Scottish Deerhound: History, Traits, and Care
A large dog breed from Scotland, the Scottish Deerhound stands apart for its tall and lean physique. They were first bred in the 16th century purportedly as wolf-hunting dogs and the breed is recognized as the “Royal Dog of Scotland”. Now, the words “wolf hunting” may have you thinking they are fierce and ferocious. However, the Scottish Deerhound temperament and personality are markedly opposed to that stereotype.
They’re athletic, affectionate, and loyal. Deerhounds are the classic example of gentle giants who win their human companions over with their gentle dispositions and playfulness. As anyone who has ever had the luxury of being a pet parent to a Scottish Deerhound will tell you, it is immensely rewarding to have them as a part of your family. It is, perhaps, why Scottish historian and author Sir Walter Scot described them as “the most perfect creature of heaven”.
Now that clearly answers the question: are Scottish Deerhounds good pets? But if you have been toying with the idea of bringing home a Deerhound, the real question is: will they be a good fit for you? To help you figure that out, I have put together this guide on Scottish Deerhound breed information, temperament, health, training, grooming, and more.
Scottish Deerhound History
Given how old this breed is, the exact origins of the Scottish Deerhound are hazy like the Highland mists. Over the years, they have been known by many names — the Irish wolfdogs, Scotting greyhounds, Highland deerhounds, and rough greyhounds, to name a few. They were believed to have been wolf-hunting dogs of the Scottish people back in the day and eventually used to hunt deer.
They were widely regarded for their gentle dignity and courage and could only be owned by the nobility back in the day — hence, the title, Royal Dog of Scotland. This restricted ownership, however, proved to be a double-edged sword, bringing the breed to the brink of extinction particularly after the battle of Culloden led to the collapse of the clan system in Scotland in 1745. The fate of the Scottish Deerhounds continued to be in dire straits for close to a century, until Scotting lawyer and dog breeder Archibald McNeill, along with his brother Duncan, made efforts to restore it to its original glory.
Eventually, the Scottish Deerhound made its way to America and the first dog registered by American Kennel Club in 1886 was Bonnie Robin. However, the setbacks to the breed kept coming. World War I, which led to the disintegration of several large estates in England and Scotland, once again caused a decline in the number of these gentle giants. This tumultuous history is perhaps what makes Deerhounds rare.
While this is an uncommon dog breed, more and more people are beginning to learn about and appreciate its versatility. This, of course, leads to a whole lot of intrigue around the breed: Are Scottish Deerhounds good pets? Are Scottish Deerhounds lazy? Are Deerhounds aggressive? Well, we’ll get to all of that, but the short answer is: these good-natured hounds with a noble appearance make for great pets. For now, let’s take a look at what contributes to this much-talked-about noble appearance.
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Scottish Deerhound Breed Information
As you must have noticed, words like royal, noble, regal, and dignified used to describe the Scottish Deerhound. What makes it son? Let’s take a look at some key breed standards, as specified by the American Kennel Association, to understand what makes Deerhounds rare and regal at the same time.
The Deerhound is a tall dog with a long neck that stands upright, sans any stoop that is commonly associated with Greyhounds. On the neck, rests a dignified head that is broadest at the ears and narrows steadily toward the eyes. The muzzle is pointed and tapers distinctly toward the nose. The hair on the skull is of moderate length and softer to touch than the rest of the dog fur.
The Deerhounds also sport a good mustache and a fairly noticeable beard. The ears are set high and covered with a soft, glossy coat, and black or dark colored. They fold back in repose and are raised above the head in a state of excitement. The eyes are, typically, dark brown or hazel and appear to be moderately full, lending the Deerhound a keen, far-away look. The rims of the eyelids are black.
The neck is perhaps the most defining feature of the Scottish Deerhound. Strong, with a prominent nape, it merges seamlessly with well-sloped shoulders. The throat, too, is prominent and cut at a clean angle. The slender body leads to a tapering tail that ends about an inch-and-a-half below the hocks.
