Scottish Deerhound Breed: Details, Photos, Care Tips, and More

Selecting a Scottish Deerhound Puppy: Key Factors to Consider

When considering a Scottish Deerhound as your pet, you must be ready to welcome a giant dog into your home. These large canines are not well-suited for apartment living due to their immense size and need for a securely fenced yard to allow for proper exercise. As puppies, they can be quite lively and potentially destructive, making this breed a less-than-ideal choice for first-time dog owners. Patience and perseverance are essential when training these dogs, as they can be quite laid-back and may not readily follow commands if they don’t see a benefit for themselves.

Despite this, Scottish Deerhounds are deeply loving and gentle with their human families, showering them with affection. However, if you’re in search of a guard dog, this breed may not be the best fit. Though their size may seem intimidating, they are unlikely to bark at strangers and will instead greet them with a friendly demeanor.

The Temperament and Intelligence of Scottish Deerhounds

Contrary to their enormous stature, Scottish Deerhounds are incredibly affectionate and loving creatures. They exhibit no signs of aggression and consistently display polite and gentle behavior. Although they possess intelligence, they can sometimes be stubborn during training sessions. If they happen to be “not in the mood” for following instructions, they may resist your commands. However, with patience, persistence, and repetitive training, your Scottish Deerhound will eventually comply.

It’s important not to be deceived by their size when considering a Scottish Deerhound as a protective pet. They are not known to bark at unfamiliar faces and will warmly welcome anyone who approaches your doorstep. With their friendly and easy-going nature, don’t expect them to growl or bark at unexpected visitors.

Unlike other breeds, Scottish Deerhounds do not typically engage in activities such as fetch or tug-of-war. Instead, they thoroughly enjoy the exhilaration of chasing and running. These dogs require a spacious, fenced yard where they can run to their heart’s content. While they do need moderate exercise, they also appreciate downtime for relaxation and napping. Similar to the Greyhound, the Scottish Deerhound can easily transform into a couch potato.

Are Scottish Deerhounds a Suitable Choice for Families?

Scottish Deerhounds are wonderful family dogs, thanks to their affectionate and gentle personalities. They typically get along well with children, although due to their large size, it’s important to supervise interactions to prevent any accidental injuries during playtime. Early socialization can help them become more cautious around little ones. However, if you’re often away from home, a Scottish Deerhound may not be the ideal pet for you, as they dislike being left alone for extended periods and may exhibit restless or destructive behaviors as a consequence.

These dogs enjoy long walks, but they truly thrive when given the opportunity to run free in a dog park. For those who love to jog, they also make fantastic workout partners. Just remember to always keep them on a leash during walks, as their natural instincts may lead them to chase after anything that moves, including cars. Leash training is therefore an essential aspect of responsible Scottish Deerhound ownership.

How Well Do Scottish Deerhounds Get Along with Other Pets?

Generally, Scottish Deerhounds coexist well with other pets, but their intense prey drive could trigger a pursuit if you have cats or smaller animals. Once they recognize these creatures as part of the family, harmony will likely ensue. Deerhounds typically prefer the company of other large dogs, if given a choice.

Nutritional Needs for a Healthy Scottish Deerhound

As a large breed, Scottish Deerhounds require a substantial diet, typically consuming between 3 and 5 cups of food daily. It’s advisable to split their meals into two servings per day, providing them with high-quality kibble specifically designed for larger dogs. Ensure the kibble contains real protein as the primary ingredient, ideally one that benefits their hips and joints. Since larger breeds tend to be more susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, opt for food enriched with glucosamine to help maintain joint health. If you’re uncertain about the appropriate feeding quantity, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian for guidance tailored to your Scottish Deerhound’s specific needs.

