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The Staghound is a tall, athletic, and hard-working Australian sighthound type with deep roots in the country’s rural past. Also known as the Kangaroo Dog or “Roo Dog,” this long-legged hunting dog was shaped by early settlers who needed a fast, tough, and practical dog that could help provide food and protect livestock in harsh conditions.
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The Staghound is a tall, athletic, and hard-working Australian sighthound type with deep roots in the country’s rural past. Also known as the Kangaroo Dog or “Roo Dog,” this long-legged hunting dog was shaped by early settlers who needed a fast, tough, and practical dog that could help provide food and protect livestock in harsh conditions.
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- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
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The Ultimate Staghound Guide
About Staghound
Although many people call the Staghound a breed, it is often better understood as a working dog type rather than a formally standardised pedigree breed.
Its background is commonly linked to Deerhound and Greyhound ancestry, with later breeding choices depending on the land, the purpose, and the dogs available at the time.
Staghounds were bred for function above appearance. Early Australian settlers needed dogs that could cover rough ground, chase fast-moving animals, and cope with rural life.
Their speed, stamina, and hunting ability made them valuable working companions in areas where families relied on fresh meat and livestock protection.
These dogs are often calm and gentle inside the home, but outdoors they can switch into chase mode within seconds. That mix of quiet household manners and explosive speed is part of what makes them both appealing and demanding.
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Weight
25 to 45 kg
Height
68 to 76 cm
Grooming
Brush rough-coated Staghounds once or twice a week.
Origins
The Staghound’s story is closely tied to the Australian Kangaroo Dog, which Outback Family History describes as possibly the first Australian dog breed ever created. The same source notes that the Kangaroo Dog is now known by many as the Staghound and was also called the “Roo Dog.”
The type was developed by early settlers who needed dogs that could help supply fresh meat and protect livestock. In rural Australia, these dogs were not ornamental companions. They were practical workers that helped families survive and build life on the land.
The earliest accounts of these dogs are said to go back to the late 1700s. Most historical descriptions point to a Deerhound and Greyhound foundation, with later crosses made according to local conditions, available dogs, and working needs.
In Tasmania, Roo Dogs were said to be so popular that some people spent more time hunting with them than working in agriculture, which shows how strongly these dogs became woven into early colonial life.
Today, Staghounds are much less common than many modern pet breeds. Some people still recognise them as a rural working dog, while others may not know the name at all. Even so, they remain part of Australia’s dog history and still appeal to people who admire athletic, practical, and loyal sighthounds.
Key Characteristics Of Staghounds
Are Staghounds Family-Friendly?
Staghounds can make gentle and affectionate family companions when raised with kind handling, clear routines, and sound socialisation. They can be good with children who understand how to behave around large dogs. Because of their size and speed, they may knock over small children during play, so supervision matters.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Staghounds may suffer from:
Bloat or gastric torsion
Deep-chested dogs can be at risk of bloat, a serious emergency where the stomach fills with gas and may twist.
Joint injuries
Their speed and long limbs can make them prone to sprains, strains, and running injuries.
Hip or elbow issues
Large working dogs can develop joint problems, especially if over-exercised as puppies.
Nature / Temperament
Affectionate, loyal, and soft-natured
Suitable Environment
Staghounds suit homes with space, secure fencing, and owners who understand large running dogs. They are not ideal for casual off-leash walks in unfenced areas.
Other Considerations
- Calm in the home when exercised
- Loyal to their family
- Sensitive in temperament
- Strongly chase-driven outdoors
- Better suited to secure yards than open off-leash areas
How can I take good care of my Staghound?
Nutrition
A Staghound needs a high-quality diet that supports lean muscle, steady energy, and joint health. Because they are athletic dogs, they do best with balanced meals that contain good protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
Staghound puppies need large-breed puppy food or a vet-approved growth diet to avoid pushing growth too fast. Overfeeding during puppyhood can place stress on growing joints.
Adult Staghounds should stay lean. You should be able to feel their ribs under a light covering, but they should not look bony or weak. Feed according to age, size, activity level, and vet guidance.
Avoid heavy meals straight before or after intense exercise, as deep-chested dogs may be at higher risk of bloat.
Grooming
Staghound grooming needs depend on coat type. Rough-coated dogs need more brushing than smooth-coated dogs, especially after outdoor runs.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Check the coat after walks for burrs, ticks, cuts, and scratches.
Bathe only when needed, as too much bathing can dry the skin.
Brush teeth several times a week or use vet-approved dental care options.
Exercise
Staghounds need daily exercise, but they need the right kind of exercise. A long walk, sniffing time, training games, and safe sprint opportunities can help keep them settled.
Roo dog puppies should not be pushed into long runs or hard exercise. Their joints need time to develop. Keep puppy exercise controlled, with short walks, free play on safe surfaces, and plenty of rest.
Because of their chase instinct, off-leash exercise should only happen in secure, enclosed spaces.
Training
Staghounds are intelligent, but they do not always train like obedience-focused breeds. Their instincts can override commands when they spot movement, so training must begin early.
Recommended activities:
- Lure-style games in fenced areas
- Scent work
- Puzzle feeders
- Long-line recall practice
- Loose-lead walking
- Calm settle training
- Supervised play with suitable dogs
This information is general and should not be used for adoption or purchasing decisions. Consult an expert for detailed care and requirements of the breed.
Most Asked Staghound Questions
The terms are often used in a connected way. The Kangaroo Dog, Roo Dog, and Staghound all refer to Australian sighthound types shaped around speed, stamina, and working ability. Some people use the names as if they mean the same dog, while others use them to describe coat type, region, or working line.
They can be challenging for first-time owners because of their size, speed, prey drive, and fencing needs. A committed first-time owner may manage well with support from trainers, vets, and experienced sighthound owners.
They are not ideal apartment dogs unless the owner can provide daily exercise, safe toileting access, and regular trips to secure running areas. A home with a secure yard is usually better.
They should not be left alone for long stretches every day. Boredom and isolation can lead to stress, escaping, digging, or destructive behaviour.
Staghound puppies for sale range between $500 and $1500 approximately.
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