Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhound

Breed Overview

The Scottish Deerhound is a large breed of hound originally bred to hunt the native Scottish red deer. The breed is also known as the Rough-Coated Deerhound. They are calm, sweet, and dignified dogs who are loyal, independent and gentle-natured, with an ability to hunt deer for hours without slowing down. They have a low-to-medium energy level and require a fair amount of physical exercise.

Care and Grooming

The Scottish Deerhound has a long, wiry coat that requires daily brushing to keep it free of tangles and knots. They are also moderate shedders and will benefit from regular baths as well as regular nail trimming and grooming. It is important to check their ears for signs of infection and to keep their teeth clean.

Training and Socialization

The Scottish Deerhound needs an experienced handler who can provide consistent and positive training methods. They are highly intelligent and easily trainable, but can be sensitive to corrections. Early socialization with other pets and people is also important.

Health and Wellness

The Scottish Deerhound is a healthy breed, but is prone to some health conditions such as hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and thrombocytopenia. Responsible breeders will provide testing for these conditions before breeding.

Living Environment

The Scottish Deerhound needs plenty of room to run and play, and is especially at home in the outdoors. They do not do well when cooped up in small spaces. They are also fairly adaptable and can live in both rural and urban areas.

Temperament and Personality

The Scottish Deerhound is a loyal and dignified breed. They are highly affectionate and kind, yet also independent, with a strong instinct to follow their noses. They can be good watchdogs, but typically do not show warning signs of aggression.

Common Challenges

The Scottish Deerhound is a high-energy breed that requires an experienced handler. They can be hard to contain if not exercised enough, and may have trouble responding to commands if distracted by something interesting. They are also sensitive dogs and do not respond well to harsh training methods.