History and Origins
– European pioneers moved west into the American frontier in the 19th century.
– Livestock frequently fell victim to predation from wolves and coyotes.
– Large sighthounds were found to be the most effective for hunting predators.
– American Staghound developed from crossings of various sighthound breeds.
– Pioneers hunted predators in hunting parties mounted on horseback.
Description
– American Staghound is a large variety of sighthound.
– It is usually rough-coated and powerfully built.
– Appearance can vary, but it stands between 25 and 33 inches in height.
– It weighs between 65 and 100 pounds.
– As a crossbreed, its appearance can vary markedly.
Uses
– In the Wild West, pioneers hunted predators in hunting parties.
– After settlement, these hunts continued as recreational sport.
– Reduction in predator numbers led to pursuing deer as well.
– In recent decades, deer has become the primary quarry.
– Different hunters preferred different crosses based on local conditions and quarry.
Breed Characteristics
– Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and Borzois are commonly used foundation stock.
– Other sighthound breeds like Whippets or Salukis are rarely used.
– American Staghounds can be bred from pedigree parents or to each other.
– Successive generations result in Staghound ancestry.
– Some versions of American Staghounds are referred to as Cold-Blooded Greyhounds.
References
– Fogle, Bruce (2009). The encyclopedia of the dog.
– Hancock, David (2012). Sighthounds: their form, their function and their future.
– Morris, Desmond (2001). Dogs: the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds.
– New York: DK Publishing. p.112. ISBN978-0-7566-6004-8.
– Ramsbury, Marlborough: The Crowood Press Ltd. pp.100–104. ISBN978-1-84797-392-4.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Staghound