Deerhound
Group: Hound
Size: Large
Coat length: Medium
Grooming required: More than once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
At first glance, the Deerhound looks like a rough-coated Greyhound but they are larger and slightly heavier in build. They can come in a variety of colours but mainly black, blue-black or grey. They tend to carry their tail low, almost between their back legs.
They were bred in Scotland to help to track deer so the harsh coat is for protection against the cold. They almost became extinct, their numbers fell because, at one time, only the nobility were allowed to own one.
They are particularly good at tracking and are a well-mannered and loyal dog but can be rather slow to follow commands. They enjoy the company of people and are very good with children, they normally get on well with other dogs but have to be trained to tolerate non-canine animals. They need plenty of outdoor exercise as they tend to be sedentary indoors.
Their harsh coat needs trimming and stripping. They are prone to bloat but are otherwise generally healthy.