Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound resembles a bigger and bulkier version of the Greyhound. While Greyhounds are built for speed, Deerhounds are made for stamina, allowing them to run over long distances. They move with a steady trot and have a thick coat that protects them from harsh weather. These dogs thrive in cooler temperatures and are smart, gentle, and relaxed when inside the home.

Quick Info

Size
Extra large
Colours
Various, but gray is most common
Lifespan
8 to 11 years
Height
28 to 32 inches
Type
Hound
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
75 to 110 pounds
Family
Sighthound

Personality

The Scottish Deerhound is a big dog, but it has a kind and friendly nature. Compared to other hound breeds, they tend to be more calm and shy. They enjoy showing love to their family members. They are gentle with kids and have a subtle sense of humor.

History

The Scottish Deerhound is probably an old breed that came from the Greyhound, but written history of them only goes back to around the 1500s. Only royalty were permitted to own these dogs, which led to a drop in their numbers in the 1700s. In the 1800s, the breed made a comeback, but it suffered another major loss during World War I. Since that time, the number of Scottish Deerhounds has stayed quite low.

Ideal Owner

Scottish Deerhounds are sociable and enjoy being around people, which makes them great pets. They are relaxed when inside but can become very energetic outdoors if they spot something intriguing. It's best for their owners to have some experience with sighthounds and to appreciate being active.

Exercise Needs

When it comes to exercising Deerhound puppies, it's important to be cautious. They shouldn't be climbing or descending steep hills frequently to avoid getting hurt. Adult Scottish Deerhounds are relaxed indoors but have plenty of energy outdoors, where they enjoy running around. These inquisitive dogs also need mental challenges, particularly when exploring new sights or scents.

Space Requirements

The Scottish Deerhound is more tall than heavy, and it doesn’t require a lot of room. However, they can easily reach high surfaces like tables and counters, so be aware of that. Their long bodies can make it hard for them to fit in small areas. They like to lie down comfortably, so a big bed or crate is ideal for them. It's important to have a fenced yard so that the Scottish Deerhound can run around safely.

Training

Deerhounds can lose focus quickly, so it's important to make training fun for them. They aren’t fans of doing the same thing over and over. It’s essential to teach them basic commands like coming when called, lying down, and walking nicely on a leash. It's wise to train these large dogs to avoid jumping on counters and people. Since they enjoy chasing, using toys that they can chase as rewards will help keep their interest high.

Grooming

The Scottish Deerhound needs to be groomed regularly, which includes brushing a few times each week. Additionally, its coat may require hand-plucking once or twice annually.

Suitability for Family Life

Deerhounds are loving and loyal to their families, but they tend to be shy around people they don’t know. When treated kindly and given some room, they can become friendly quickly. They generally get along well with kids, but their size might be a bit much for very young children.

Did You know?

People frequently confuse the Scottish Deerhound with the Irish Wolfhound. In fact, the Deerhound was one of the breeds used to develop the Irish Wolfhound. In two Harry Potter movies, a Scottish Deerhound named Cleod portrayed the character Padfoot.

Similar Breeds

Ibizan Hound
Pharaoh Hound

Need to Know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Need to be aware of potential health issues
Enjoys active walks
Large dog
Minimal drool
Requires frequent grooming
Quiet dog
Welcomes everyone happily