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Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed

About the Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound, sometimes simply known as the Deerhound, is a majestic and ancient breed known for its regal appearance and gentle disposition. Originally bred for pursuing red deer, this sighthound is characterized by a wiry coat, long limbs, and a very dignified demeanor.

AKC Group

AKC Group

Hound

Dog Breed Height

Height

28 – 32 Inches

Dog Breed Weight

Weight

75 – 110 Pounds

Dog Breed Lifespan

Lifespan

8 – 11 Years

Highlights

Country of Origin Scotland
Bred For Deer Hunting, Companionship
Known For Muscular Build, Gentleness, Loyalty
Popularity Low
Temperament Dignified, Gentle, Polite
Activities Coursing, Running, Hiking, Conformation Shows, Dog Sports

History of the Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound, referred to as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” boasts a history that is as captivating as its regal appearance would suggest. This ancient breed has graced the Scottish highlands for centuries, serving as a trusted companion of nobles and a proficient hunter of fleet-footed quarry.

As a member of the sighthound family of dogs, the breed’s ancestors are believed to have been brought to the British Isles by the Phoenicians and Romans. Those early hounds were interbred with local dogs, resulting in the development of this hound’s coursing predecessors.

The primary purpose of the Deerhound was to course deer, a task for which the hound’s speed, endurance, and size had it ideally suited. Unlike other hunting breeds that relied on scent, Deerhounds used their keen eyesight to spot and chase down their quarry across the rugged Scottish landscape.

By the Middle Ages, the Scottish Deerhound had gained significant prominence, especially among chieftains and nobles. The breed’s prowess in hunting, and their dignified demeanor, made them highly coveted. So much so that, at one point, laws restricted the ownership of Deerhounds to only those of noble birth.

Sadly, as firearms became the preferred method of hunting, the need for Deerhounds diminished. By the 18th century, their numbers had dwindled alarmingly. However, passionate enthusiasts, recognizing the breed’s historical importance and its many unique qualities, undertook efforts to revive the breed.

The 19th century saw a resurgence in the Deerhound’s popularity, thanks to dedicated breeding programs. The breed gained official recognition by various kennel clubs and registries, further securing its place within the dog world. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Scottish Deerhound in 1886, and it was also recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1955.

Today, while not as widespread as some other breeds, the Scottish Deerhound is cherished by breed enthusiasts and families alike, not just for its hunting abilities but also for its gentle nature and dedication to its people.

General Appearance

Height & Weight

Adult male Scottish Deerhounds typically stand at a height of 30 to 32 inches at the shoulder, while mature females typically measure at least 28 inches tall.

As for weight, males tend to weigh between 85 and 110 pounds, with females weighing slightly less, ranging from 75 to 95 pounds.

Proportion & Substance

Scottish Deerhounds exhibit a harmonious balance between length and height, a proportion that beautifully combines strength and elegance. The breed’s overall body is somewhat elongated, with its length slightly longer than the dog’s height at the shoulders. This gives the Deerhound its characteristic agile and streamlined appearance, one that is perfectly suited for high-speed pursuits. Substance-wise, the Deerhound possesses a robust and athletic build, with strong bones that contribute to its formidable nature while hunting.

Coat Texture, Colors & Markings

Texture: The Scottish Deerhound’s coat is harsh and crisp to the touch. It is thick, close-lying, and rather ragged in appearance. The length on the neck and body, as well as on the fore and hindquarters, measures from 3 to 4 inches in length. A mustache, beard, and eyebrows are present, as is a slight fringe on the insides of the forelegs and thighs. The coat of a Scottish Deerhound provides ample protection in inclement weather.

Scottish Deerhound Colors

Standard Color
Blue Gray ee
Brindle ee
Gray ee
Gray Brindle ee
Black ee
Black Brindle ee
Blue ee

Markings: White Markings

A Note About Color: In terms of color, a blue-gray coat is preferred; however, darker and lighter grays and brindles may be seen, the darker the tone the better. Most other historic colors, including black-masked varieties, are no longer seen in the breed. A small amount of white on the chest, the tail tip, and/or the toes is acceptable, but a white collar or white blaze is not.

