Dog Breeds: American Staghound

Called simply the Staghound most of the time, the American Staghound is an interesting breed. It's not recognized by any association, and so has no detailed breed standard, but it's a breed nonetheless. Because they're mostly bred for function, not form, there hasn't really been a push to get them recognized. The Staghound is a hunting dog, and most huntsmen would rather the breed continue to be bred for this function rather than have to adhere to a specific breed standard.

In any case, the Staghound has been bred in its current form since the 1800s. Before that, it was primarily the result of crossing the Greyhound with the Scottish Deerhound, with a few other breeds likely thrown in there to get the best possible hunter. The Greyhound gave it the speed to pursue the coyote while the Deerhound had a rough jacket and better scenting abilities, not to mention a more robust constitution. Their breeding has always laid with the huntsman, and if the Staghound is to maintain its majesty, it should probably stay that way.

Standing no more than 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 90 pounds, the Staghound looks like a hunting dog. It has strong muscles, a deep chest, and long legs. They have extraordinary visual acuity and most of them have some scenting ability. Because of their Greyhound ancestry, the American Staghound is incredibly fast, but it also has some endurance, making it a well-rounded hunting dog.

The American Staghound can be of any color and pattern, though it usually mimics the colors found in both the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There are three distinct coat types, none of which is more prized than the other. First, there is the 'shag', which resembles the coat of the Deerhound. Then there is the 'slick', which looks a lot like the coat of a Greyhound. Finally, there is the 'broken' coat type, which is somewhere between the two. Many hunters have a preference for the 'shag' coat, but it isn't a strong preference and both 'broken' and 'slick' are common as well.

Though this breed is a born hunter, he also makes an excellent companion. Most Staghounds crave human attention and want to be around their families. They tend to be calm, even lazy in the house, so they really do make great house pets. Staghounds are wonderful with children, but they are a bit large and don't know it, so they often knock young children over without meaning to.

Unlike some breeds bred for a specific physical standard, the Staghound has been bred for hunting and practically nothing else. This means they have a strong hunting instinct and a high prey drive. So while they may be trusted with humans, don't trust your Staghound with other pets unless you're there to supervise. They're excellent dogs, and highly obedient, but they are hunters. Never forget that. Some Staghounds can live comfortably with cats and other small animals, but most shouldn't.

The American Staghound isn't an apartment dog, but they can do well enough in the city if you make sure to exercise them on a daily basis. They're a healthy breed, mostly because they've been bred for it, so there aren't many health problems to be aware of. If you're going to have a Staghound for your canine companion, you should know that they have little body fat, making them more susceptible to anesthesia during surgeries. They also shouldn't run after a heavy meal because of torsion bloat concerns. Other than this, they are one of the healthiest dog breeds out there.

If you're looking for an affectionate dog who will bond well to his family, the American Staghound might be for you. Elegant and strong, this hearty breed can be an excellent addition to the right household.