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Dog Articles
Past and Present: Scottish Deerhound
There is something
about the shaggy hunting dogs of Britain that makes a particular
appeal to those who are attracted to dogs. It may be the touching
contrast of their harsh coat and rugged body with the soft,
affectionate look in the almost hidden eye. It may be the knowledge
of the indomitable courage and immunity from fear that is latent in
the friendly creature that noses our palm and meets our advances
with such amiable readiness. Whatever its causes, these brave and
friendly dogs, such favorites with Landseer and Burns, have surely
maintained their enviable position in our regard.
In the United States they are seldom seen, as only a
few have been introduced and little done to establish the breed
here. This is unfortunate, though easy to understand, as our laws do
not permit the hunting of antlered game with dogs, and our
carnivorous big game demands dogs of a heavier and more aggressive
nature than these fleet chasers of the Highland Stag.
In appearance the Deerhound is much like a
harsh-coated, grizzled Greyhound, and is an undersized counterpart
of the great Irish wolfhound, standing from 26 to 29 or 30 inches.
They are self-colored, the dark blue grays being perhaps the
favorites. Cream, fawn, sandy brown, and both light and dark
brindles are perhaps more frequently seen. Any large amount of white
is a fault, as it indicates a foreign strain, even though the dog be
fine in other respects.
The Scottish Deerhound might well be described as a
powerfully built, rough-coated Greyhound. While not as swift as his
English cousin, he has speed enough for most purposes and strength
and stamina, which made him a valued partner in the chase before the
days of the modern rifle.
In olden times the possession of a fine Deerhound was
a matter of sufficient consequence for tribes to go to war about. In
a battle between the Picts and Scots over one of these dogs more
than 160 men were killed.
The Deerhound makes a wonderful companion. His
honest, dark hazel eyes, looking straight out from under their
shaggy brows, quiet but fearless, bespeak the rugged beauty of his
soul and gain at once our admiration and our confidence.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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