Scottish terrier hereditary health and longevity guide

The Scottish Deerhound is one of the oldest and most majestic of all the Scottish dog breeds. With its tall, lean frame, rough, wiry coat, and noble bearing, the Deerhound has been described as the most perfect creature of the canine world. Bred for centuries to course red deer in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish Deerhound is a dog that combines impressive athleticism with a gentle, affectionate temperament. This guide covers everything you need to know about the breed.

Scottish Deerhound Appearance

The Scottish Deerhound is a very large sighthound. Males typically stand between 76 cm and above at the shoulder and weigh between 38 and 50 kg or more; females are somewhat smaller, standing around 71 cm and weighing between 30 and 43 kg. The breed has a long, flat head with a broad skull, a tapering muzzle, folded ears, and dark, gentle eyes with a soft, dignified expression.

The coat is rough, harsh, and wiry in texture, lying close to the body, and typically 7 to 10 cm long on the body. It comes in various shades of grey or brindle, dark or light grey, yellow, red fawn, and fawn, with dark ears, face, and belly. The coat provides protection from the weather and terrain of the Scottish Highlands. The overall impression is of height, power, and nobility combined with elegance.

Scottish Deerhound Temperament

The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, and deeply affectionate. They are devoted to their families and typically good with children, though their large size means supervision with very young children is advisable. They are generally friendly and sociable, both with people and other dogs, and they are not typically territorial or aggressive.

Their sighthound instincts mean they have a strong prey drive, and small animals (including cats in some cases) may not be safe around them without careful management. Recall off-lead can be unreliable, particularly in open spaces where they may give chase. They require a securely fenced area for off-lead exercise.

Scottish Deerhound Exercise Requirements

The Scottish Deerhound needs significant daily exercise. At least one to two hours of vigorous activity per day is recommended, and they benefit from regular opportunities to gallop freely in a safely enclosed area. They have the stamina for long outings but are also capable of resting calmly indoors for extended periods.

Scottish Deerhound Grooming

The rough, wiry coat requires regular brushing and occasional tidying to keep it in good condition. It does not require clipping and the coat is relatively self-maintaining compared to some other breeds, but a thorough brush once or twice per week helps to prevent matting and remove debris. The beard and eyebrows may need particular attention.

Scottish Deerhound Lifespan and Health

The typical Scottish Deerhound lifespan is between 8 and 11 years. The breed is prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which is a particular risk in deep-chested breeds and a veterinary emergency. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is also seen with higher frequency in the breed than in many others. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Factor VII deficiency (a clotting disorder) have also been documented. Responsible breeders carry out relevant health testing and are transparent about the health history of their breeding stock.

How Much Does a Scottish Deerhound Cost?

In the UK, a Scottish Deerhound puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between £1,200 and £2,500. The breed is relatively rare, and finding a reputable, health-tested breeder may require some research and patience.