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The Developmental Stages of the Scottish Deerhound — A Quick Reference
Public Education Committee
Puppy Stages (approximately 8 weeks to 9 months)
Exercise requirements are high. Sufficient exercise helps to prevent destructive behavior, allows puppies to develop to full potential, and increases overall health, vigor and longevity.
No forced exercise, such as roadwork, which stresses growing bones. Puppies need free playing, a safe place to run, with the opportunity to rest when they want. Frequent bursts of energy will be followed by periods of rest.
Nutrition is crucial. Premium dog food, not too high in protein or fat, is necessary. Consult with your breeder for a recommendation. Excessive protein and fat can lead to metabolic diseases such as panosteitis. No supplementation is necessary (especially not calcium). Puppies need to be fed three times per day; adults twice a day.
Mental development: Socialization is most important. Puppy kindergarten or handling class is recommended. Remember to use gentle handling and training techniques. Even rambunctious Deerhound puppies are sensitive and have long memories for harsh treatment. Deerhound puppies can be stubborn, insisting on their own way. They will try to take over beds, couches, even your favorite chair. Be gentle but firm in teaching house rules to a puppy. Remember that what is cute in a 30lb puppy (such as jumping on you) can be dangerous in a 100+lb adult.
Destructive Behavior: A bored puppy will be destructive. Don't leave your puppy unattended and alone for hours at a time. Do provide sufficient exercise, toys, play training etc to keep your puppy occupied and stimulated. Crate train your puppy and keep it crated if you're gone for a few hours to prevent destructive (possibly dangerous) behavior such as chewing electrical cords or eating poisonous plants. However, do not leave a puppy crated for hours at a time. During teething, provide plenty of safe chew toys so your puppy won't seek out your furniture, woodwork, shoes, etc. Remember, there really aren't any "bad puppies" just owners who haven't provided the time, exercise and attention the puppy craves.
Grooming: This is the time to get your puppy used to being brushed, having his nails trimmed, and getting a bath. Don't wait to wrestle a wiggly 100+ lb dog into the tub!
Adolescence and Young Adult (approximately 9 months to 2 years)
Exercise requirements increase. The young dog needs space to gallop and will play very roughly and wildly at this stage. Be careful about forced exercise (running on a leash, running with you, on a bike etc). Check with your breeder about starting a program of forced exercise. Physically he may go through various gawky stages due to rapid growth. He'll reach full height, but not his eventual weight and muscular development.
Some Deerhounds may go through a timid or fearful phase at this age. It is important to continue socialization, which will build confidence.
Nutritional requirements include a premium dog food of adult maintenance formula. No supplementation is necessary.
At this stage, the dog will reach sexual maturity. Bitches may come into season anywhere from 12-24 months of age.
Adult (approximately 2 years to 7 years)
Exercise requirements are now moderate to high. The Deerhound is less likely to self-exercise. The owner now needs to take on a higher level of commitment to keep the dog in condition if there are no other dogs to play with. Some roadwork is okay at this point. Daily walks, which are enjoyed by the dog and owner alike, are a must.
Nutritional requirements vary, depending on activity level.
The dog now reaches physical maturity, filling out, growing an adult coat, and the chest drops. Deerhounds now reach mental maturity and become model citizens, if their early care and training have been sufficient.
Aging (approximately 7 years to ?)
Exercise requirements are now moderate to low. The dog will rest more, needing soft bedding for aging bones. Maintaining regular exercise is very important to maintain muscle tone. Avoid roughhousing and strenuous exercise. Take care when allowing younger dogs to play with oldsters.
Nutrition requirements change. Lower protein/fat food and more frequent, smaller meals are needed. Do not allow weight gain which stresses the heart and joints.
Mental development. Older Deerhounds can get set in their ways and be more susceptible to stress. Keep their schedules the same, as much as possible. They may become fearful about such things as thunderstorms. However, they grow wise and wonderful, becoming even more in tune with you.
As Deerhounds age, it is important to maintain their coats with frequent grooming. In some lines, coats will become more profuse and softer. When grooming, check frequently for bumps and lumps.
Discuss with your breeder and veterinarian the warning signs of bloat>, cardiomyopathy>, and osteosarcoma.
While every effort is being made by responsible breeders to increase longevity in our breed, the Deerhound is not as long-lived as many of the smaller breeds. The average life span is in the range of 7-10 years.
This outline is intended to be a guide to assist the new or prospective Deerhound owner in helping his/her puppy grow to happy adulthood. You will be deeply rewarded for all the time, care, and love you lavish on your Deerhound. If questions arise, check with your breeder or any of the
Scottish Deerhound Club of America members you know, who will be happy to answer your questions. |