In terms of color, the dark blue-grey coat is the most preferred, followed by darker or lighter variants of gray. However, the breed also comes in yellow and sandy red or red fawn-colored coats. There are often specks of white on the chest and toes.
Scottish Deerhound height and weight
Apart from their Scottish heritage, these dogs also stand for being one of the tallest known breeds. Here is a quick look at the Scottish Deerhound height and weight:
| Height | Weight | |
| Male | 30-32 inches | 85 to 110 pounds |
| Female | More than 28 inches | 75 to 95 pounds |
Ethical and reputed Scottish Deerhound breeders work tirelessly to maintain these standards. Anyone looking for Scottish Deerhound puppies must do their research and find the right breeders who have experience in bringing out the best in these noble hounds.
Are Scottish Deerhounds Good Pets? Everything You Need to Know
Now that we’ve talked about what makes Deerhounds rare, what they look like, their evolution, and some distinct breed markers, let’s address the questions that can help you decide whether or not these noble giants would be the right fit for you. So, are Scottish Deerhound puppies hard to train? Are Scottish Deerhounds lazy? Or are Deerhounds aggressive? And most importantly, are Scottish Deerhounds good pets?
Here is everything you need to know about Scottish Deerhound temperament, personality, health, grooming, training, and nutrition, to make an informed choice about this breed’s suitability as a pet for you:
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Scottish Deerhound health
The Scottish Deerhound is a robust breed. However, just like any other dog breed, they are prone to certain health issues. Now, not every dog may develop any or all of these health complications but it is always wise to be aware of the possible issues you may have to deal with if you choose to parent a Scottish Deerhound. Some of the common health conditions this breed is afflicted with include:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy: A condition caused by the thinning of the heart muscle, rendering it incapable of contracting normally. This can cause the heart to enlarge, and lead to signs of heart failure such as weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, labored breathing, and persistent cough. While there is no cure, the condition can be managed with medication and medical care
- Cystinuria: A genetic disorder that inhibits the reabsorption of cystine in the kidney tubes. This leads to the formation of bladder or kidney stones which can be life-threatening if they cause a blockage in the urinary tract. The condition can be treated with medication, dietary modifications, and surgery
- Bloat: Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a common health concern in deep-chested dogs and the Scottish Deerhound is no exception. Bloat occurs when the stomach becomes distended with air or gas and then twists and can prove fatal in the absence of immediate medical attention. Dogs who eat rapidly, eat one large meal a day, or drink large amounts of water in one go are at an increased risk. Lethargy, drooling, retching without being able to throw up, and a slow heart rate are the common symptoms to watch out for
- Allergies: Deerhounds are also susceptible to food-based, inhalant, and contact allergies. These can be managed once effectively diagnosed, and the treatment may range from dietary changes to environmental changes and medication, depending on the cause
- Hypothyroidism: A condition marked by an under-performing thyroid gland, which can cause hormonal imbalances. Obesity, dullness, low energy levels, and a coarse dull coat are common signs to watch out for
The risk of many of these health conditions can be alleviated significantly if you source your puppy from ethical Scottish Deerhound breeders. Such breeders obtain the requisite health clearances for both the sire and the dame before breeding, besides focusing on maintaining the sanctity of bloodlines. Although there are never any guarantees, a healthy genetic markup does hold the promise of good health and longevity.
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Scottish Deerhound temperament
Owing to their history and legacy, people often wonder, “Are Deerhounds aggressive?” And this, then, naturally prompts the question: are Scottish Deerhounds good pets? Well, allow me to assuage those doubts. The “aggressiveness” stereotypes are just that, stereotypes. The Scotting Deerhound is a gentle giant in every sense of the word. They’re strong and brave dogs but at the same time sensitive and extremely loyal.
