Scottish Deerhound Breed information & Pictures

Scottish Deerhound Breed Description

Life Expectancy
8-11 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
8 to 9

Size
Huge

Weight
Dogs: 80-110 pounds
Bitches: 75-90 pounds

Height
Dogs: 26-28 inches
Bitches: 30 years

Country of Origin
Great Britain

Groups
AKC Hound Dogs
FCI Group X.: Sighthounds
TKC Hound

Other Names
Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound has grace, dignity and beauty. It is an ideal companion, being tractable and easy to train and possessing the most dependable loyalty and utmost devotion to their masters.

They are a big, yet slim and long legged breed, with a long face. Scottish Deerhounds are a mellow, low-key and easy going breed who loves outdoors and will chase anything that moves.

Temperament

The Scottish Deerhound is a gentle and gentlemanly dog with elegant ways and polite affection. He/she is quiet, loving, friendly and excellent with children. This dog is very courageous and dignified, devoted and loyal, but they are not watch or guard dogs, for they just love everyone.

Scottish Deerhounds can be willful at times and slow to obey commands. Although friendly with other dogs, they should not be trusted with non-canine pets. This breed has an unusual cry.

Colors

Dark blue gray and lighter grays; brindles and yellow; sandy red or red fawn with black points.

Coat

The harsh, wiry coat needs extensive grooming. Some trimming and stripping is required, but little skill is needed. This breed is an average shedder.

Health Issues

Twisted stomachs should be watched for. This breed is prone to bloat; it is best to feed it two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal. Avoid vigorous exercise right after the dog has eaten a big meal. To minimize the risk of your Deerhound developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a Scottish Deerhound dog from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

Scottish Deerhounds are not recommended for apartment life, although mature Deerhounds can do well in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They need lots of space, they are a large breed when full grown. It is recommended that Deerhounds also have a home with a high fenced yard as they can easily jump a six-foot fence They are relatively inactive indoors and should have at least a large yard, but do best with acreage so it will have room to run around.