Scottish Deerhound

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Scottish Deerhound

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Size: Large to Extra-Large
Other Names: Deerhound
Country of Origin: Scotland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

The Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest sighthounds. He resembles a rough-coated Greyhound, however is larger in size and bone. He has a harsh, long coat and mane, with a somewhat softer beard and mustache, and softer hair on his breast and belly. His head is long, with a flat skull, and tapering muzzle. His eyes are dark, his dark "rose" ears are soft and folded back against his head, unless held semi-erect in excitement, and his tail is long, well covered with hair, and either straight or curved.

A giant rough sighthound who is quiet indoors; a wiry coat of modest care, a soft house voice, and size that needs room and a gallop.

The Scottish Deerhound is a breed of hound bred to hunt red deer by coursing. The Deerhound was highly regarded for his courage and tenacity as a stag hunter, and his loyalty to the clan chieftain and his kin. At one time, only those people holding the rank of Earl or above could own a Deerhound, which gave him the nickname "Royal Dog of Scotland". The Deerhound is closely related to the Irish Wolfhound and was the main contributor to the recovery of that breed at the end of the 19th century.

Height: Male: 30 inches minimum; Female: 28 inches minimum
Weight: Male: 100 pounds; Female: 80 pounds
Color: Various shades of gray; possibly with white on his chest, toes, tip of his tail, collar, blaze on his head
Coat: Long, harsh, wiry
Lifespan: 8–11 years
Litter size: 4–8 puppies

Temperament

The Scottish Deerhound is gentle, extremely friendly, and famed for being docile and eager to please, with a bearing of gentle dignity. He is gentle and calm indoors, and is generally good around company and children. However, due to his size, he requires supervision with young children. Due to their heritage, most Deerhounds will be eager to chase. When sufficiently exercised, the average adult Deerhound may want to spend most of the day stretched out on the floor or a couch sleeping, and does not need a large house. They do well with a stimulus, preferably another Deerhound.

Training

Due to his large size, the Scottish Deerhound requires early training and socialization.

Care and grooming

The Deerhound needs considerable exercise to develop properly when young, and afterwards to maintain his health and condition. He needs regular access to free exercise in a fenced or otherwise safe area. Deerhounds should not be raised with access only to leash walking, or a small yard.

Shedding

Moderate; the harsh coat holds loose hair and debris.

Health

Scottish Deerhounds have a high rate of osteosarcoma, heart disease, and bloat. Like other giant sighthounds, they have a shorter life and need lean condition.

Crosses that include the Scottish Deerhound

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

Old Deerhound Sheepdog

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