THE DECORATIVE DEERHOUND
The Deerhound is a remarkably elegant and picturesque dog, exuding grace and majesty in every movement and posture.
Whether seen in a grand hall, lounging by a warm hearth, or bounding across the hills, there is an undeniable allure of feudal romance and poetry that surrounds this breed.
Since ancient times, Scottish nobles have cherished their Deerhounds for their hunting prowess in the Highland forests.
The red deer, a prized possession of the Scottish kings, was often rounded up for royal pleasure through extensive drives lasting several days.
However, during the Stuart troubles, the coursing of deer by courtiers ceased and became the task of loyal servants who replenished their chiefs’ food stores.
When considering the Deerhound’s physical attributes, the head should be widest at the ears, gradually tapering towards the eyes, and then more distinctly towards the nose.
The muzzle should have a pointed shape, while the teeth and lips should be level.
The head should possess a lengthened appearance with a flat skull, a slight rise over the eyes, and no prominent stop.
The skull should be covered in moderately long hair that is softer than the rest of the coat.
The nose should be black, although blue fawns may have a blue-colored nose.
In lighter-colored dogs, a black muzzle is preferred, along with a moustache of silky hair and a fair beard.
The ears should be set high on the head and, when at rest, fold back like those of a Greyhound.
However, when excited, they may rise above the head without losing the fold, and sometimes even become semi-erect.
The ears should feel soft and glossy, similar to the texture of a mouse’s coat.
Smaller ears are considered better, without excessive long coats or fringe, although a silky, silvery coat may be present on the body of the ear and its tip.
Regardless of the general coat color, the ears should be black or dark in color.
In terms of the neck and shoulders, the neck should be long, befitting the Greyhound-like characteristics of the breed.
The nape of the neck should be prominent where the head is set, and the throat should have a clean-cut angle and be noticeable.
The shoulders should be well-sloped with the blades set back, avoiding excessive width between them.
Regarding the tail, it should be of moderate length, tapering and reaching within approximately 1-1/2 inches of the ground, and about the same distance below the hocks.
When the dog is still, the tail should hang straight down or curve slightly.
However, when in motion, it should curve when excited, without deviating from the line of the back.
The tail should be well-covered with hair, thick and wiry on the inside, and longer on the underside.
The eyes of a Deerhound should generally be dark, with dark brown or hazel being common.
At rest, the eyes should have a moderately full and soft appearance, but when the dog is roused, they should exhibit a keen and far-away gaze.
The rims of the eyelids should be black.
In terms of the body, the THE DECORATIVE DEERHOUND’s overall structure is reminiscent of a larger Greyhound with more substantial bones.
The chest should be deep rather than wide, avoiding narrowness and flat sides.
The loin should be well-arched and slope towards the tail.
The legs should be broad and flat, with a desirable broad forearm and elbow.
The forelegs should be as straight as possible, and the feet should be close and compact with well-arched toes.
The hindquarters should be drooping, broad, and powerful, with wide-set hips with THE DECORATIVE DEERHOUND.
The hind legs should have a well-bent stifle and considerable length from the hip to the hock, which should be broad and flat.
In terms of the coat, the hair on the body, neck, and quarters should be harsh, wiry, and approximately 3 to 4 inches long.
The hair on the head, breast, and belly should be much softer.
A slight fringe of hair may be present on the inside of the fore and hind legs, but it should not resemble the feathering seen in Collies but as THE DECORATIVE DEERHOUND.
The Deerhound should have a shaggy appearance without being excessively coated.
When it comes to color, personal preference plays a significant role.
However, the dark blue-grey coat is highly favored.
Darker and lighter greys or brindles are also popular, with the darkest shades often being preferred.
Yellow and sandy-red, or red-fawn, are equally esteemed, especially when accompanied by black points on the ears and muzzle.
In terms of height, the Deerhound typically ranges from 28 to 30 inches, or even taller if they possess symmetry without coarseness, although such dogs are rare.
For bitches, a height of 26 inches and above is acceptable.
A large size in bitches is not objectionable as they do not reach the same height as dogs.
Therefore, even at their maximum height, they remain suitable for work, unlike oversized males.
THE DECORATIVE DEERHOUND is a very grand animal to most!