American Staghounds 101 Everything You Need to Know

The American Staghound is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. They were bred to hunt large game such as deer and wild boar.

These dogs are known for their speed, agility, and endurance, making them a formidable hunting companion. They were often used for hunting in the southern United States, where their speed and agility allowed them to keep up with the swift game.

The American Staghound is a medium-sized dog with a muscular build and a short, smooth coat. They typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand between 22-26 inches tall at the shoulder.

They are highly energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

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The American Staghound is a type of sighthound that hunters use for many types of game. They have excellent visual acuity and were primarily bred for their scenting abilities.

They come in any assortment of color patterns found in the Scottish Deerhound or the Greyhound, and have three types of coat: the "shag", the "slick", and the "broken". The dog is known for reaching speeds similar to the Greyhound's but has unbelievable endurance.

The American Staghound was created by mixing the Scottish Deerhound with the Greyhound, but is not the direct progeny of these two dogs.

The American Staghound has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century when European pioneers moved west into the American frontier.

These pioneers needed a dog that could keep up with their horseback hunting parties and help them hunt predators like wolves and coyotes.

The American Staghound developed from crossings of various breeds of sighthound found in America at the time, including the British Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound, and Irish Wolfhound.

The Russian Borzoi was also used in the development of the American Staghound.

In the Wild West, these dogs were used to hunt predators on horseback, and after settlement, the hunts continued as recreational sport.

Deer became a primary quarry pursued by these dogs as the numbers of predators decreased.

Different hunters in various regions preferred different crosses, with field performance in local conditions and the quarry pursued being the primary factor.

Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and Borzois have always been the most commonly used foundation stock for the American Staghound.

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The American Staghound is a large dog with a muscular build, weighing between 55 and 90 pounds. They have long legs and strong muscles, perfect for running.

They come in a variety of colors, including Blue, Black, Brown, Brindle, White, and Yellow. Their coat types are the short-haired shag, the silky-haired slick, and broken, which is a cross between the two.

The shaggy varieties of American Staghounds enjoy the cold, while the slick coated ones are more comfortable in the heat. This is a great example of how their coat type can affect their daily life.

Their ears are folded, although one can be erect while the other is wrapped. They have dark eyes, a black nose, and a long, narrow muzzle tapered at the tip.

The American Staghound is an agile and graceful dog, with a sharp sense of sight and smell. They're built for speed, but also have impressive endurance.

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The American Staghound is a calm and affectionate dog, but he's not very demonstrative, which means he won't always show you affection in the way you'd like.

He loves to give chase, and his laidback personality makes him a poor watchdog and guard dog.

His size and appearance can be intimidating, but that's about it.

You'll need to provide him with a long daily walk and the occasional opportunity to run free in a securely enclosed area.

If you let him off his leash, he'll likely take off after a squirrel, bunny, cat, or other small animal.

A visual barrier, like a fence, is essential to keep him contained, as an underground electronic fence won't deter him.

His height of 24 to 30 inches and chowhound appetite make him a master counter surfer, so keep food out of reach.

He can be trained with positive reinforcement techniques, especially food rewards, but you'll need to start early and keep training sessions short and fun.

Avoid harsh corrections, as this will only confuse him.

American Staghounds are generally pretty healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, is a medium-risk condition that can be costly to diagnose and treat, with a price tag ranging from $1,500 to $7,000.

A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. They'll also offer a health guarantee on puppies, which is essential for any responsible dog owner.

To keep your American Staghound healthy, make sure to provide plenty of exercise and a balanced diet. Feed them three to six cups of good quality dry dog food, split into two meals to prevent bloating. And don't forget to keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Here's a quick rundown of common health issues that can affect American Staghounds:

Regular grooming is also essential for keeping your American Staghound happy and healthy. Brush their coat a few times a week, and use a dog tooth kit at least three times a week to keep their oral hygiene in check. Don't forget to keep an eye out for ear infections and redness, and use a soft damp cloth or ear cleanser to clean their ears instead of inserting earbuds.

American Staghounds are generally pretty healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One common problem is gastric torsion, which is caused by their deep chest.

Bloat, also known as gastric torsion, is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. The risk profile for bloat is medium, and the cost to diagnose and treat it can be as high as $7,000.

Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is another potential health issue that can affect American Staghounds. This is a common problem in large sighthound breeds, but it's hard to say what health problems they may eventually develop due to their rarity.

The cost to diagnose and treat bloat can range from $1,500 to $7,000, making it essential to have pet insurance to cover unexpected veterinary expenses.

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Staghounds are relatively low-maintenance pets when it comes to grooming. They require only a few brush downs every week, and the occasional bath.

Use a dog tooth kit at least three times a week, if not daily, for their oral hygiene. This will help prevent any potential issues.

Their ears can be prone to bad odor, irritation, and redness, so keep an eye out for these symptoms.

It's essential to use a soft damp cloth or an ear cleanser instead of inserting earbuds to clean the inside of their ears.

Staghounds typically don't need their nails clipped often, but be cautious not to clip them too close to the nerve ends.

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Finding the right breeder is crucial, as they'll match you with the perfect puppy and have done health certifications to screen out problems.

A good breeder will have done all the necessary health certifications, but it's also a good idea to consider an adult dog from a shelter or rescue group. Many health problems aren't apparent in puppyhood, so adopting an older dog can be a great option.

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American Staghounds can live up to 12 to 14 years, so even an adult dog will be with your family for a long time. Take your dog to the vet soon after adoption to spot any visible problems and set up a preventive regimen.

Make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. In states with "puppy lemon laws", be sure you and the seller understand your rights and recourses.