INTRODUCTION

The original purpose of the Scottish Deerhound breed was to hunt and shoot the Scottish roe deer, a magnificent beast twice or more the size of the dog. Today, if the Scottish Deerhound were to write a personal advert, it would say that it likes long walks, opportunities to run, regular meals and a good sofa to nap on, although these are purebred dogs, some may end up in the care of shelters or rescues. Although these dogs are very affectionate with the humans around them, they do not adapt well to flats or to new parents. They are large and energetic, which means they need room to run. These dogs need an experienced handler who is firm and consistent. They also do not like to be left alone in the house for many hours of the day. If you have the strength and stamina to meet the needs of this breed, you will have a loyal and loving companion for life.AniMall24 recommends a large, spacious cage to give your large Scottish Deerhound a place to rest and relax. You should also purchase this dog brush and massager for your long-haired puppy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Scottish Deerhounds need a well-fenced yard to prevent them from chasing prey. The Scottish Deerhound is not recommended in households with smaller animals and pets that may be considered “prey”. If not properly socialised, and for some Scottish Deerhounds even socialisation does not stop it, they will give chase whenever they see the other animal. This could result in the smaller animal being killed or injured. Scottish Deerhounds are not recommended for flat living. Although they have a relatively low activity level indoors, they are large dogs and need plenty of room to run. Scottish Deerhounds should be walked on a leash to prevent them from chasing a moving animal, but be aware that they may pick you up if they decide to take off and you hold on to the leash. They get on well with other dogs if they are large and do not trigger their prey drive. Not the best alert or guard dog due to its affectionate nature, house training may take a little longer with the Scottish Deerhound than with other breeds. Scottish Deerhounds are relatively inactive indoors, but need plenty of daily exercise to maintain their huge bodies. They are great jogging companions and enjoy long walks. Many people are surprised when their active Scottish Deerhound puppy becomes an adult couch potato.Scottish Deerhounds get along very well with older children, but be aware of their size and energy level when outdoors. Don’t let a child walk a Scottish Deerhound; it won’t be able to hold on to it if it decides to run after something. Regardless of breed, a dog should never be left alone with a small child. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet shop. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they have no genetic diseases that can be passed on to puppies and that they have a healthy temperament.

HISTORY

The origins of the Scottish Deerhound are lost in the mists of the Highlands. Over the centuries, they have been known as Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Greyhounds, Rough Greyhounds, and Highland Hunting Dogs. It is unknown if they were originally used to hunt wolves and later reused to hunt the large Highland deer, but we do know that they were used as early as the 16th century to hunt and kill deer. Hunting dogs were prized for their bravery and gentle dignity. A nobleman on death row could buy his life with a gift of hunting dogs. And only a noble could do it; no one below the rank of earl could claim a sighthound, which was commonly known as the Royal Hound of Scotland. However, the breed suffered under its restricted ownership and there were many times that it came close to extinction, most of the time when the Scottish clan system collapsed in 1745 after the fateful Battle of Culloden during the Jacobite rebellion against the English proficiency. In 1769, the breed was in dire straits. Archibald and Duncan McNeill made efforts to restore the breed to its original glory in the 1820s. The breed also made its way to the United States. The first Scottish Deerhound registered by the American Kennel Club was Bonnie Robin in 1886.During World War I, the breed suffered another decline in numbers as many large estates in Scotland and England were divided. The Scottish Deerhound once again became a rare breed, enjoyed only by a select few. Today, the Scottish Deerhound is still a fairly rare breed, prized by those who love sighthounds or have an interest because of their Scottish heritage, but more are coming to learn that this is a versatile breed and exceptional dog in all aspects. Today, the Scottish Deerhound is ranked 135th out of 155 breeds and varieties registered by the American Kennel Club.