Scottish Deerhound

Quick Take

• Most owners don't realize that routine surgery carries a unique, life-threatening risk for this breed. That risk has nothing to do with its size. Surgical risks explained →
• This dog can hit 35 mph, yet daily walks and a backyard might be the worst exercise plan you could give it. Exercise needs explored →
• Scotland's elite valued this breed so highly that it nearly vanished forever, and the reason why is completely counterintuitive.
• The Scottish Deerhound's gentle temperament hides a hard-wired instinct that no amount of training can fully override. Temperament and instincts →

The Scottish deerhound is a giant coursing hound bred in Scotland to hunt the giant red deer. Evidence suggests that deerstalking hounds like the deerhound existed in Scotland before the Scots arrived; Scottish chieftains later refined and revered the breed for its hunting prowess. One of the tallest dog breeds around, the Scottish deerhound’s roots can be traced back to the ancient greyhound.

Known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” the Scots so valued the breed that they promoted exclusive breeding, nearly driving it to extinction. Lovers of the breed favor its dark blue-gray coat, though the breed comes in a few other colors.

Though a giant, the deerhound is gentle, friendly, and docile. It is open to strangers and likes children, though its size may intimidate small children. The deerhound is also good with other dogs. It is eager to please its owner and is responsive to positive training. The Scottish deerhound prefers spending time with the family, but it needs lots of space to run. Daily neighborhood walks and playtime in a small backyard are not enough to fulfill its exercise needs.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Scottish Deerhound 

Size and Weight

The Scottish deerhound is an enormous dog breed! A male deerhound stands 30-32 inches at the shoulder, and a female stands at least 28 inches. A male weighs about 85-110 pounds, and a female weighs 75-95 pounds.

Common Health Issues

The Scottish deerhound has some genetic health issues that can be handled through proper care and foresight. Make sure you go through a responsible breeder who will perform the necessary genetic tests to determine if your dog is susceptible to some of these genetic issues. A key component of your deerhound’s health is its level of exercise, fulfillment, and happiness. The dog’s inclusion in the family’s daily life is a big part of that. To avoid injuries and other issues, only engage the dog in age-appropriate exercise until it is 18 months old. A reputable breeder can be a lifelong resource for health and training knowledge and can instruct you on what exercises are appropriate for your dog.

Below are some potential problems you may want to screen your Scottish deerhound for. Some of these conditions are well managed with early intervention.

Osteosarcoma

This aggressive cancer is more common in large and giant dog breeds, including the Scottish deerhound.

Dilated cardiomyopathy

This is a gradual weakening of the heart muscle for which there is no cure. Make sure the vet checks your puppy for signs of this condition and yearly thereafter. Exercise intolerance and a cough are also symptoms of this condition. It can be managed, but the vet has to detect it early.

Cystinuria

Typically occurring in males, this type of stone can cause blockages of the bladder, resulting in a urinary tract infection. Always observe your dog to make sure that it doesn’t have trouble urinating, and check for other signs of urinary discomfort. Seek immediate veterinary advice if there are any signs of this problem.

Surgery-related issues

Deerhounds (and other sighthounds) may have disorders that come into play during or after surgery. Bleeding disorders like a factor VII deficiency can cause bleeding problems and inhibit recovery, or even prove fatal. Responsible breeders can usually detect these through genetic testing when the dogs are puppies, but sometimes they are missed. Speak with the veterinarian before any surgery to discuss this possibility. Scottish deerhounds also can have fatal reactions to anesthesia. Finally, deerhounds can also have an allergic reaction to certain drugs and antibiotics due to metabolism issues.

Liver shunt

Sometimes, a certain blood vessel in the liver, which should close in puppies, does not close. The breeder should identify this, and surgery can correct it.

Bloat and gastric torsion

Dogs with the deep-chested physique of the deerhound sometimes suffer from this disorder. Multiple small meals a day, a lower-fat diet, and avoiding strenuous exercise immediately before and after eating can reduce this tendency. Immediate treatment from a vet is recommended if the dog shows signs of bloat, such as restlessness, vomiting, or a swollen or hard stomach.

