Staghound, a name applied both to the Buckhound (q.v.) and to the Scottish deerhound. The latter breed has been established in Scotland from time immemorial, and has probably sprung from the same source as the Irish wolfhound and the smooth greyhound. A contest between two deerhounds is vividly described in Ossian's poems. The breed seems to have been in danger of extinction about the beginning of the 19th century, when crosses of fresh blood were tried, and the breed successfully revived. Owing to the altered conditions of sport the staghound can only be looked on now as an ornamental dog, as he is rarely used for pulling down the wounded deer, the purpose for which he was originally kept. The deerhound is an immense shaggy dog, standing nearly 30 inches high in some cases, and has a peculiar swing in his action suggestive of great speed, with a keen, determined expression. In conformation the deerhound is similar to the greyhound, but with more bone and power; the head is long, with powerful jaws. The body is covered with wiry hair about 3 inches long. The colour varies from dark gray to white. As an ornamental and graceful dog the deerhound is without an equal, and as a rule combines good temper with his other companionable qualities.