Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: Scotland
The Scottish Deerhound is a large sighthound originally bred to hunt red deer in the Scottish Highlands, prized for its speed, stamina, and gentle nature. Despite its imposing size, it is a calm and affectionate companion that bonds closely with its family.
| Breed | Scottish Deerhound |
| Size | Giant (85–110 lbs) |
| Height | 30–32 inches |
| Lifespan | 8–11 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Friendly |
| Energy Level | Moderate●●●○○ |
| Good With Kids | ✅ Yes |
| Grooming | Low Maintenance |
| Training | Good |
| Shedding | Light |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Scottish Deerhound Overview
The Scottish Deerhound is one of the tallest dog breeds, combining athletic power with a remarkably gentle and dignified personality. Indoors it is quiet and relaxed, while outdoors it can cover ground at great speed thanks to its sighthound build. It thrives in homes with secure large gardens and owners who appreciate a loyal but independent companion.
📜 History & Origin
The Scottish Deerhound has existed in Scotland for centuries and was once known as the Royal Dog of Scotland, held in such high regard that no one below the rank of earl was permitted to own one. It was used by Highland chieftains to course red deer across open moorland, relying on sight and speed rather than scent. The breed nearly became extinct after the decline of clan culture but was revived in the 19th century through the efforts of dedicated breeders.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 85–110 lbs (38–50 kg)
- Height: 30–32 inches (76–81 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 75–95 lbs
- Height: 28–30 inches
Coat type: Harsh, wiry, and shaggy medium-length double coat
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Scottish Deerhounds are generally excellent with children. Their patient, gentle nature makes them reliable family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets when properly socialised from puppyhood. Early introductions are recommended.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds have moderate exercise requirements — around 60 minutes of daily activity is sufficient. Two daily walks plus some playtime keeps most individuals happy and healthy.
⚠️ Apartment living: Not ideal. A house with a garden is strongly preferred.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Scottish Deerhound)
- Daily amount: 3.5 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food split into two meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Weekly brush is usually sufficient.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Scottish Deerhound lifespan is 8–11 years. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Experienced dog owners with large fenced properties
- Active families who enjoy long outdoor walks
- Owners seeking a calm and affectionate giant breed
- Excellent with children
❌ Cons
- Apartment dwellers or owners without a secure garden
- First-time dog owners unfamiliar with sighthound independence
- Families seeking a guard dog or highly obedient breed
🆚 Scottish Deerhound vs Other Breeds
✅ Scottish Deerhound wins at
The Scottish Deerhound tends to be more athletic and agile, making it a better fit for active households that enjoy running or hiking.
✅ Irish Wolfhound wins at
The Irish Wolfhound is generally more tolerant with very young children and other dogs due to its even more patient and gentle temperament.
✅ Scottish Deerhound wins at
The Scottish Deerhound has a more rustic, shaggy appearance and copes better in colder and wetter climates thanks to its weatherproof double coat.
✅ Greyhound wins at
The Greyhound is smaller, easier to manage indoors, and is widely available as a rescue dog through retired racing programs.
🏠 Who Should Own a Scottish Deerhound?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Experienced dog owners with large fenced properties
- Active families who enjoy long outdoor walks
- Owners seeking a calm and affectionate giant breed
- A family with children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- Apartment dwellers or owners without a secure garden
- First-time dog owners unfamiliar with sighthound independence
- Families seeking a guard dog or highly obedient breed
- You live in a small apartment without outdoor access
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scottish Deerhound good for families?
The Scottish Deerhound is an affectionate and gentle breed that generally gets along well with older children and other dogs in the household. Its large size and exuberant outdoor energy mean it can accidentally knock over very small children, so supervision around toddlers is recommended. With proper socialization from puppyhood it can be a devoted and calm family companion.
How much does a Scottish Deerhound puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Scottish Deerhound puppy from a reputable Kennel Club registered breeder typically costs between 1,200 and 2,000 pounds. In Pakistan the price ranges from approximately 80,000 to 150,000 PKR depending on lineage and breeder reputation, while in India prices generally fall between 60,000 and 120,000 INR. Because the breed is rare, long waiting lists are common and buyers should budget for ongoing costs including large-breed food, veterinary care, and insurance.
Is Scottish Deerhound easy to train?
The Scottish Deerhound is intelligent but carries the independent, free-thinking nature typical of sighthounds, which can make formal obedience training more challenging than with herding or working breeds. It responds best to positive reinforcement, patience, and short training sessions that keep its interest. Recall training is especially important as it has a strong prey drive and will chase at speed if given the chance.
What food is best for a Scottish Deerhound?
A high-quality large or giant breed dry kibble with real meat as the first ingredient is a solid foundation for an adult Scottish Deerhound, with most adults requiring 3.5 to 4.5 cups per day split into two meals. Feeding two smaller meals rather than one large meal is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of bloat, a serious condition to which deep-chested breeds are prone. Avoid vigorous exercise for at least one hour before and after feeding to further reduce this risk.
Does Scottish Deerhound bark a lot?
The Scottish Deerhound is generally a quiet breed that rarely barks without reason, making it a poor choice as a watchdog. It may alert to unusual activity but is not known for nuisance barking or territorial vocalisation.
Can a Scottish Deerhound live in an apartment?
The Scottish Deerhound is not well suited to apartment living due to its giant size and need for daily vigorous exercise in a safely enclosed space. It is much happier in a home with a large, securely fenced garden where it can stretch its legs freely.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Scottish Deerhound is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 8–11 years, moderate activity needs, and low maintenance grooming requirements, the Scottish Deerhound is a wonderful family dog.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Scottish Deerhound will reward you with years of loyal companionship.