Temperament

The Scottish deerhound exhibits a refined personality. Composed, gentle, and respectful, the deerhound is friendly and eager to please. Its playful and affectionate traits make it good around other dogs, its family, and children, though its size can make it a bit intimidating for small kids. It is a gentle giant that likes to play and is calm with strangers. No wonder it is the “Royal Dog of Scotland.”

How To Take Care of a Scottish Deerhound  

The Best Dog Food

Clean, fresh water should be available at all times to your deerhound. In order to combat bloating, feed your dog several small meals a day rather than a couple of larger ones. Also, avoid allowing your dog to exercise around mealtime.

The Scottish deerhound has some unique dietary demands. It’s important to add omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for coat and joint health. They need high-quality protein, though the breed can suffer from stress and fatigue if it gains weight too quickly, especially as puppies. They also mature slowly, not reaching their adult frame until they are nearly two years old. Feeding them concentrated, high-energy food can be harmful.

Maintenance and Grooming

The Scottish deerhound’s short, wiry coat requires regular brushing and combing every few weeks. You can bathe the dog occasionally to reduce any odor. Also, trim its nails every few weeks to keep them from splintering or cracking. Inspect the deerhound’s skin, eyes, and ears whenever grooming is done to prevent any potential problems. Brush the deerhound’s teeth at least two to three times a week.

Training

The Scottish deerhound’s training should begin at a young age to avoid any bad habits that will need to be corrected later. The dog is very sensitive and responds well to positive reinforcement, and a generally upbeat tone of voice. Also, it does not enjoy extended repetition of tasks; once it learns something, it is ready to move on. The deerhound’s tendency to chase means that it should be handled on a lead or in an enclosed area with a high fence. It doesn’t do well in a kennel or crate and needs companionship, preferably of another deerhound, and exercise.

Exercise

A companion deerhound will help you to exercise this breed properly. With another dog and a large fenced-in area to play, the deerhound can run to its heart’s content. Since they can’t be left crated all day, puppies and dogs need to be able to exercise and run. Older hounds, though they are content to lie on the couch, need to be encouraged to exercise because it’s good for them. They tend to get stir crazy and their fitness should remain a priority into old age.

Puppies 

As with most dogs, deerhounds should be socialized from a young age. Puppy kindergarten can begin as soon as vaccinations are complete, though lack of shots should not stop you from introducing your pup to family members, friends, other large household pets, and children as soon as you bring them home. If your pup is being destructive, that may mean that it is not getting enough attention and exercise, though forcing it to run alongside a bike should be avoided until it has reached about 18 months of development. The deerhound actually grows more slowly than many large-breed dogs, requiring unique dietary and exercise approaches.

Scottish Deerhound and Children

Scottish deerhounds do well with children, but their size can lead to some issues with small children; such a massive dog can be intimidating, and a child may be apprehensive about being in the presence of an animal that large. The deerhound should be socialized with children from a young age, and it is best if you do not let the dog play with very small children unattended. The children should also be taught how to interact properly with a dog and read its behavioral cues. However, small children should never be left unattended with a dog, trained or otherwise.

Dogs Similar to Scottish Deerhound

• Afghan hound: Despite its fancy appearance, this large member of the hound group is known as a rugged hunter. Its luxurious coat actually protects it from the elements in the mountains of Afghanistan.
• Borzoi: Somewhat similar in size and body type to the Scottish deerhound, the Borzoi is an elegant and speedy member of the hound group that also carries itself in a dignified manner. The Borzoi was bred to hunt wolves, which accounts for its other name of Russian wolfhound.
• Greyhound: The greyhound is the forebear of the Scottish deerhound. An ancient breed, this dog is the template for many large hounds throughout Europe and Asia and is known for its graceful speed and regal bearing.

Famous Scottish Deerhound

“Dusk” and “Dawn” were two Scottish deerhounds belonging to the author Karen Blixen, otherwise known as Isak Dinesen. They were depicted in the movie Out of Africa.