The National Deerhound (AKA the Veadeiro Nacional) is a sighthound from Brazil that used to be common in that country, although is now extremely rare. Developed in the 16th century when Europeans began to step foot in Brazil – the Europeans crossed Greyhounds with Podengos and other breeds local to the area in order to create the ultimate deer hunter. The breed specializes in hunting in dense forests, a sharp contrast to the wide open plains used by many European hunting breeds. Today, it is most likely the oldest Brazilian dog breed although is also one of the rarest. Since the 1980’s the population has sadly declined significantly due to both hunting bans and indiscriminate breeding, and it is now on the verge of extinction.
National Deerhounds are docile and intelligent with balanced temperaments. While reserved with strangers, they are nonetheless self-confident and should never be overly shy if properly socialized. Like most sighthounds, they are calm in the home and form strong attachments with their owners. They should never be aggressive although it should be said that when it comes to hunting they are courageous enough to hunt jaguar or wild boar! They do require homes with a large yard as they need an environment which can accommodate their great speed while racing around. This makes them more suited to homes with property rather than small city condos or apartments. Bred to hunt in a pack, they can easily fit into households with other dogs. 
The National Deerhound is a large breed with a short coat, rough to the touch. The color most often seen is brown in various shades, ranging from cream to red and every shade in between although piebald, brindle and tricolor coats are also permitted. This breed has long legs and a deep chest that flows into a sharp tuck-up. The head is long and narrow, tapering toward the nose, and the eyes are almond-shaped and set obliquely on the face. Ears can have a lot of variation and may be either rose, semi-prick, full prick or hanging. The tail can either be long or naturally short, although is always carried low. Some tails have a slight fringe underneath.
National Deerhounds were not bred to work with people in the sense of following commands, so they may be difficult to train. They are known for having quite an independent style of thinking! That said, when it comes to hunting they will take naturally to it without any training needed, and will do so with great speed, agility and tenacity. While basic training is important for every dog (including this breed), thankfully they don’t need too much other than the “basics” in order to be great house dogs. Naturally quiet (except when hunting) and generally well-behaved, it’s a shame that the breed is as rare as it is.