Head

  • Skull: The Scottish Deerhound’s skull is broadest at the ears, narrowing slightly to the eyes, with the forehead being flat. There is a slight rise over the eyes, but there should be no stop between them.
  • Expression: The expression is one of gentle contemplation. The breed’s eyes, combined with the general facial features, give these sighthounds a soft, introspective look that could be described as “wistful.”
  • Eyes: The almond-shaped eyes are set level and well apart. Their color is dark brown, although it can be somewhat lighter in puppies. The color of the eye rims is always black.
  • Ears: The ears have a soft, velvety texture. They are set on high and their size is in proportion to the head. The ears are folded back, and when the Deerhound is alert they lift at the base but remain folded.
  • Muzzle: The muzzle tapers slightly towards the nose, appearing almost pointed but not snipey. It is long and of equal length to the skull.
  • Nose: The nose of the Scottish Deerhound is large and black in color, although blue-gray coated dogs can have a blue-gray nose.
  • Bite: The Scottish Deerhound has a level or scissor bite, where the upper incisors closely overlap the lower incisors and the teeth are set square to the jaws.

Tail

The tail of the Scottish Deerhound is a distinguishing breed feature, characterized by its long length, tapering form, and curve. Broad at the base, the tail tapers to a fine point and reaches below the hocks. When the Deerhound is relaxed or in motion, the tail is carried low, with just a slight upward curve at the tip.

The tail serves as a good indicator of the dog’s mood, swishing gently when the Deerhound is content and raising slightly when the dog is excited or alert. However, it should not be curled or held over the back. The tail is covered with hair that is slightly longer than that of the neck but shorter than the body coat. It should never be feathered.

Historically, the tail’s length and strength were essential during the hunt, as these qualities aided the hound while it was pursuing its prey. Due to these qualities, however, the tail may be prone to injury in and around the house.

The Scottish Deerhound – What to Consider?

Owning a Scottish Deerhound can be a rewarding experience. This breed, steeped in hunting history with a noble lineage, offers a unique combination of gentleness and strength. However, there are several considerations that potential caretakers should be aware of before deciding to welcome a Deerhound into the home.

Home Life

Interaction With Family

The level of affection a breed typically shows towards family members and familiar individuals will vary. While some breeds may only show genuine warmth towards their owner, remaining standoffish with strangers, other breeds will treat everyone they meet as if they are their closest friend.
Independent Affectionate

Good With Other Dogs

The innate friendliness of a dog towards other dogs can depend on its breed. Although supervision is always recommended during introductions, certain breeds tend to be inherently more or less sociable with other dogs, whether in a home setting or in public spaces.
Not Recommended Reliable With Other Dogs

Good With Young Children

The degree to which a breed will typically be patient with young children, and its overall suitability as a family member, will vary. It is important to always supervise interactions between dogs and the kids in the house, as well as with children who are not accustomed to being around dogs.
Not Recommended Dependable With Children

Upkeep

Amount Of Shedding

The amount of hair that a dog sheds will typically depend on its breed. Heavy-shedding breeds require more frequent brushing, have a higher chance of activating specific allergies, and often necessitate more frequent use of the vacuum cleaner and lint rollers.
Low High

Frequency Of Grooming

The regularity with which a breed needs bathing, brushing, trimming, or other forms of coat care is an all-important consideration. When evaluating the grooming effort required, consider your available time, patience, and budget. It is important to note that all breeds need routine ear, teeth, and nail care.
Monthly Daily

Amount Of Drooling

The tendency of a breed to drool significantly varies from breed to breed. For those who prefer cleanliness or are particular about keeping things tidy, breeds that are likely to leave trails of drool on your arm or large slobbery marks on your clothing and furniture might not be the best fit.
Low High

Coat Type

smooth
wiry
hairless
rough
corded
double
curly
wavy
sikly

Coat Length

short
medium
long

Behavior

Personality

Trainability Level

The ease with which a dog can be trained and its eagerness to learn new skills can depend on the breed. Some breeds are naturally inclined to please their owners and will readily accept training, while others tend to follow their own desires, often showing independence in how, when, and where they choose to do things.
Stubborn Eager

Barking Level

The frequency of vocalization, including barking and howling, will vary from breed to breed. Some may bark at each person who passes by and every bird in the sky, while others will typically bark only for a good reason. Additionally, a few breeds that do not typically bark will still be vocal, using different sounds to communicate.
Quiet Vocal

Energy Level

The level of physical exercise and mental engagement required will depend on the breed. High-energy breeds are always on the go. They are enthusiastic about their next activity and tend to be busy most of the time, running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. In contrast, low-energy breeds are akin to couch potatoes, content to just lounge around and take naps throughout the day.
Couch Potato Busybody

Need For Mental Stimulation

The extent of mental stimulation needed to keep a dog content and healthy will vary by breed. Dogs bred for specific purposes may need tasks involving decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration. Without sufficient mental exercise, these dogs can resort to creating their own activities to engage their minds, resulting in unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and escaping.
Minimal Engagement Intensive Interaction

Scottish Deerhound Health

The Scottish Deerhound, like all dogs, has specific health concerns that prospective owners of the breed should be made aware. Although these hounds are generally healthy dogs, their large size and unique conformation mean they may be prone to certain conditions.

