Hound group · Scotland
Scottish Deerhound
Also called Deerhound, Royal Dog of Scotland.
Giant dog, moderate energy, independent, so training takes patience.
- Dignified
- Gentle
- Polite
- Friendly
- Docile
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 34 to 50 kg75 to 110 lb
- Lives
- 8 to 11 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Low
- Barks
- Very Low
Training
Training a Scottish Deerhound
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Secure Fencing
Start here
These powerful sighthounds need tall, secure fencing. They can clear impressive heights when motivated.
Respect Their Independence
Bred to hunt independently, Deerhounds think for themselves. They understand commands but may not see the point.
Socialisation Matters
Though naturally gentle, early exposure to many people and situations helps them become confident adults.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Scottish Deerhound and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenHigh
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersModerate
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Needs opportunities to run in secure areas. Otherwise content as calm house dogs.
- Grooming
- Moderate maintenance. Weekly brushing of harsh coat, occasional hand-stripping.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Harsh, Wiry, ShaggyGrey, Blue Grey, Brindle, Yellow, Red Fawn
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Severe
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the breed
Osteosarcoma
Severe
Bone cancer occurs at higher rates in giant breeds
Bloat (GDV)
Severe
Deep chest creates risk; feed multiple small meals
Where they come from
History
Ancient Scottish breed developed to course deer. So prized that ownership was once restricted to nobility. Sir Walter Scott called them "the most perfect creature of Heaven."
- Maida · Sir Walter Scott's beloved Deerhound, commemorated in multiple portraits and his tomb
