Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed Guide

The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed with a rich history dating back to the 16th century.

This majestic dog was bred for its exceptional hunting skills, particularly for deer.

They have a sturdy build and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Their distinctive long, narrow head and large, hanging ears make them a striking sight.

Scottish Deerhounds are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them a great companion for families.

They are also highly intelligent and relatively easy to train.

Their calm and laid-back demeanor makes them a great fit for homes with children or other pets.

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The Scottish Deerhound is a breed that's known for its friendly and docile nature. They're willing and easy to train, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

Their temperament is dignified, gentle, and playful, with a strong affection for their family members. They're extremely loyal and prefer not to be left alone, so be prepared for a dog that'll stick by your side.

One thing to keep in mind is that Scottish Deerhounds have a high energy level and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or run is a must, but don't worry, they're not high-strung and will adapt to a more relaxed pace as they age.

Here are some key characteristics of the Scottish Deerhound breed:

They're generally good with children who are polite to them, but it's essential to socialize them well to prevent any issues. And, as with any large breed, be mindful of their size and gentle with them, especially around toddlers.

Overall, the Scottish Deerhound is a wonderful breed that'll bring joy and companionship into your life, but they do require attention, exercise, and patience.

Scottish Deerhounds need lots of space to roam around, so apartment living is not recommended for this big fellow. They require long walks, always wearing a leash, as it's their nature to chase things.

A fenced-in area is perfect for the Scottish Deerhound, with a fence that must be over six feet tall so that the dog won't jump over it. They enjoy ample time outside, but they're happiest inside with their family.

You'll need to provide lots of room and sufficient bedding to keep your Scottish Deerhound from developing calluses. They shed very little, but you may need to pluck and trim excessive hair from the ears and the pads of the feet.

Weekly combing is a must for the Scottish Deerhound, and stray hairs may need to be cut occasionally. They also require plucking twice yearly to keep their coat looking its best.

To keep your Scottish Deerhound's ears clean and dry, check them weekly for dirt, redness, or a bad odor that can indicate an infection. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with a gentle pH-balanced ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.

Trim your Scottish Deerhound's nails as needed, usually once every week or two, to keep them from getting too long. Good dental hygiene is also important, so brush their teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.

The Scottish Deerhound is a majestic breed, known for its impressive stature. A male Deerhound typically stands between 30 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.

As for weight, a male Deerhound can weigh anywhere from 85 to 110 pounds, while females typically weigh between 75 to 95 pounds.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's physical characteristics:

Their coat comes in varying shades of gray, fawn, or brindle, which is a great conversation starter.

If you're looking to bring a Scottish Deerhound into your life, there are several options to consider. You can adopt from a Scottish Deerhound Rescue or a shelter, which is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need.

To start your search, you can use websites like Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com, which allow you to be specific about your requests, such as housetraining status.

You can also reach out to local experts, such as vets, dog walkers, and groomers, to see if they know of any Scottish Deerhounds in need of a home.

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If you're set on getting a Scottish Deerhound from a breeder, be prepared to pay between $1,000 to $2,500 for a puppy, depending on its lineage.

Before adopting, it's essential to ask the right questions, such as how the dog interacts with other animals, its personality, and any known health issues.

Here are some key questions to discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers:

Make sure to have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides.

Once you bring your Scottish Deerhound home, take it to your veterinarian soon after adoption to ensure it's healthy and set up a preventive regimen to avoid health issues.

Scottish Deerhounds are a breed prone to certain health issues, so it's essential to be aware of them. Dilated Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart condition, can lead to abnormal rhythms and heart failure.

Some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed, including Anesthesia Sensitivity, which means a regular dose of anesthesia cannot be given to this breed during a procedure. Osteosarcoma, aggressive bone tumors, may require amputation and chemotherapy.

To prevent obesity and related health issues, monitor your Scottish Deerhound's weight and ensure they're not eating too much at one time. Bloating, especially if it becomes twisted, is a medical emergency.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

To keep your Scottish Deerhound healthy, feed them high-quality dry food in moderation, divided into two meals a day. Three to four cups of food per day is a good starting point, but the exact amount will depend on your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. One of the biggest concerns is anesthesia sensitivity, which means that a regular dose of anesthesia can't be given to this breed during a procedure.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is another condition to watch out for, which can lead to an enlarged heart and abnormal rhythms, ultimately resulting in heart failure.

Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone tumor, may require amputation and chemotherapy, making it a serious health issue. Factor VII deficiency is an inherited condition that can result in the lack of a blood clotting factor, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Cystinuria causes the formation of kidney and bladder stones, which can be painful and even life-threatening if left untreated. Hip dysplasia, an orthopedic condition, affects the development of the hip joints, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that causes the stomach to twist and fill with gas, leading to bloating and potentially fatal consequences.

Here are some common health problems to be aware of:

Scottish Deerhounds need about three to four cups of dry food each day, divided into two meals.

The exact amount fed will depend on the brand, calorie content, and the dog’s size and activity level. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

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Deerhounds are prone to bloating, especially if they gulp their food or eat too much at one time. A bloated stomach can become twisted, which is a medical emergency.

Monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity. You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your Deerhound.

To check if your Deerhound is at a healthy weight, place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard.

The Scottish Deerhound is a large dog breed, larger in size than the Greyhound. They are known for their gentle dignity.

Their body formation is a combination of speed, power, and endurance, necessary for hunting large game like stags. This build suggests they are capable of tackling demanding tasks.

They have a rough coat, which is a notable feature of the breed.

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If you're looking for a Scottish Deerhound but can't find one, you might consider these similar breeds.

The American Blue Gascon Hound is a good match, with a 97% similarity to the Scottish Deerhound. They share many characteristics, including a similar size and hunting style.

If you're interested in a breed that's even more similar, the Bucovina Shepherd and Native American Village Dog are both 96% similar to the Scottish Deerhound. Both of these breeds are known for their intelligence and hunting ability.

If you're willing to consider a breed that's slightly less similar, the Great Bernese and Rafeiro Do Alentejo are both 95% similar to the Scottish Deerhound. They share many characteristics, including a similar size and coat type.

Here are some breeds that are similar to the Scottish Deerhound:

If you're looking for breeds that are similar in size to the Scottish Deerhound, you're in luck. The American Blue Gascon Hound is 97% similar in size, making it a great option to consider.

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The Bucovina Shepherd and Native American Village Dog are also very close in size, with a similarity of 96%. This means they share many physical characteristics with the Scottish Deerhound.

The Great Bernese and Rafeiro Do Alentejo are also worth considering, with a size similarity of 95%. These breeds may have slightly different features, but they're all relatively similar in terms of size.

Here are some breeds that are similar in size to the Scottish Deerhound:

If you're looking for breeds that require similar maintenance to the Scottish Deerhound, you're in luck. The Sealyham Terrier is a great option, with a 100% similarity in maintenance needs.

The Cesky Terrier is another breed that shares the same level of maintenance as the Scottish Deerhound, with a 100% similarity.

If you're willing to consider breeds with a slightly lower similarity, the Dutch Smoushond, French Bull Jack, and Chonzer all have a 94% similarity in maintenance needs.

Here are some breeds that require similar maintenance to the Scottish Deerhound: