Blue Moon Scottish Deerhounds
Scottish Deerhounds are a rare sighthound breed of great size, speed and strength, combined with an innate gentleness and a gaze that looks into your soul. Sir Walter Scott called them ‘the most perfect creature of heaven’. They are a legacy to be preserved and protected.
The American Kennel Club registered the first Deerhound in 1886, but the large and shaggy-coated Highland sighthound has been documented for centuries. Extinction has been barely averted several times. It is their noble character that galvanized fanciers to save them intact – these fierce hunters and gentle companions.
Located on a 45 acre farm in Bourbon County, Kentucky, our mission at Blue Moon Deerhounds is to continue to preserve and protect this amazing breed. We take great pride and care in raising our Deerhound puppies and placing them in the best homes. Whether pet, show or performance – our pups and their people become part of the legacy to preserve, promote and protect the Scottish Deerhound.
"The Kennel Club recognises nearly 150 breeds, what then are the qualities which make the deerhound one that mankind will not willingly let die? In an age when suspicion and mistrust are everywhere it is an inspiration to meet with dogs who so steadfastly believe the best of their human friends... It is character that enables a breed to live" (The Deerhound)
The Deerhound Character
Deerhounds are formidable. They can weigh over 100 pounds and run over 25 mph, with the strength and ferocity to take down a 300 pound red deer. They do this by instinct, not training. And they can rarely be recalled until their task is complete.
They are also most gentle and loyal companions. It is this dichotomy of their nature that makes them so unique and praised throughout their long history – the fierce hunter and gentle companion.
“How perfectly docile is the thoroughbred deerhound of our own Scottish forests and stalking ranges! .… His inveterate keenness, no less than his strength renders him as bad a foe as mortal creature need wish to face. Yet how gentle and familiar a housemate is he; of all dumb favorites the most decorous by the hearth and table; a marvel of patience with little dogs; and among the children a plaything that can be handled as they will.” (Scotch Deerhounds and their Masters)
Getting a Scottish Deerhound Puppy
Scottish Deerhounds are difficult to acquire and rarely found in shelters or rescues. This is because - both by opportunity and intent - Deerhounds are not obtained on impulse and therefore, not easily discarded.
The Breeder’s Commitment
For the breeder, raising a Deerhound litter is a significant undertaking – from selection of the stud dog to health and genetic screening, to the whelping and raising of a litter.
As a large breed, often with large litters, the first several weeks require 24-hour supervision of dam and pups.
Puppies are introduced to the outside world – under supervision – as early as 4 weeks. Outdoor exercise is vital to their health and development.
A worming regimen is started, along with introduction of solid foods and the eventual weaning process. All the while evaluating, measuring and recording conformation and temperaments.
The selection of each pup’s future home is the final and most vital step.
The New Owner’s Commitment
For the new owner, the vetting process involves applications, waiting lists, reference checks, phone calls, emails and sometimes home visits.
It also involves an education on the realities, requirements and challenges of owning a large and powerful sighthound.
And because Deerhounds are rare and far-flung, those truly committed to getting a puppy often wait far longer and travel much farther than they ever expected.
As a result of these combined efforts by breeder and new owners, a Deerhound puppy is not acquired on impulse nor easily discarded.
A new owner is supported not only by the breeder, but the wider Deerhound community, throughout the lifetime of their Deerhound.
It is this mutual stewardship that makes Deerhound ownership so special.
For more information on raising a Deerhound puppy, start with this from the Scottish Deerhound Club of America: The Scottish Deerhound – An Overview of its Care and Requirements.