Many people who would like a deerhound are put off by their size, and because they assume that a sighthound must require a vast amount of exercise. True, a deerhound would be a tight fit in a mini, but I also own Irish Wolfhounds, and because of that, have come to think of deerhounds as big dogs with long legs rather than as a true giant breed like the wolfhound. A deerhound will tidy itself away into a remarkably small space - always provided of course, that the space is comfortable. Also because of their generally quiet nature, they are actually be much less intrusive in the home than many smaller dogs. A few can be quite vocal in expressing their opinions, but in quiet rumbles and grumbles, so noisy barking is rarely a problem. Roosevelt, T. (1908). Hunting the grisly and other sketches. New York. pp. 194–95. {{ cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link) Scottish deerhounds roughhouse. While deerhounds tend to be gentle dogs, they're large dogs that can play rough. You should closely supervise deerhounds when playing with other dogs or children to ensure that the deerhound doesn't inadvertently frighten or injure a playmate. St. John, Charles. Sketches of the Wild Sports & Natural History of the Highlands London: John Murray 1878 [9]

The hunting of antlered game with dogs is not permitted in the United States, but the Deerhound has been used very successfully on wolves, coyotes, and rabbits, and is keen to match his speed with anything that runs. As a companion the Deerhound is ideal, being tractable and easy to train and po ssessing the most dependable loyalty and utmost devotion to his master. The most authentic and complete work on the breed is Scotch Deerhounds and their Masters written by George Cupples. Much has also been written about the Deerhound by Scrope in Days of Deerstalking and other works. The best descriptions of the breed are found in nineteenth-century British dog books. Dogs very like Greyhounds and they have been around since the 3rd Century and throughout time they were worked alongside hunters. However it was in the 15th Century that references were made of many hound breeds which includes English Greyhounds Irish Wolfhounds and Highland Deerhounds with images being recorded too. These records show that certain breeds with the same lineage in their lines were being developed in various regions of the land. Over time this resulted in several very similar looking hound-type breeds being created. Dalziel, Hugh. British Dogs – Their Varieties, History, Characteristics, Breeding, Management And Exhibition London: The Bazaar Office circa 1879 [3]All responsible Deerhound breeders would ensure that their stud dogs are tested for known hereditary and congenital health issues known to affect the breed by using the following schemes: In outward appearance, the Scottish Deerhound is similar to the Greyhound, but larger and more heavily boned. However, Deerhounds have a number of characteristics that set them apart. While not as fast as a Greyhound on a smooth, firm surface, once the going gets rough or heavy they can outrun a Greyhound. The environment in which they worked, the cool, often wet, and hilly Scottish Highland glens, contributed to the larger, rough-coated appearance of the breed. The Deerhound is closely related to the Irish wolfhound and was a contributor to that breed when it was created at the end of the 19th century. Though the breed persisted in some areas, numbers continued to decline, even more so with the improvement of the sporting rifle by the early part of the 19th century. The scarcity of Deerhounds prompted one writer, Archibald McNeill, to comment, “Should they once be lost, it is difficult to imagine how any race of dogs can again be produced possessing such a combination of qualities.” A full copy can easily be found on the Internet, but the standard can be summed up in the first sentence - "The general appearance should resemble a rough-coated greyhound of larger size and bone." When considering dogs that adapt well to apartments, size alone should not be the sole determinant. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. It’s important to remember that the size of your living space is just one factor to consider. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, it is crucial to consider your neighbors’ comfort when selecting a dog. Opt for a pet that doesn’t bark excessively and behaves politely when interacting with others in shared spaces.

When a Deerhound moves they do so with an elegant easy gait taking long strides and covering a lot of ground when they do. FaultsScottish deerhounds are reasonably easy to groom — they don't shed much, and their wiry coat is low-maintenance. Deerhounds need their coats brushed several times a week to remove loose hair and maintain healthy skin. Socialization is always the best way to ensure your dog becomes their most friendly self. You can help by exposing your pooch to as many sights, sounds, and environments as possible. Set up doggy playdates, enroll in dog training classes, or visit the dog park. Of course, be sure to do your research on dog training methods to ensure your dog will listen to you in social settings. Confidence is key! Although rare Deerhounds have a large fanbase and healthy well-bred puppies can command a lot of money. As such with Deerhounds there is specific advice questions and protocols to follow when buying a puppy which are as follows:

Additionally, to prevent heartworms, a potentially deadly parasitic infection that's spread through mosquito bites, your deerhound must start taking a heartworm preventative medication by eight weeks of age and continue for the dog’s lifespan. Heartworm preventatives are prescription medications that come in oral or topical forms. Your veterinarian can help you choose which prescription is right for your Scottish deerhound. Scottish Deerhound Health Issues The Scottish Deerhound is gentle and extremely friendly. The breed is famed for being docile and eager to please, with a bearing of gentle dignity. It is however a true sighthound which has been selected for generations to pursue game; consequently, most Deerhounds will be eager to chase. Scottish deerhounds are often confused with Irish wolfhounds. Both breeds are sighthounds with wiry coats, but the Scottish deerhound is smaller and less muscular. There has been a lot of discussion about the need for dogs to have boosters. As such it's best to talk to a vet before making a final decision on whether a dog should continue to have annual vaccinations which are known as boosters. What about spaying and neutering?Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have. Chapter One begins, ‘It was the start of a perfect autumn day… the sort of day when only good things should happen’. Write another story using this beginning. Deerhounds are often quietly devoted to their owners, but they are not attention seekers, and so adults are normally content to be left alone for quite lengthy periods. My own get distinctly offended if I disturb them during what they consider their times for contemplating whatever deerhounds contemplate.