History
The Deerhound has played an important part in the development of this country and it is undoubtedly true that it is one of, if not the oldest breed of British dog - Here, in the early days it was in demand as a companion and as a supplier of food.

Later, as the pastoralists moved further west with their flocks and the rabbit, fox and dingo became the scourge of the countryside, there was a demand for a dog with strength, speed and stamina. What better breed than the Deerhound? Frequently, they were used as station sires and the Kangaroo Dog developed.

After the gold rush when the wool industry was well established there was an interest in purebred stock and agricultural and kennel societies were formed and Deerhounds began to appear on the show bench. Wealthy squatters even established their own deer parks. The McConnels of Cressbrook, Queensland, imported Deerhounds and introduced deer to the Brisbane Ranges in the late 1870's. Robert Christison of Hughenden, one. of the pioneers of .the frozen meat industry, imported a pair in 1892.

The Winter-Irvings, David Syme and the Chirnsides, all owned and showed Deerhounds, and the Chirnsides had their own deer park in the area now known as Deer Park. Sam Horden, President of the RAS (NSW) imported a number including Fair Catherine of Abbotsford and bred them under the Retford prefix

After the First World War until well into the thirties times were hard in the countryside and for a while it seemed that the purebred dog in Australia could well face extinction. It was about this time that Donald Thomson imported a number from New Zealand where they were used for hunting red deer and the breed, did survive. These were a strain of sandy-wheaten dogs.

Shortly after the war Doug Mummery, John Gorman and Noel Wettenhall, imported stock from Britain, and by the 1950's and 60's, 25 point challenges were common at the Melbourne Royal.

Today our dogs and/or their descendants are to be found in New Zealand, New Caledonia, the United States and Britain.

Most Deerhounds like to jump and think nothing of clearing the average garden fence or even higher. So be warned. Your new puppy will be quite upset initially , being away from the rest of the litter for the first time, so for the first few nights the warmth of a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel can provide security and comfort until he adjusts to his new surroundings .

Female deerhounds rarely have their first to season it or "heat" before the age of 8-10 months. Sometimes not until they are 2 years old or more, so don't worry if there is no sign at 6 months as in smaller breeds. Of course she must be confined in a secured yard for the duration of the heat which can vary but usually lasts 21 days.

Feeding
Correct feeding is most important while the pup is growing, so he needs a balanced diet. This can be given in the form of a good quality commercial dry puppy food. For example, Harpers Puppy Chow or Lucky Puppy, made available all day in dry form when the pup is older and able to chew, or softened in hot water with milk added, given 2 or 3 times a day up to the age of 3 months or so. This forms a good diet basis for a developing pup. Moist food should not be left uneaten for more than a couple of hours as it goes off and attracts flies. If you can't replace uneaten food due to your absence during the day, leave only dry food, which should be available to the pup at all times. Puppies rarely overeat, so leaving food available all day is usually the best arrangement.

The addition of fresh meat is an advantage and most breeders feel it is an essential part of a dogs diet. An egg given 2 or 3 times a week also is of benefit as added protein and aids in- a glossy coat. Where eggs are plentiful more may be given, consult your vet if you are not sure.

The following are examples of a days feeding firstly for young pups up to 12 or 16 weeks of age then for older pups to 12 or 15 months.