The Importance of Exercise for a Scottish Deerhound

As previously noted, the Scottish Deerhound requires a moderate level of daily exercise. A securely fenced yard is essential for this breed, as they adore running and galloping at incredible speeds. If you have access to a local ball field or dog park, your Scottish Deerhound will absolutely love it! Open fields are perfect for them, but the area must be safe and enclosed. Aim for around a half hour or so of good ‘out and about’ fun twice a day.

It’s crucial, however, not to overexert young puppies. Their bones are still developing, and too much exercise could harm their joints. Daily walks are fine, but keep them relatively short; around 2 miles per day should be sufficient. Additionally, you can allow your puppy to explore and run in a secure, enclosed space like your fenced yard, letting them decide how much exercise they want. Always keep an eye on them to prevent overexertion. Once they reach 18 months of age, you can safely increase their exercise regimen.

Training Essentials for Scottish Deerhound Dogs

Training a Scottish Deerhound can be quite distinct from other breeds, partly because they possess stubbornness as well as shrewdness. Their tenacity makes them slower to train, which is why an experienced dog owner who can provide consistency and persistence is essential for this breed. Scottish Deerhounds are eager to please their owners, but that doesn’t guarantee a smooth training process. Their sensitive nature means that positive reinforcement is crucial during training sessions.

These dogs were originally bred for hunting, and they excel in this area, sometimes leading them to believe they don’t require commands from you. However, with patience and firmness, they will eventually learn to obey your commands. Keep in mind that house training may take a few months, and using crates can be helpful for this purpose. Just remember not to keep your Scottish Deerhound in a crate all day and only use it for training purposes.

Grooming Tips for Your Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhounds boast a lengthy, coarse fur that’s designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. Although they aren’t heavy shedders, a weekly grooming session using a slicker brush will prevent matting. It’s essential to trim their nails every couple of weeks unless they wear down naturally, and baths should be given as needed to minimize odor or remove dirt from unexpected adventures.

Comparing Male and Female Scottish Deerhounds

There is a clear distinction in size and weight between male and female Scottish Deerhounds. Generally, females can grow to be 28 inches tall or more, while males can reach heights of up to 32 inches. In terms of weight, females may weigh up to 95 pounds, and males can tip the scales at an impressive 100 pounds. However, when it comes to temperament, both genders of this breed exhibit a gentle and relaxed demeanor.

Interesting Fact 1 About Scottish Deerhounds

Given their genetic connection to the Irish Wolfhound, the Scottish Deerhound is also very tall. It is generally thought the second tallest dog breed. Although they share a similar appearance, the Scottish Deerhound typically reaches heights of 32 inches, while the Irish Wolfhound stands taller at 35 inches.

Intriguing Fact 2 About Scottish Deerhounds

Scottish Deerhounds are exceptional in the sport of Lure Coursing, which is specifically tailored for sighthounds. In this activity, a plastic bag attached to a lure is set up in a secure, spacious field, allowing the dogs to pursue their prey visually rather than relying on scent. They are evaluated on their speed, stamina, and nimbleness. Their innate talent for this sport stems from their original purpose – hunting deer.

Fascinating Fact 3 About Scottish Deerhounds

Esteemed Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott once described the Scottish Deerhound as “the most perfect creature of Heaven.” A renowned biographer, novelist, poet, and historian from Edinburgh, Sir Walter Scott was particularly fond of his own Scottish Deerhound, Maida, who was named after the 1806 Battle of Maida. This magnificent breed held a special place in his heart.

Concluding Thoughts on the Scottish Deerhound Breed

These gentle giants, known as Scottish Deerhounds, are quite unique compared to other breeds due to their strong-willed nature during training. However, these charming canines can make wonderful family companions. Their elongated bodies, slim legs, broad chest, and lengthy tails give them a greyhound-like appearance, but with a coat of long, wiry hair. Their care is relatively simple, but it’s important to provide daily exercise and avoid leaving them alone for extended periods. They adore cuddling and strive to please their owners. While not recommended for first-time dog owners, training success comes from consistent and patient guidance.