Scottish Deerhound Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound, Highland Deerhound

Common Misspellings: 

Learn all about Scottish Deerhound Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Scottish Deerhound dog breed. You'll find solid information about Scottish Deerhound dog history, Scottish Deerhound life expectancy Scottish Deerhound dog appearance, Scottish Deerhound temperament and personality, Scottish Deerhound health problems, Scottish Deerhound puppy care, training Scottish Deerhound puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Scottish Deerhound dog breeder.

An elegant and noble figure from days gone by, the Scotch Greyhound is a rare and wonderful dog. Prized for his loyalty, his grace and his uncanny hunting ability, it was decreed that no one with a title lesser than that of an Earl could own a Scottish Deerhound. Fortunately, today's rules aren't quite so strict!

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Scottish Deerhound Facts

The Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Scottish Deerhound Height: Females are a minimum of 28 inches at the shoulder, with the males being a minimum of 30 inches at the shoulder.

Scottish Deerhound Weight: 75-110 pounds

Scottish Deerhound Color Variations: Self colours only with some brindle and limited white markings allowed.

Scottish Deerhound Size Variations: Standard size only

Scottish Deerhound Exercise Needs: Demanding

Scottish Deerhound Grooming Demands: Reasonable

Scottish Deerhound Trainability: Medium Difficult

Scottish Deerhound Life Expectancy: 9-11 years

Average Scottish Deerhound Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Yes, with supervision.

Good With Other Pets: Usually

Breed Group: Hound

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Scottish Deerhound Dog History

As with many breeds of dog, the true origins of the Scottish Deerhound are cloaked in mystery. Many believe that, with his close appearance to the famous Irish wolfhound, the two were originally one in the same. While the Irish wolfhound was bred for the size and strength needed to protect the families and hunt wolves and bear, it's often suggested that the Scottish Deerhound were simply lighter specimens, developed for the purpose of hunting stag. Regardless of how he originally came to be however, the Scottish Deerhound is recognized as one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world, and he is prized not only for his rarity, but also for his superior hunting ability.

The Scottish Deerhound was unsurpassed as a sighthound; usually hunted in pairs, they were fleet of foot and fully capable of running down the majestic stag. In fact, his hunting ability was so prized that it was decreed that no one with a rank lesser than that of an Earl would be allowed to own one of these magnificent dogs. While this was designed to preserve the purity of this breed, the restricted gene pool allowed for limited breeding and almost caused the Scottish Deerhounds' extinction.

Credit goes to Archibald and Duncan McNeill for the restoration and preservation of the magnificent Scottish Deerhound. Due to their work, started around 1825, today's Scottish Deerhound closely resembles documented records of the Scottish Deerhounds from the 18th and 19th centuries, in regards to personality, coloration, size and type. The Scottish Deerhound was finally registered with the AKC in 1886. The rest, as they say, is history.

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Scottish Deerhound Dog Appearance

The Scottish Deerhound is a romantic figure; lithely built and possessing a noble bearing, he is often said to resemble a more refined and graceful version of the Irish wolfhound. Standing no less than 28 inches at the shoulder, and weighing no less than 75 pounds, the Scottish Deerhound possesses an athletic frame that was built to run.

The Scottish Deerhound comes in many solid colors, though a dark blue-gray is the preferred shade. They can also be found in both light and dark gray, red fawn, sandy red, yellow or brindle, was limited white markings. White dogs are not accepted, nor are dogs sporting a white blaze on the face or a white collar.

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Scottish Deerhound Grooming

The Scottish Deerhound does not require a daily brushing, though his coat this require weekly attention. Brushing your dog once a week gives him valuable one on one time with you, as well as granting you insight as to his well being. Additionally, a weekly brushing will help to remove dead skin and dead hair from his coat, leaving less stray hair that will stick to your clothing or furniture.

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Scottish Deerhound Exercise Needs

The Scottish Deerhound was bred for the purpose of hunting deer and, for this reason, he was bred to run. When considering buying a Scottish Deerhound puppy, one must always take into consideration the amount of time and exercise that these dogs require. A fenced yard is a must as the Scottish Deerhound, puppy or adult, requires daily exercise.

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Scottish Deerhound Temperament

The Scottish Deerhound is a very noble figure- possessing an almost a regal bearing, he's quiet and dignified, often independent and sometimes a little aloof. While not an aggressive dog, they're said to have an amazing amount of heart (courage) and nearly unshakable persistence.

Known for his loyalty, the Scottish Deerhound is a good family pet though his desire for alone time may prove daunting for children. Usually good about the other dogs and pets, these dogs are notorious for running deer and should always be kept on a leash or in a confined yard for their own safety.

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Scottish Deerhound Training

Training the Scottish Deerhound requires a gentle hand and a lot of patience. While keenly intelligent and quick to learn new tricks, the Scottish Deerhound is often difficult to train due to his independent nature. Additionally, these magnificent dogs have a tendency to sulk and act a little belligerent, if they feel you are asking too much.

Scottish Deerhound Health

Despite their rarity and limited gene pool, the Scottish Deerhound is a surprisingly healthy breed of dog. Usually living about 10 years, their most common health concerns include, but are not limited to, the following:

Bloat

Cardiomyopathy

Osteosarcoma

Torsion

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Is the Scottish Deerhound Right For You?

The Scottish Deerhound is a very loyal and dignified companion for the family, though his size can be somewhat intimidating and he should always be supervised with small children- not necessarily due to aggression, but because an excited Deerhound can accidentally knock a small child down. Additionally, these wonderful dogs do require a fair amount of exercise and, if this is not provided, can often prove destructive in the home.

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Scottish Deerhound Prices

Average Scottish Deerhound Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Scottish Deerhound dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Scottish Deerhound puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Scottish Deerhound dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Scottish Deerhound puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Scottish Deerhound breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Scottish Deerhound prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Scottish Deerhound puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Scottish Deerhound Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Scottish Deerhound puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Scottish Deerhound Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Scottish Deerhound breeders. We actively screen Scottish Deerhound breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Scottish Deerhound breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Scottish Deerhound puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Scottish Deerhound puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Scottish Deerhound dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Scottish Deerhound Resources:

• Scottish Deerhound Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Scottish Deerhound Breed Profile
• Scottish Deerhound Pictures
• Scottish Deerhound Videos

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