A Pocket Guide to Judging the Scottish Deerhound
A POCKET GUIDE TO JUDGING THE SCOTTISH DEERHOUND The Scottish Deerhound is a large sighthound that was developed to catch and bring down the 300- to 400-lb. red deer of Scotland. The dogs were worked on the hilly and rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Therefore, the Deerhound is both fast and powerful. The overall dog is well balanced, slightly longer than tall, and with good bone and muscle. He is a rough-coated dog, natural in appearance, and has an air of quiet dignity. The laid-back, quiet demeanor, which is an inherent trait in the breed, normally does not make for an animated performance in the show ring. 1 The head is essentially a wedge when seen from above or in The length of this text block is about 3 /2˝—the approximate profile, with a powerful underjaw and level lips. The head is length of an adult Deerhound coat described in the standard. long and the skull flat. Correct furnishings can often distort There should be no signs of trimming, stripping, scissoring or the appearance of an otherwise correct head. clipping. Ears should be very small, set high, be black or dark colored, and tightly The expression is soft in repose but keen rosed. Deerhounds will often not use their ears when baited. when aroused. This soft look is enhanced by a medium to dark brown or hazel eye The neck must be powerfully muscled, strong and arched, wide at the and correct facial furnishings (eyebrows, base, and clean at the throat. The hair on the side of the neck covers the mustache and beard), which are softer and entire length of the neck and forms a ruff.
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