Staghound

The Staghound is the British pack hound of the deer hunt — a large scent hound bred for stamina in the field rather than to a kennel club standard.

History

Staghound packs hunted red deer on Exmoor and in the West Country from at least the seventeenth century, and the hounds were bred by the packs themselves from foxhound and older hound stock, recorded in pack studbooks rather than a national register. The type is defined by what a pack needs, which is why it has never been standardised.

Temperament

The breed is known for being sociable and biddable in a pack, tolerant with people, and possessed of enormous stamina and a carrying voice.

Care and training

It is a pack hound and needs an amount of exercise most households cannot provide, along with secure ground. The short coat is easy and the drop ears want checking.

Health

Generally robust from hard working selection; ear infections are the usual complaint. These are patterns for the type rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.