Hound Breeds

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Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound (right, Ch Kilbourne Darling) is synonymous with Baronial Halls and the Highlands of Scotland. The origins of the Deerhound are unclear, but there were running hounds when the Romans invaded. Possibly they were bred as a result of hounds introduced by Phoenician traders; these hounds would have been smooth coated and, like the Borzoi in Russia, would have been bred to local, coated breeds to improve their hardiness. Latest research suggests that the Afghan and Saluki are behind all the sighthounds, so this would seem reasonably likely. However, the Deerhound, used to hunt deer in the Highlands of Scotland for very many years, and in that time have remained recognisable as the dog we know today, though the colouring of today's Deerhound is farily uniformly grey, the reds and fawns having disappeared.

With the introduction of the flintlock and then the Clearances the Deerhound became redundant as a working hound and did not become popular again until the 1830s. Sir Walter Scott had a Deerhound cross, Maida, who is commemorated by a statue at his home, Abbotsford.

Deerhounds are very much easier than their fellow sighthounds. They can forget themselves on occasion and chase, but generally the Deerhound is highly biddable and eager to please. The high-security fencing required for the other sighthounds is not necessary, though they do need a secure area to exercise. The Deerhound is excellent with all members of the family and will mix quite happily with cats and other dogs, as long as they are introduced at an early age. Aggression in any form is extremely rare and is viewed with great disfavour by those in the breed. They are also sociable with strangers, so would probably show the burglar where the silver is kept, after having let him in. They are amongst the quietest of the hounds so really offer no deterrent to unwanted visitors apart from their size.

Although the Deerhound is a large breed - dogs up to 76cm and 100lbs, bitches somewhat smaller, they are built quite lightly and can curl up into a surprisingly small space. The coat which is almost always shades of grey, though other colours are allowed, is slightly shaggy but very easy to keep as the old coat is easily stripped out.

As a large breed, good advice should be taken from the breeder regarding feeding and rearing; undue exertion by the young Deerhound can easily damage joints so exercise until 18 months or so should be controlled. He should not be allowed to jump from cars as a youngster as the concussion is damaging to developing joints.

The Deerhound is an easy, dignified and sensitive hound who, given a reasonable amount of exercise, will fit in well with a family who have time for him.

Click here to read the Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Deerhound.

Deerhound Puppies Available

Jamalison Sonata x Nixophel Crystal Amethyst JW. ShCM Please contact Miss Helga Jansons on  07773 039 270, 01572 759654 or email Home reared, parents available to be seen.  Vaccinated, Liver Shunt tested, wormed, and well socialised. Ready now.

Deerhound Breeders

Puddockswell Deerhounds Dandie Dinmonts Contact Alison Cox in Co Meath, Ireland for further information by email or phone 00 353 8778 16030. Also Dandie Dinmont and all breed rescue.

Cloweswood Deerhounds. Earlswood, Warwickshire Contact Sue Hird on 01564 703004 or email

• Glenfoyble 
• Gwynapnudd 
• Kilbourne 
• Birkhall 

Deerhound Breed Club

DEERHOUND CLUB Miss Girling Tel 01206 302072

Deerhound Rescue

Contact the Deerhound Club. They should all be able to give you information about hounds requiring homes and procedures for re-homing; if you are in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own hound, please go through breed rescue. They will not be judgmental and are best able to find the right permanent home for your hound.

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.