Overview
The Pampas Deerhound, or Veadeiro Pampeano, comes from the open pampas of southern Brazil, where ranchers used it to hunt deer and wild boar over flat, treeless country. It is a lean, long-legged, short-coated dog with the running build of a sighthound and the stamina of a working ranch dog.
Very little has been documented about the breed outside Brazil and it is not recognised by the FCI. Any example in the UK will be an import or a cross, and the owner is the only reliable source of information. Treat it as a running hunting dog and plan accordingly.
Exercise and walking needs
A hound bred to run after deer needs around ninety minutes of movement a day, with a chance to open up safely. A secure field and a few sprints after a flirt pole or a thrown toy will do more than a long lead walk.
Thin coat, little body fat: carry a coat in cold weather and check the dog is not shivering on winter walks.
On the walk
- Recall: Assume none outside a fenced area. A dog of this type sees a deer and is gone before you finish the word.
- Prey drive: Deer, rabbits, cats and perhaps small dogs will all read as game. Walk away from livestock and keep greetings with small breeds controlled.
- Pulling: Lunging at prey is the risk rather than steady pulling. Use a harness with a secure fit and keep a loop of lead in hand.
- Other dogs: Many ranch hounds worked in groups and tolerate other dogs well, but play may be fast and physical. Match company with similar running dogs.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk this dog alone until you know how it behaves with the rest of your group.
- Pick fenced fields for any off-lead time and check the fence line first.
- Carry a coat on cold days and towel the dog dry after rain.
What to ask the owner
- What does the owner know about the dog's background, and has it ever hunted?
- How does it react to deer, livestock and cats on a walk?
- Is it used to other dogs, and has it ever shown aggression towards small breeds?