Scottish Deerhound
|Other names for this breed:Deerhound, Deer Dog
Country of origin:Great Britain, Scotland
Traits:
Weight:Male 85-110 pounds, female 75-95 pounds
Height:Male 30-32 inches, female 28 inches or higher
Coat:Double wiry, medium length
Color:Blue, black, brindle, gray, gray brindle, black brindle, blue gray
Life span:12-14 years
Classification:
AKC - American Kennel Club: Hound
UKC - United Kennel Club: Sighthound & Pariah
NZKC - New Zealand Kennel Club: Hound
FCI - International: 10 - Sighthounds, 10.2 - Roughhaired Sighthounds
Scottish Deerhound, more simply referred to as Deerhound. is a black-and-white dog with long legs and a long, flowing coat. They are one of the oldest breeds in the world, dating back to around A.D. 450 in Scotland.
These dogs have been used for centuries as treetop hunters and flushing out game animals from their hiding places. The Scottish Deerhound’s nose is so good that it can even detect tiny tracks left by game animals on the ground below them, leading to their name “deer dogs”.
They are also excellent at trailing wounded prey because they have such keen senses of smell and hearing. This makes them great hunting partners and loyal guard dogs.
In fact, they are one of the most affectionate dog breeds in the world, which makes them exceptional family pets as well. Read on to learn more about this amazing breed from Scotland…
Characteristics
The Scottish Deerhound was bred as a hunting dog, and they are still excellent at hunting today. They are an avid hunter and will track and flush out game animals with great enthusiasm. They can even be trained to be good bird dogs.
The Deerhound is a protective breed. Their loyal and devoted nature makes them great guard dogs. They have a very good guard dog instinct, which makes them great protectors of your home and loved ones. These are athletic dogs with long legs, which gives them great speed when chasing game.
Here are some key facts about the Scottish Deerhound:
- Size: Scottish Deerhounds are a large breed, standing up to 32 inches tall and weighing up to 110 pounds.
- Coat: They have a long and soft coat that is usually gray, blue-gray, or brindle in color. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition.
- History: Scottish Deerhounds were originally bred to hunt deer in Scotland. They were prized for their speed and ability to bring down deer with minimal damage to the animal.
- Personality: Scottish Deerhounds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are gentle dogs that are good with children and other animals. They are also known for their independent streak and are content to spend long periods of time alone.
- Exercise: This dog breed requires a moderate amount of exercise, but they are not as active as some other large breeds. They are good for families who enjoy going for walks or spending time outdoors.
- Health: Scottish Deerhounds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems, such as bloat and heart problems. It’s important to take good care of your Scottish Deerhound to help ensure their long-term health and well-being.
Temperament & Personality
- Affectionate and Loyal: Scottish Deerhounds are one of the most affectionate dog breeds in the world. They love to be around their family and are loyal to them. They are also great guard dogs, with a protective nature that can make them aggressive towards strangers.
- Active and Intelligent: Deerhound is a very active dog breed. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. They are excellent with families with children.
- Focused and Energetic: This is an energetic dog breed. They are high-energy dogs who enjoy exercise and a good game of fetch. They are also good for people who work from home, as they can burn off some of their energy with a daily walk.
Scottish Deerhound and Children
The Scottish Deerhound is also great with children, and they are one of the few breeds that can tolerate being picked up by children. This also makes them a great candidate for families with small children, as they are gentle and will not scare them with their size and energy.
Scottish Deerhounds can even be trained to be therapy dogs, which can help kids feel comfortable in doctors’ offices and other medical settings.
Scottish Deerhound and the Elderly
The Scottish Deerhound is a very active breed, which makes it a great choice for people who want to stay as active as possible in old age. The Scottish Deerhound is an energetic breed that loves to be active, and they will not become bored with the same old routine. They also make great companion dogs because of their affectionate and loyal nature.
Scottish Deerhound dogs are easy to train and can be taught a range of tricks, such as sitting and lying down. This makes them great for people who want to help train or socialize service dogs. They are calm and relaxed around people with dementia, so they are a great choice for people who want a companion that will help calm them down.
Very Independent Breed
The Scottish Deerhound is a great choice for families who want a dog breed that is an excellent candidate for canine independence. This means that the Scottish Deerhound is happy living in a home where they are the only dogs, with no human interference in their daily lives.
The Scottish Deerhound is not bothered by living in a home with other dogs either. In fact, they prefer it! These dogs are used to living in packs, and they are used to being around other dogs, with no human interaction.
Final Thoughts
The Scottish Deerhound is a beloved breed that is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its impressive speed and grace. If you are considering a Scottish Deerhound, be sure to research the breed carefully to ensure that it’s the right fit for you and your family.
Scottish Deerhound Photo Gallery
You can click on the gallery images below to view them full sized (most are in wallpaper resolution!).