I am considering getting a Deerhound to add to my current 2 labradors who are immense fun. I have read endless websites but I really would like to know what it is like to live with a Deerhound. My current labs are such fun pinching TV removes, dumbells, nudging you when lying on the floor crawling on all fours across the carpet and generally acting the clown. I continually see photos of Deerhounds running, lying on setees but could someone please tell me how interative they are with you. \like when I open a coupboard the lab will look in the cupboard with you. If I am unwill the lab will come and lie with you. What can I truely expect from a Deerhound?

Hi Dylan and welcome to the site

Can I ask you what is it about Deerhounds that makes you consider getting one?

I was interested in large breeds, but not one's that have a history of agression and I think the Deerhound is very majestical.

Deerhounds are not aggressive and are indeed very regal and majestic. They can be thieves and mine certainly have been known to pinch anything that's left lying about but mainly food and they can be very sly about it too As they are big dogs you will need a vehicle big enough to accomadate them and they usually travel well and seem to enjoy it.

As they are sighthounds you will need to be aware of their tendency to 'lock on' to moving things and chase them. They will need to be taught at an early age not to jump up as a full grown deerhound jumping up at you is not funny and they can injure people doing this especially children. They are very different to labs and not quite so trainable being hounds

I waited a long time before getting my two and I would not now have any other breed.

I am sure that others on here will respond with their thoughts - good luck!

Hi Dylan, Deerhounds are great dogs to live with, although a little more laid back than the labs. They love being with people and are always curious to know what you are doing, but if you just want to sit and relax they are quite happy to lay back and snooze. They are also very low maintenence dogs, a good brush once a week keeps the coat in good condidion and they shed very little hair. We live with 4 of them and wouldn't be without them.

Pam

They are very rough and mischevious puppies and eventually grow into wise, sedate hounds that are excellent companions. They can be quite a handful and are very good at embarrasing you. Despite these issues once you have had one most people would settle for nothing else.

I have found deerhounds to be very similar to Labradors in their temperament and their outlook on life. They both love people and love to be with their owners. They love kids and like to play. They have immense passion for life and will run, play and act like complete loons given half a chance.

Both can be completely lazy and be content to lie about all day, but will go for a long walk, get back, have 5 minutes rest and be ready to go out again.

They are definately equally as stubborn , and have "I hear ya , but I'll do it in minute" attitude , although that might just be Chocolate Labs.

It always touches me when I'll be out walking with the pack and Mac will run back to me , and wrap himself around my legs for a minute or two, have a little fuss , and then run off to the others again. They certainly mix OK !

As for looking in cupboards, a Deerhound will open the cupboard and help themselves !

Hmmm. My deerhounds aren't at all like labs Dylan, not at all.

The biggest difference I'd say is that deerhounds do not have a need to please, not like labs do. When visitors come to the door for example, they may or may not get up to have a look. The younger ones will make a bit of a fuss but the older ones, meh. In fact their indifference can be a little embarrassing Wise visitors bring biscuits.

That's another thing, a deerhound, upon meeting a person, will not forget them, ever. Best to make a good first impression.

They're sensitive too, whereas I believe labs are less so.

Deerhounds are elegant, and regal, and have a sense of their size and majesty particularly as they grow into adults. That means that when they're young they'll put up with guff from other dogs, but when they mature, ah, not at all.

They play best with other deerhounds and sighthounds because of the way they play, which is quite rough and involves a lot of very fast-paced running. They don't do "go fetch." True, they can be gentle with other breeds - mine play with a teeny tiny shizoodle and are always kind to her - but lookout when they get going with one another as they're snapping hooligans!

BTW they love the taste of antique wood, so if you have that sort of furniture in your house, well, good luck

Thank you all for the information which is of immense assistance.
I hear you Ci Coch, chocolate Labs have a mind of their own, sensitive definately not, when chastised I think he just laughs at me. Go and fetch, not in his vocablary but Coniferhill Ultimate Hero is 10 today.

Please do keep the advice coming it really is appreciated.

2 of our 3 hounds love playing ball and especially Lockie, is a great retriever. This is something we encouraged as a pup which now helps us give him enough exercise.
In general they are very easy to live with and I wouldn't be without them.

Hello and welcome Dylan,

You can find more information over the Deerhound of the side from "The Deerhound Club" of UK.

Link: www.deerhound.co.uk/breed...d/ownership.htm


Best regards
Joerg and Yoki

Hallo!

We actually have the comparison Labrador/ Deerhound at the puppy school. Four 10 month old labradors and our 11 month old deerhound boy. The main difference is how to say "no!". These labrador pack is unbelievable chaotic and their owners have always a lot to do to deter them from making nonsense. The only thing that functions is a really rough "NO!" with leash imput(?). Then the labradors remember "Oh yes, there is someone on the other end of the leash!". If I would do the same action with the deerie he would be offended and would refuse to work.

I made the experience that you need much less energy to make clear that you are at the other end of leash.

We have and had both Deeries and Labradors.

And as others wrote, Deeries have the better memory, sigh! and antique wood is loved by both

Biro