Scottish Deerhounds Not City Dogs
URBANA, Ill. (WBBM) -- Hickory, a Scottish deerhound, took home the big blue ribbon at the Westminster Kennel Club show.
WBBM Newsradio 780's John Cody talked with University of Illinois veterinary professor Tom Graves about the breed.
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Graves pictures the Scottish deerhound as affectionate, but somewhat aloof – hardly a lap dog.
"You can think of the Scottish deerhound as being like a long-haired, fuzzy greyhound. It's a large sighthound that was developed as a breed in the 16th century, and used, actually for deer hunting," Graves said.
Graves explains a sight hound is one that tracks by vision rather than scent.
Hickory lives on a farm in Virginia, which is a suitable home for a dog that stands about 2 1/2 feet high and weighs about 100 pounds.
"If you're out walking your deerhound and something furry goes by, you can probably expect it to take off after it," Graves said.
The dogs are not well-suited for city apartments, Graves said.
The International Kennel Club says Scottish deerhound puppies have been going for about $1,000 each.
