Facts & Origin
Origin and history
The Old Deerhound Sheepdog is a unique blend of two time-tested dog breeds - the majestic Deerhound and the hard-working English Shepherd. The Deerhound is known for its history as the hunter of Scotland's royal deer, while the English Shepherd was traditionally used as a working dog on the farms of America.
Suitability and Husbandry
Because of these character traits, these dog breeds are well suited for families and children. They are excellent watchdogs, gentle with children, and are great for active owners who prefer long walks or jogs with dogs.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Scotland - UK |
| Life expectancy | 9 - 13 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance |
| Activity level | high |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
More Scottish deerhound mixes
More English Shepherd mixes
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character traits and nature
The Old Deerhound Sheepdog is known for his friendliness and loyalty, as well as his outgoing nature and exceptionally good behavior. He is known for being a family-oriented dog that does well in company and enjoys spending time with his people. He is also more intelligent and trainable than many other dog breeds, making him an excellent companion for active people and families.
The Old Deerhound Sheepdog's temperament varies, however, depending on the dominances in the breed mix. Some dog owners report a more calm, deliberate animal, while others tell of an energetic, active dog. Although not all Old Deerhound Sheepdogs are alike, we can observe that they are generally very adaptable, loving and loyal animals.
Training and Socialization
The Old Deerhound Sheepdog is easy to train and enjoys mental challenges. This dog breed is known for learning new commands quickly and executing them consistently. It is important for the owner to be patient and consistent, as this dog can be stubborn at times.
Socialization of Old Deerhound Sheepdogs should begin as early as possible, especially if they live with other pets or children. However, with their loving nature and desire to please, they usually adapt well to different environments and lifestyles.
Usage
Health and breeding information
Care of the Old Deerhound Sheepdog
Grooming the Old Deerhound Sheepdog requires some commitment. His coat is usually medium length, thick and can curl. Regular brushing at least twice a week is therefore required to prevent matting. Additionally, the coat should be trimmed occasionally to keep the dog comfortable and healthy.
Another essential aspect of grooming is proper nutrition. The Old Deerhound Sheepdog is an active and high-energy dog that requires high-quality dog food with a balanced mix of protein, fats and carbohydrates. In addition, regular veterinary examinations and vaccinations should be performed to ensure its overall health.
Health of the Old Deerhound Sheepdog
In general, the Old Deerhound Sheepdog is a robust and healthy breed. Thanks to the genetic diversity that results from combining two different breeds of dogs, this mix tends to have fewer health problems than its purebred relatives.
With good care and nutrition, an Old Deerhound Sheepdog typically lives about 10-15 years.
Breeding the Old Deerhound Sheepdog
Breeding the Old Deerhound Sheepdog should be done carefully and responsibly to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. Breeders should ensure that the parents are healthy and have positive traits that can be passed on to the offspring. In addition, it is important to ensure that the puppies are raised in a loving and caring environment to enhance their social and physical development.
Appearance and body measurements
The Old Deerhound Sheepdog is an impressive blend of its parent breeds, inheriting their sturdy constitution and robust stature.
In terms of coat, the Old Deerhound Sheepdog inherits the wire coat of the Deerhound or the thick, wavy coat of the English Shepherd. This sometimes results in a medium length, wavy or curly coat that requires regular grooming.
| Fur length | medium - long |
| Fur | rough-haired - flat coated |
| Ear shape | Triangle - Tilt-ear |
| Tail | lang - fanned out |
| Anatomy | slim, slim |
| Size ♀ | 44 - 78 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 18 - 36 kg |
| Size ♂ | 46 - 85 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 21 - 46 kg |
| Suitable For | - |
Known Diseases
Bone Cancer
May occur with age.
Heart disease
Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication.
MDR1 defect
The MDR1 defect is a defect in the MDR1 gene that can occur in some breeds of dogs and in humans. This results in the deficient or absent synthesis of a certain protein which is an important component of the blood-brain barrier, leading to hypersensitivity to some drugs.
Metabolic diseases (cystinuria)
Cystinuria is a hereditary metabolic disease. Affected dogs lack a transport protein for certain amino acids (protein building blocks). In the kidney, the task of this transport protein is a return transport of amino acids from the urine into the bloodstream.
FAQ
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The coat of the Old Deerhound Sheepdog needs regular brushing to keep its coat healthy.
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An Old Deerhound Sheepdog has an expected life expectancy of 12-14 years.
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Yes, he is a playful and loving dog who gets along well with children. However, he has a great need for exercise, which must be respected.
