Scottish Deerhound

Deerhound
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Face-On View
3/4 View
Sideways View
Standing View

Summary

  • The Scottish Deerhound is a large, gentle breed originally used for hunting deer. They are known for their affectionate nature and need for daily exercise.

Origin and Purpose

  • The Scottish Deerhound was developed in Scotland to hunt red deer by sight. It is an ancient breed with origins tracing back to the Scottish Highlands.

Appearance

Dimensions

GenderHeightWeight
Female28-30 inches (71-76 cm)75-95 pounds (34-43 kg)
Male30-32 inches (76-81 cm)85-110 pounds (39-50 kg)

Coat

AttributeNotes
Color
  • Varying shades of gray, brindle, yellow, and fawn. Darker points are typical.
Type
  • Harsh, wiry outer coat with a softer, downy undercoat.
Length
  • Medium to long

Care

AttributeNotes
Shedding
  • Moderate
Grooming
  • Weekly brushing
Drooling
  • Low

Body

AttributeNotes
Head
  • Long, relatively narrow, and slightly tapering towards the muzzle.
Skull
  • Flat with a barely perceptible rise to the brow.
Ears
  • Set high, folded back like a rose or semi-pricked when alert.
Eyes
  • Dark brown or hazel, full of expression and a gentle gaze.
Nose
  • Black, slightly aquiline
Muzzle
  • Long, tapering towards the nose, with a strong jawline.
Teeth
  • Scissor bite
Neck
  • Long and strong, slightly arched.
Forequarters
  • Well-angulated, with straight, muscular shoulders.
Fore Legs
  • Straight and strong, with good bone.
Hindquarters
  • Broad and powerful, with well-bent stifles.
Hind Legs
  • Long, well-muscled, and straight from hock to ground.
Feet
  • Compact and well-knuckled up, with strong nails.
Tail
  • Long, thick at the base, tapering towards the tip. Carried low or slightly curved.
Gait
  • Light, active, and effortless

Temperament

  • The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, and docile.

Social

AttributeNotes
Affectionate with Family
  • Very affectionate
Good with Children
  • Good, but interactions should be supervised due to their size.
Good with Dogs
  • Generally good
Good with Cats
  • Usually good with cats if raised together, but a prey drive may be present.
Openness to Strangers
  • Reserved, but not aggressive.
Playfulness Level
  • Moderate
Protective Nature
  • Low, more of a watch dog than a guard dog.
Adaptability Level
  • Moderate

Working Roles

  • Originally bred for hunting deer, now primarily a companion animal and show dog.

Exercise Needs

  • High; requires daily walks, runs, or other strenuous activities.

Health

  • Generally healthy, but may be prone to conditions such as bloat, cardiomyopathy, and bone cancer.

Additional Notes

  • The Scottish Deerhound is a large, fast dog. They need a lot of space to run.

References