wants a big dog who is gentle and loving, there are few breeds kinder and more amiable than the Scottish Deerhound.

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