A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a very large coursing hound, with a long running frame beneath a wiry coat. Consider room to move, comfortable transport, and a manageable plan for a giant adult dog.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Scottish Deerhound questions
How big does a full-grown Scottish Deerhound get?
Males stand 30 to 32 inches tall and weigh 85 to 110 pounds, and females stand 28 inches and up and weigh 75 to 95 pounds. The build is that of a rough-coated Greyhound of larger size and bone.
What is the difference between a Scottish Deerhound and an Irish Wolfhound?
Both are tall, rough-coated sighthounds, but the Wolfhound is the heavier dog. Irish Wolfhound males stand at least 32 inches and weigh at least 120 pounds, making it the tallest breed in the group, while Scottish Deerhound males stand 30 to 32 inches and weigh 85 to 110 pounds. The Deerhound is the lighter of the two.
How long do Scottish Deerhounds live?
Scottish Deerhounds typically live 8 to 11 years, which is a breed-wide figure and not a prediction for one dog. Breeders are encouraged to have hearts checked by a veterinary cardiologist and to test for two inherited bleeding conditions, so ask a breeder for those results and bring your questions to your vet.
Do Scottish Deerhounds shed?
Moderately. The harsh, wiry coat is easy to care for, with an all-over brush and comb every week or so. The body hair is about 3 to 4 inches long and feels crisp to the touch.
How much exercise does a Scottish Deerhound need?
Quite a lot. Puppies and adults both need free running every day, and a leash walk around the block is not enough. A mix of walking, trotting and running works well, ideally with another dog to play with inside a secure fence. Puppies need age-appropriate exercise, so ask your breeder and vet what suits a growing dog.
Are Scottish Deerhounds good guard dogs?
Not really. A Deerhound most likely will not bark or growl when someone comes to the door, and the breed rarely barks at all. Their size gets noticed, but their manner is gentle and polite.
Are Scottish Deerhounds good with children?
They are gentle, devoted family dogs and very affectionate with family. They are moderately suited to young children, and their size and rough play can be intimidating for small kids. Supervision matters with any dog this large.
What were Scottish Deerhounds bred for?
Coursing the wild red deer of the Scottish Highlands. Clan chieftains ran packs of these big, rough-coated hounds after deer for as long as anyone has recorded. The instinct remains, so the breed may chase furry animals that run past and should be exercised on a leash or inside a fence.
