Scottish Deerhound Background Information & History

The Scottish Deerhound is a courageous breed that is idolized for their pure strength and determined spirit. Dating all the way back to the 1500’s, the Scottish Deerhound was known for hunting giant deer throughout the rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands. During their earliest years, this breed was reserved for nobility and was even coined as the “royal breed of Scotland” because they were so desirable.

Scottish Deerhound Temperament & Personality

The Scottish Deerhound boasts many admirable qualities. For starters, these trusted canines are fiercely brave. Back in the day, they were known to take on animals twice their size while hunting in their native land. They have also proven to be extremely loyal, which makes their companionship both strong and appealing. Their athletic built and loving demeanor makes this breed a popular choice for families and pet owners.

Scottish Deerhound Training

Before bringing home a Scottish Deerhound, it’s important to know that these dogs are not the easiest to train. They tend to have a mind of their own and will refuse to participate in any training practices if it does not interest them. That’s why it’s critical to start the dog training process as young as possible. Also be sure to socialize your dog with different people, places, sounds, and experiences which will help him become a well-rounded pup later on in life.

Scottish Deerhound Exercise

Although they may act docile while inside the house, once they get outdoors, they turn into an active and playful exercise machine. The Scottish Deerhound has a large built that is perfect for running or long-distance walking. However, do not have them participate in vigorous exercise while they are still a puppy. Overexerting a Scottish Deerhound puppy can do detrimental damage to their growing bones and joints or cause severe injuries later on in life.

Scottish Deerhound Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Scottish Deerhound is between 8 to 11 years.

Scottish Deerhound Breed Popularity

Today, the Scottish Deerhound remains a fairly unknown dog breed within the United States. As of right now, these dogs are ranked as the 154th most popular breed in the U.S out of 202 registered breeds by the AKC.

Scottish Deerhound Feeding

The Scottish Deerhound is massive in size and has an appetite to match. As a general rule of thumb, this breed should consume between 3 to 4 cups of high-quality food a day, split into two separate meals. Keep in mind that not all Scottish Deerhounds are created the same, so their feeding requirements may vary depending on each individual dog. Factors to consider include the dog’s size, age, weight, metabolism, and activity level.

Scottish Deerhound Grooming

The thick, double coat of the Scottish Deerhound is meant to protect them against harsh terrain and cold weather conditions. As their owner, you should use a wire slicker brush to comb your dog’s hair at least once a week. This should significantly help to control his frequent shedding and prevent tangles from occurring. Brushing your pup’s coat is also beneficial for distributing natural oils throughout his skin and coat.

Aside from your dog’s weekly dog coat grooming, make sure to pay close attention to your dog’s dental and nail hygiene. His teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis and his nails should be trimmed whenever necessary. Generally, if you can hear your dog’s nails tapping on the hardwood floor, that means they are long enough for a trim.

Are Scottish Deerhounds Good With Kids?

Although the Scottish Deerhound is gentle and loving, they are not best suited for small children. Their massive size can be overbearing for a toddler, and they may accidentally knock them over unintentionally. Professionals suggest that Scottish Deerhounds should only be in households with children over the age of 8.

Scottish Deerhound Health Problems

Although the Scottish Deerhound is a healthy breed, they are still prone to several health complications. Possible dog health problems that may inflict your Scottish Deerhound may include:

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when the body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones. This deficiency can cause a number of different symptoms including weight gain and lethargy. Fortunately, once this illness has been properly diagnosed, the dog can take a synthetic hormone pill and go back to living a normal life.

Anesthesia Sensitivity: Larger dog breeds like the Scottish Deerhound are known to have serious sensitivity to anesthesia and other medications.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs occurs when the muscle within the heart begins to thin, which causes the heart to contract abnormally. The heart then becomes overexerted and increases in size. Eventually, this disease can lead to heart failure in severe cases.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: The Scottish Deerhound Club of America

Rescue: Scottish Deerhound Rescue