Standard ANKC (Australie)
Idem UK Kennel Club. https://www.ankc.org.au/Breed_Details.aspx?bid=117
Description du Victorian Club:
The Deerhound, the Royal Dog of Scotland, has been bred in the Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland since time immemorial. Bred to run down, catch and kill the red deer, it is built for speed and stamina. Revered for his courage and tenacity as a stag hunter, it was not until the introduction of improved fire-arms that its skills were no longer in great demand. Deerhounds have been in Australia since early colonial times and were a much needed source to supply meat by keeping down the kangaroo population; later they were used for killing the dingo which preyed upon the sheep flocks.
The Deerhound has played an important part in the development of this country and it is undoubtedly true that it is one of, if not the oldest breed of British dog. Here, in the early days, it was in demand as a companion and as a supplier of food. Later, as the pastoralists moved further west with their flocks and the rabbit, fox and dingo became the scourge of the countryside, there was a demand for a dog with strength, speed and stamina. What better breed than the Deerhound? Frequently, they were used as station sires and the Kangaroo Dog developed. After the gold rush, when the wool industry was well established, there was an interest in purebred stock, and agricultural and kennel societies were formed and Deerhounds began to appear on the show bench. Wealthy squatters even established their own deer parks.
Certainly there is mention of Deerhounds in the records of the early writers (1860) and they are depicted in our emerging colonial art.
It seems that none of the early importers of Deerhounds kept any records of their hounds, and it is not until 1895, when Beilby’s “The Dog in Australia” was published, that we have any record of pedigrees.
After the First World War until well into the thirties times were hard in the countryside and for a while it seemed that the purebred dog in Australia could well face extinction. It was about this time that Donald Thomson imported a number from New Zealand where they were used for hunting red deer, and the breed did survive. These were a strain of sandy-wheaten dogs. Shortly after the war Doug Mummery, John Gorman and Noel Wettenhall imported stock from Britain, and by the 1950’s and 60’s, 25 point challenges were common at the Melbourne Royal. Today our dogs and/or their descendants are to be found in New Zealand, New Caledonia, the United States and Britain.
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN - 7 – 8 years.
A Deerhound in good health, given lots of affection and regular veterinary check-ups, can live to be 9 or 10 years old, occasionally longer. They are long lived for a giant breed; females living longer than males.
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
Size is desirable in this breed and a Deerhound should be as tall as possible, consistent with quality. Height should be not less than 76cm (30”) at the shoulder for the male, and 71cm (28”) for the female. Dogs should weigh 39-48kg (85-105lbs); bitches 30-37kg (65-80lbs).
BREED PERSONALITY / CHARACTER / TEMPERAMENT
The Deerhound is loyal and dignified and adores children. Mr George Cupples, in “Scotch Deerhounds and their Master” writes : “How perfectly docile is the thorough-bred deerhound of our own Scottish forests and stalking-ranges. His master – if not always his keeper – can at a word, free him from the very throat of a stag he has gripped, has pulled down, and has worried like a wolf, so that he comes quietly to heel. His inveterate keenness, no less than his strength renders him about as bad a foe as mortal creature need wish to face. Yet how gentle and familiar a house-mate is he; of all dumb favourites the most decorous by the hearth and table; a marvel of patience with little dogs; and among the children a plaything that can be handled as they will.”
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
A Deerhound should live happily with other household pets. However, since they were bred to chase and catch game, the sight of a small animal running by may trigger a response. Your Deerhound may share companionship with your indoor cat, but may change its attitude outdoors when a cat, even its indoor cat, runs past. Most owners report their Deerhound and other pets get along just fine, but it is best to use caution to prevent any “chasing mishaps”.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
The adult Deerhound enjoys as much exercise as you can give it. A young puppy will exercise sufficiently by just playing with the family, itself or other dogs each day. Some Deerhounds can be extremely sensitive and need almost no disciplining, where others try your patience to the limit. The Deerhound requires only moderate grooming, having an easily managed coat of a rough wiry texture that does not readily harbour dirt. Deerhounds like to be close to the family and will feel rejected if banished outside. If a Deerhound is to be an outdoor dog, it needs to be provided with a draught-free kennel, not too far from the house. Deerhounds like to jump and can easily clear the average garden fence or even higher. A secure yard must be provided as Deerhounds have no road sense and can travel up to 60kms per hour.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE
If a Deerhound is not given infinite companionship and direction as a youngster, it can develop into a headstrong, boisterous and unruly adult.
IDEAL OWNER/S
There are many things to consider before you bring a Deerhound into your home. Deerhounds are wonderful dogs for those who have a large, safely fenced area for them to exercise in, and who do not spend long hours away from home on a regular basis. It is probably not going to bring the stick which you throw and most likely will not bark and growl when someone approaches your front door. That nice roast you put on the kitchen counter to defrost is an open invitation for a Deerhound to snack. It is big – busy as a puppy and prone to long naps as an adult. Deerhounds are sweet, tractable, lazy dogs, not excelling in obedience work. You will need to accommodate its size, need for exercise, quality food and good health care. In return you will have a faithful companion, who will reward you with love and devotion throughout its life. Those who share their lives with Deerhounds wonder why they are not more popular; but the Deerhound is really not for everyone. For further extended information please contact:
The Secretary,
Deerhound Club of Victoria Inc