The Deerhound, more formally known as the Scottish Deerhound, is a large dog that is known most for being one of the tallest sighthounds in the world. In fact, an adult male can stand as tall as 32 inches at the shoulders. These dogs hold their roots in Scotland and were originally bred to hunt red deer. Deerhounds are closely related to Greyhounds and were once known by several names including Highland Deerhounds, Rough Greyhounds and Scotch Greyhounds. They were recognized as a distinct breed in Scotland in about the 16th or 17th century when they were also given their current name, the Scottish Deerhound. Deerhounds were originally used by Scottish tribes to hunt deer. However, they quickly became popular among the royal family, and only those who ranked as earls or above were allowed to own one. Although the breed almost became extinct in the 1800s, two men by the names of Duncan and Archibald McNeill began a breeding program and saved the dogs.
The Scottish Deerhound is a real athlete with long legs and lean bodies just like the Greyhound. They have broad heads, strong necks and long muzzles. Their ears are small in proportion to their bodies and fold back. The Deerhound is a large breed of dog that can weigh anywhere from 75 to 110 pounds as adults. They have a short stiff coat that can come in various colors including fawn, yellow, red, brindle, bluish grey and grey. This is an extremely tall dog with a long tail, long legs, small drop ears and a graceful neck.
Personality
The Scottish Deerhound is a quiet, calm dog breed that is very easygoing. Scottish Deerhounds are well-behaved and low-key indoors. As they are athletes, they love to run and roam the outdoors. They need several long walks on a daily basis and should be allowed to sprint as much as possible. They have a strong instinct to chase, so they should only be let off the leash in safe areas. Scottish Deerhounds get on well with other dogs and children and are easy to train. They are friendly towards strangers.<br><br> The Deerhound is a very gentle and friendly dog; however, it is also a breed with a strong hunting instinct. As such, it will likely enjoy chasing small critters in your yard such as squirrels, rabbits or cats. Due to their gentle demeanor, Deerhounds make great companions and pets for families with children. Despite their size, Deerhounds are gentle dogs that make terrific companions and family pets. However, due to their strong hunting instincts, they may not get along well with small household pets such as cats and rabbits. Additionally, if you bring one of these dogs into your home, make sure that you can provide it with plenty of space to run.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Sighthounds |
| Life Span: | 8 - 10 years |
| Nicknames: | Deerhound |
Scottish Deerhound Build Information
The Scottish Deerhound is a real athlete with long legs and lean bodies just like the Greyhound. They have broad heads, strong necks and long muzzles. Their ears are small in proportion to their bodies and fold back. The Deerhound is a large breed of dog that can weigh anywhere from 75 to 110 pounds as adults. They have a short stiff coat that can come in various colors including fawn, yellow, red, brindle, bluish grey and grey. This is an extremely tall dog with a long tail, long legs, small drop ears and a graceful neck.
| Size: | Giant |
Behaviour and Personality
The Scottish Deerhound is a quiet, calm dog breed that is very easygoing. Scottish Deerhounds are well-behaved and low-key indoors. As they are athletes, they love to run and roam the outdoors. They need several long walks on a daily basis and should be allowed to sprint as much as possible. They have a strong instinct to chase, so they should only be let off the leash in safe areas. Scottish Deerhounds get on well with other dogs and children and are easy to train. They are friendly towards strangers.<br><br> The Deerhound is a very gentle and friendly dog; however, it is also a breed with a strong hunting instinct. As such, it will likely enjoy chasing small critters in your yard such as squirrels, rabbits or cats. Due to their gentle demeanor, Deerhounds make great companions and pets for families with children. Despite their size, Deerhounds are gentle dogs that make terrific companions and family pets. However, due to their strong hunting instincts, they may not get along well with small household pets such as cats and rabbits. Additionally, if you bring one of these dogs into your home, make sure that you can provide it with plenty of space to run.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Moderately affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
You will need to comb your Deerhound once or twice a week, and you can trim its facial hair if you wish. During shedding season, you will want to comb its coat daily. Bathing your pet about once or twice a month should be sufficient unless it becomes excessively dirty. Finally, be sure to clip its nails when necessary and check its ears occasionally for any excessive wax buildup.
| Shedding: | Moderate Shedding |
| Grooming: | Moderate Maintenance |
Scottish Deerhound Common Health Conditions
The Deerhound is a short-lived breed, which lives only about eight to ten years. Unfortunately, they are also prone to several health issues including gastric torsion (bloat), osteosarcoma, anesthesia sensitivity, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism and cystinuria.
Scottish Deerhound Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Both Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott owned several Deerhounds. In Austrailia, these dogs have been used to hunt such game as kangaroos and wild boar. Deerhounds were depicted in several movies including "Out of Africa", "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "The Eagle". Their coats are slightly shaggy and wiry. They have a bit of a mane, with longer soft hair around their necks. They need to be brushed several times a week to reduce shedding and to keep their coats clean. Their ears should be checked regularly.
| Training: | Easy |