Yes, a Deerhound can be courageous when faced with danger but is never aggressive. By and large, they can be described as devoted, dignified, quiet, and alert. Of course, it’d be presumptuous to say that every Deerhound will have the exact mix of all of these qualities or traits.
Temperament does, after all, depend on a variety of factors — genes, training, socialization. As I always say, there are bad dogs in the world, just badly raised dogs. So, yes, a big part of honing your Scottish Deerhound’s personality rests with you. Even so, genes do play a role (not two dogs I have raised have had the same personality or temperament).
It is always a good idea to meet the parents when you’re on the lookout for Scottish Deerhound puppies. Their demeanor, personality, and temperament will tell you a lot about what to expect from their offspring. Another great way to pick out a pup who won’t be too much of a handful is to pay attention to their behavior. Any puppy who is curious, playful, and keen on seeking human contact is likely to have a good temperament as long as they’re raised right.
Scottish Deerhound training
Scottish Deerhound puppies have the potential to grow into loyal canine companions who dote on their humans and will protect them with their lives if it comes to that. However, these sensitive dogs need a lot of gentle human companionship and the right training to blossom to their full potential.
Scotting Deerhounds respond best to positive training and need early socialization to become non-reactive to new people and environments. Exposing Scottish Deerhound puppies to different people, sounds, sights, and experiences is a must to allow them to grow up into well-adjusted dogs. Even though they have a quiet, somewhat aloof personality, these dogs don’t do well with prolonged periods of separation from their humans. This can lead to behavioral issues.
Scottish Deerhound grooming
The Scottish Deerhound is a low-maintenance dog. Their coat does not require extensive care. Brushing them a couple of times a week, along with monthly baths, is enough to keep your Deerhound neat and tidy. You may also need to trim their nails every few weeks if they don’t get worn down naturally. While grooming your dog, it’s a good idea to take the time to inspect their skin for any lumps or cysts, as well as check their teeth, ears, and eyes for any signs of infection or injury.
However, grooming your Deerhound will be a breeze only if your dog is accustomed to it right from puppyhood. It’s important to start touching their paws, lifting their tail, and looking inside their mouth and ears right from the beginning so your dog knows it’s par for the course and doesn’t feel threatened. You must also make grooming a positive experience for your pet by offering rewards and treats and heaping them with praise.
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Scottish Deerhound nutrition
The Scottish Deerhound needs a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet to thrive. You can choose between commercially manufactured dog food or homemade meals, but the quality of ingredients matters. It is also vital to ensure that the diet is appropriate for the dog’s age and their nutritional requirements at that age. Portion control is another key aspect of dog nutrition that must not be overlooked, as it can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other related health issues. Given that Scotting Deerhounds are at a risk for bloat, it is best to serve them two to three smaller meals in a day rather than one large meal.
Scottish Deerhound exercise
Deerhounds need generous amounts of exercise to be able to thrive, both physically and mentally. And by exercise, I mean, lots of free play and room to run about with abandon. This is not a breed that will be content with a short walk on the leash. When not exercised adequately, a Scottish Deerhound may get destructive, especially in puppyhood. They also don’t do well confined to a crate for prolonged periods.
So, if you’re considering bringing home a Scottish Deerhound, make sure you have the bandwidth to devote at least an hour a day to taking them outdoors to play, run, and walk about. These dogs tend to chase after squirrels, cats, or even other dogs, so leaving them off-leash in unguarded areas may not be the safest choice. A closed or fenced area is best suited for off-the-leash play.
As they age, Scottish Deerhounds lazy up to a fault. Becoming the canine version of a couch potato. However, they do need activity, if not vigorous exercise, even at that age. It’s important to coax a senior Deerhound out of the house for regular walks and some light playtime to keep them healthy for as long as possible.
The Scottish Deerhound is an intelligent, smart, rare dog with a distinct appearance and appeal. While it may not be for everyone, if you and your Deerhound make a good fit for each other, they can prove to be the most rewarding canine companion you can ever ask for.
