Scottish Deerhound
Can live in cold weather Is good with children Is good with other dogs Is affectionate with family Is prone to separation anxiety Is prone to allergies Can be trained for herding or hunting Is recognized by major kennel clubs Coursing deer Dignified Docile Friendly Gentle Great with kids High energy dog Hound Loves hot weather

Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a large and elegant coursing hound, resembling a rough-coated Greyhound, with a height range of 28-32 inches and a weight of 75-110 pounds. Known for their chivalrous and gentle nature, they are loyal, devoted, quiet, dignified, and alert. This breed is affectionate with their families, good with children and other dogs, and prefer not to be left alone. Scottish Deerhounds have a keen hunting ability and are excellent at keeping owners physically fit due to their exercise needs. Originating from Scotland, they have a lifespan of 8-11 years and may cost between $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the breeder.

Height 28 - 32 in (71 - 81 cm)
Weight 70 - 130 lbs (32 - 59 kg)
Lifespan 8 - 10 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Scottish Deerhound Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Is Scottish Deerhound prone to allergies?

Is Scottish Deerhound a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Scottish Deerhound?

How much does it cost to raise a Scottish Deerhound annually?

Does Scottish Deerhound drool a lot?

Breed Characteristics

The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Deerhounds have moderate to high exercise needs, requiring at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise daily, including physical activities and mental stimulation. Some sources mention over 2 hours of exercise per day. The majority of sources emphasize the need for regular exercise to maintain the physical and mental health of Scottish Deerhounds.

How much exercise does Scottish Deerhound need?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Deerhounds require regular grooming, typically recommended at least once a week. While their coat is relatively easy to maintain, the recommendation for weekly brushing and occasional baths suggests a moderate grooming level.

How much grooming does Scottish Deerhound need?

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The consensus suggests that Scottish Deerhounds can be moderately easy to train due to their intelligence, but their independent nature may present some challenges. Positive reinforcement techniques, patience, and consistency are key in training them.

Is Scottish Deerhound easy to train?

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Based on the consensus from multiple sources, Scottish Deerhounds are considered to be of average to above-average intelligence, quick learners, and responsive to commands. While they may have some independence, their intelligence is highlighted by their ability to learn training cues and their overall gentle and affectionate temperament.

How intelligent is Scottish Deerhound?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Deerhounds are generally very quiet dogs, not known for excessive barking. Multiple sources emphasize their calm and reserved demeanor, making them unlikely to bark a lot.

Does Scottish Deerhound bark a lot?

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The sources consistently mention that Scottish Deerhounds can be independent and occasionally stubborn, requiring consistent and positive training. While they are described as loving companions, the consensus is that they have an independent nature that can come across as stubbornness.

Is Scottish Deerhound stubborn or independent?

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The majority of sources suggest that Scottish Deerhounds need at least an hour of physical activity daily, with some recommending 1.5 to 2 hours. While they are not high-energy dogs needing constant exercise, they do require regular opportunities to sprint and play to maintain their health and happiness.

How much playtime does a Scottish Deerhound need daily?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that while Scottish Deerhounds do need regular exercise and enjoy running outdoors, they can live indoors as long as they have the opportunity to run and play outside daily. They are described as calm and gentle indoors but still require at least 30 minutes of exercise twice a day to stay healthy and mentally stimulated.

Can Scottish Deerhound stay indoors with limited walks?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Deerhounds are not particularly protective or territorial. While they may be loyal and have some protective instincts towards their family, they are not considered to be strong in terms of protecting territory or valuables.

Is Scottish Deerhound protective or territorial?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Deerhounds are affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds and enjoying close companionship. They are described as gentle, loving, and thrive on affection from their family members.

Is Scottish Deerhound affectionate with family?

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Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Scottish Deerhound?

The Scottish Deerhound is a large and graceful coursing hound, resembling a rough-coated Greyhound. This breed is known for its chivalrous and gentle nature, being loyal, devoted, quiet, dignified, and alert. Scottish Deerhounds are affectionate with their families, good with young children and other dogs, and prefer not to be left alone. They are one of the largest dog breeds, standing 28-32 inches tall and weighing 75-110 pounds. With long, slender legs, a relatively narrow body, deep chest, and a wiry coat, the Scottish Deerhound is a keen and alert sight hound with a preeminent hunting ability. They excel at keeping owners physically fit due to their exercise needs and love for the outdoors.


What is the average litter size of Scottish Deerhound?

The average litter size of Scottish Deerhounds ranges from 4 to 15 puppies, with an average litter typically numbering around 8 puppies. However, litter sizes can vary widely, with some litters having as few as 1 puppy and others as many as 12. Scottish Deerhound puppies are born weighing about a pound each. The breed is known for its large size, with males standing between 30 to 32 inches tall and weighing 85-110 pounds, while females range from 28 to 30 inches and weigh 75-95 pounds. Scottish Deerhounds have a life expectancy of 8-11 years on average.


What does a Scottish Deerhound look like?

The Scottish Deerhound is a large sight hound known for its lanky build, standing 28-32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 75-110 pounds when fully grown. It has a rough, wiry coat that is typically grey, brindle, or blue in color, similar to the Irish Wolfhound. Resembling a larger, more heavily boned Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound is described as gentle, friendly, eager to please, and loves to chase. Known as the "Royal Dog of Scotland," this majestically large coursing hound is primarily gray in color, with occasional white markings on the chest or toes. They are relaxing companions that enjoy outdoor activities and are excellent at keeping their owners physically fit due to their exercise needs.


What is the typical lifespan of Scottish Deerhound?

The typical lifespan of a Scottish Deerhound ranges from 8 to 11 years, with a study indicating an average of 10.5 years for the breed. This giant-sized dog breed is generally not long-lived, similar to other large breeds, and may be prone to certain health issues. Scottish Deerhounds are known to have a lifespan of 8-11 years, with an average of 8-10 years mentioned in some sources. These dogs are generally healthy but may face health challenges common to their size.


What is the origin of the Scottish Deerhound?

The Scottish Deerhound is a large sighthound breed originating from Scotland, where it was bred for hunting red deer by coursing. The breed has ancient origins, with evidence suggesting it was in use as early as the days of King Robert Bruce in the 16th century. Highly valued for its speed, strength, and hunting skills, the Scottish Deerhound was first registered by the AKC in 1886. It is believed to be a descendant of the old Irish wolf-dog and was known as the Scottish Wolfdog when used for coursing wolves. The breed's history dates back around 500 years, with its primary purpose being the hunting of large deer in the Scottish Highlands.


What is the average size of Scottish Deerhound?

The average size of a Scottish Deerhound is between 28 to 32 inches in height at the shoulder for males, with females typically standing 28 inches and up. The weight of a male Scottish Deerhound ranges from 85 to 110 pounds, while females weigh between 75 to 95 pounds. These dogs are considered one of the largest breeds, with a lanky build similar to the Greyhound. The minimum desirable height for males is 30 inches or more, with a weight of 85 to 110 pounds. Overall, Scottish Deerhounds have a withers height between 28 to 32 inches and typically weigh between 75 to 110 pounds.


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