STAGS 'R' US


A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN STAGHOUND:

The Staghound is originally a Greyhound and Scottish Deerhound hybrid.
In 1790, Australia’s first European settlers brought with them Greyhounds and Scottish Deerhounds that were then cross bred, and are now known as the Australian Staghound or Kangaroo Dog. The Staghound is known as a Lurcher in European countries.

The original purpose of the staghound was for hunting rabbits and game such as kangaroos, emus and wallabies. They also protected the settler’s flocks of sheep from dingos. (Hunting Kangaroos, emus and wallabies with staghounds is now illegal.)

The staghound has since been bred to suit each owner’s individual purpose. To hunt rabbits, foxes and pigs as well as being great pets.

Many different types of hounds are crossed[sic] bred to create the modern day staghound. Some of these breeds may include but are not limited to the Greyhound, Wolfhound, Deerhound, Whippet, Borzoi, Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, Terriers and Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Blood Hound, Beagle, Coonhound, Catahoulas, Bull Arab, Bull Mastif and Pit Bulls.

Any number of combinations can be used. We have come across all types of staghounds with a hint of this or that in them.

At this point in time, there is no such thing as a ‘purebred’ staghound. There are no fully recorded ‘lines’ to our knowledge which is a requirement to register the breed as a pure/pedigree, so it is not recognised as a breed, although it has been around for longer than some modern recognised breeds.

We like to use the term ‘Original Staghound’ when talking about the original staghound cross of a Purebred Greyhound with a Purebred Deerhound. This is what most people are referring to when using the term ‘Purebred Staghound’.
These two breeds are crossed to create a hound who has speed and agility, enabling it to chase and catch fast game and pests such as rabbits and foxes as well being more robust, with tougher feet and thicker skin to help minimise injuries such as skin tears and broken legs.

A staghound has long legs, a deep chest and strong muscles. It has sharp vision and some are bred for their scenting ability. Staghounds come in all colours with three coat types: the “shag," which resembles the Scottish Deerhound; the "slick," which resembles the Greyhound; and the “broken,” which is in between the two. Some can be as fast as a greyhound but tend to have more endurance.

Due to the diversity of the breeds crossed to create a Staghound today their height and weights vary greatly but these are an average:

Height To The Shoulder:
Males 21 - 36 inches
Females 20 – 33 inches

Weight:
Males 25 - 41 kg
Females 20 - 40 kg

Staghounds are generally a very calm and composed dog when near home. They are affectionate and they enjoy attention from their owners. Although the staghound is primarily used for hunting, this dog makes a wonderful companion, great family pet and most are good with children, but its size can pose a problem with young children. NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN AND DOGS UN-SUPERVISED!

A young child running and screaming excitedly sounds like prey. If the child falls it is like prey being killed. Do NOT have dogs at a child’s party!

Most Staghounds do not make good guard dogs or protectors but most will bark at visitors while happily wagging their tail. Mature staghounds can have a lazy nature, enjoying all day on the couch but also enjoy a good free run, and pack runs.

The Staghounds coursing instinct is unrivalled, so if it runs, they will chase it.

The life expectancy of a staghound is 13-15 years if cared for properly. If you have a staghound that you no longer have time for, please contact us.