Lifespan: The average lifespan of the Scottish Deerhound ranges from 8 to 11 years. While some may live beyond these years, it is important to provide the best care to ensure both longevity and quality of life.

Potential Health Risks

While the Scottish Deerhound is a robust and resilient breed, there are certain health risks that should be considered. These include:

  • Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition is relatively common in larger dogs, including the Scottish Deerhound. Regular veterinary check-ups can help to detect and manage this condition early on.
  • Osteosarcoma: A type of bone cancer, osteosarcoma is unfortunately more prevalent in the breed than in some others. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
  • Bloat (Gastric Torsion): Due to their deep chests, Deerhounds can be susceptible to bloat, a severe and often sudden condition where the stomach can twist on itself, cutting off blood flow. Knowing the symptoms and seeking immediate veterinary attention are essential.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a disorder of the thyroid gland that can lead to various symptoms, including lethargy and weight gain. It is manageable with medication.

Understanding these health risks begins with an honest conversation with a reputable breeder. Regular veterinary check-ups, especially as the Deerhound ages, are also essential as they can help to detect and address any issue before it becomes severe.

Scottish Deerhound Personality

When considering the personality of the Scottish Deerhound, one is immediately struck by their gentle and dignified nature. Belying their imposing size, Deerhounds are often described as calm, courteous, and keenly perceptive.

For those wondering if the breed is suitable for novice handlers, the answer is largely affirmative. Scottish Deerhounds, due to their even-tempered disposition, can be quite forgiving of a handler’s missteps. That being said, like all breeds, they benefit from consistent and understanding guidance.

In terms of sensitivity level, Deerhounds are attuned to the emotions and nuances of their human companions. They thrive in an environment of mutual respect and can become withdrawn if treated harshly.

Being alone is something the Scottish Deerhound can tolerate for short periods, but they are social creatures by nature. Extended isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness or even anxiety.

When it comes to relations with other dogs, Deerhounds usually get along well, especially if they are introduced in a controlled and positive manner. Their history as pack hunters means they often appreciate the company of their canine counterparts.

Families with young children will find the Scottish Deerhound to be patient and gentle. However, due to their size, it’s always recommended to supervise interactions between any large dog and small children.

As for their stance towards strangers, Deerhounds tend to be reserved but not aggressive. A well-socialized Deerhound will be polite and may warm up to newcomers once they’ve assessed them.

Scottish Deerhound Feeding & Nutrition

The nutritional needs of a Scottish Deerhound can vary based on age, activity level, and individual health. However, a balanced diet is the cornerstone for their well-being.

For a Scottish Deerhound puppy, a high-quality puppy formula is essential. As they are a larger breed, growth should be slow to ensure the proper development of bones and joints. Typically, Deerhound puppies are fed 3-4 times a day, transitioning to twice daily feeding as they approach adulthood.

An adult Scottish Deerhound requires a diet that can support its energy levels and size. A typical adult might consume 3-4 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into two meals. This can fluctuate depending on the dog’s activity level and metabolism.

It’s always crucial for owners to monitor their dog’s weight. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which in turn can result in numerous health issues. On the flip side, underfeeding or not providing the right nutrients can lead to deficiencies or other health problems.

Treats can be a valuable training tool, but they should be used in moderation. Always ensure that treats are not accounting for more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Fresh water should always be accessible for the Deerhound, ensuring they stay hydrated.

Lastly, when changing their diet, it should be done gradually over a week to prevent digestive upsets. This involves mixing the old and new food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food day by day.

Scottish Deerhound Training

The Scottish Deerhound, with its noble lineage and dignified demeanor, might present an impression of independence. However, beneath this stately exterior lies a breed that is eager to please and relatively compliant, making them quite trainable.

That said, Deerhounds, by nature, are gentle souls. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods and can be somewhat resistant to more assertive techniques. The key is patience, consistency, and understanding.

Training a Scottish Deerhound can be a relatively smooth process. Although they aren’t known for being stubborn, their sensitive nature means that handlers should approach training sessions with kindness and positivity. Utilizing treats, praises, and gentle corrections often yield better results with this breed than stern rebukes.

When it comes to vocalizing, Deerhounds are not typically barkers. They might alert their handler to something unusual, but they aren’t known for being overly vocal.

In terms of intelligence, the Scottish Deerhound is sharp and observant. While they might not have the hyper-focus of some working breeds, they are astute and often pick up on cues quickly.

The breed’s wanderlust potential is worth noting. As sighthounds, they have a strong instinct to chase,