American Staghound
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Find American Staghound BreedersGet to Know American Staghounds
- A “Made-in-America” Sighthound: The American Staghound isn’t a single breed but a type of sighthound developed in North America. They were bred specifically for hunting large game like deer and antelope, and are known for their speed, stamina, and powerful build.
- A Blend of Several Sighthound Breeds: American Staghounds are typically a mix of Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and other sighthounds. The exact blend varies, making each dog unique in appearance and ability.
- Built for Endurance, Not Just Speed: While they can sprint fast, American Staghounds are prized for their ability to maintain speed over long distances. This endurance made them ideal for the wide-open terrains of the American West.
- A Hunting Dog That Thinks Independently: These dogs were bred to make split-second decisions during a chase without human direction. That independence translates into a strong “thinking” personality, which can make training challenging but rewarding.
- Calm at Home Despite High Drive Outside: Despite their intense athleticism in the field, American Staghounds are often calm and gentle indoors. They’re known to be “couch potatoes” when not working or exercising.
Breed History
The American Staghound was developed in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries by hunters who needed a fast, durable dog for pursuing deer and other large game across open terrain. Breeders combined various sighthound breeds — including Greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, and sometimes Borzois — to create a dog that could run fast, endure long chases, and withstand harsh conditions. Because these dogs were bred for function rather than strict appearance, their look varies widely. Today, American Staghounds are still valued by hunters and are increasingly admired as gentle, loyal companions for active families.
Personality and Behaviour
- Independent & Self-Reliant: American Staghounds are used to making decisions in the field and can be less interested in constant direction. This makes them confident but sometimes stubborn.
- Gentle & Affectionate with Family: They tend to be calm, affectionate, and loyal to their people. Their gentle nature often makes them good family dogs when properly socialized.
- Reserved Around Strangers: They may be wary or aloof with unfamiliar people. Early socialization helps them remain composed and friendly in new situations.
Care
- Exercise: They need daily vigorous exercise, including running or long walks, to satisfy their high prey drive and stamina.
- Training: Training should be consistent, patient, and reward-based; their independent nature responds best to positive motivation rather than force.
- Grooming: Their short or medium coat is easy to maintain, needing only occasional brushing to remove loose hair.
American Staghound Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own an American Staghound Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an American Staghound is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About American Staghound
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available American Staghound puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for American Staghound, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an American Staghound is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
