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Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a large sight hound breed with a gentle and well-mannered temperament. This native to Scotland makes an ideal family pet but requires lots of exercise.
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Breed Facts
Finding a Scottish Deerhound
Physical Characteristics
- Large, heavy build
- Similar to a greyhound's structure
- Dark chestnut eyes
- Black nose
- Coat: shaggy hair, beard, mustache and mane
- Small ears fold down to head when relaxed
- Long tail almost reaches ground
- Coloring of usually dark blue-gray with silvery or white tips
- Height: 28-32 inches
- Weight: 75-110 pounds
- Average lifespan: Around 10 years
Temperament
- Gentle, mellow, sensitive, easygoing, courageous, devoted, well-mannered
- Interaction with people: Good with children, strangers, family
- Interaction with animals: Good with other pets and other dogs
Medical Conditions
- Acquired cardiac disease (including cardiomyopathy)
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Cancers (including osteosarcoma)
- Cystinuria (kidney disease)
- Factor VII Deficiency (blood disorder)
While the listed ailments may be common in this breed, not all members of the breed suffer from these conditions. Responsible breeders screen for orthopedic and genetic diseases.
At Home
- Not recommended for apartments
- Enjoys running free in safe area
- Needs lots of exercise
- Indoors needs the room to be able to stretch out
- Excellent jogging companions
- Needs soft bedding due to being prone to calluses
Grooming
- Average shedder
- Coat does not need extensive grooming
Other Facts
- Queen Victoria owned the breed
- Novelist Sir Walter Scott described the breed as "a most perfect creature of Heaven" in "The Talisman"
- The first registered dog's name was Bonnie Robin
Breed History
- Originated in Scotland
- Development is unknown, but is thought to be related to the Irish wolfhound
- Bred to hunt stag and deer
- Nobles were only allowed own the breed at first, which almost resulted in its extinction
- Dates back to at least the 16th century
- Due to devoted breeders, the dogs began to build up in 1825
- It gained its protective coat from exposure to the harsh climates
- Breed is talented in hunting, sighting, tacking, racing and agility
For more information about this breed and breeder referral contacts, please visit the Scottish Deerhound Club of America For breed rescue opportunities, visit SDCA Rescue
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