The Scottish Deerhound originated in Scotland and was bred to hunt deer, just as its name suggests. This breed is in close blood relation to the Irish Wolfhound and the Highland Greyhound. These dogs would be brought on hunting trips and would be commanded to 'stalk' a deer and literally run it down. This was usually done with at least 2 Scottish Deerhounds, 1 to distract and the other to make the move. Today this dog is most common in Luring competitions as they have speed and a hounds determination for its prey.
The Scottish Deerhound is a tall shaggy dog with a body similar to that of a Greyhounds. They are slender with long muscular legs and a straight tail. They have a large head with small floppy ears and a long muzzle. The body of the Deerhound is muscular which will aid in their speed during a hunt. Their coat is a harder, wiry texture which is needed for the colder temperatures they work in.
This is one of the rare breeds of dogs that came very close to extinction, but were revived in the early 1800's. As a sighthound does, this breed hunts with his eyes more so then anything else. They make great companions as much as working dogs, but today they are more valued as pets.
