Scottish Deerhound
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 Description:
The Scottish Deerhound is a large dog with
a shaggy, crisp and somewhat wiry coat.
This is a gentle, quiet and friendly breed
used as the name suggests to hunt deer.
It has been questioned as to whether the
Scottish Deerhound was the same as the Irish
Wolfhound or possibly related the hounds
of the Picts. The earliest records found
documenting Scottish Deerhounds are from
the 16th and 17th centuries, however, historians
believe this is an ancient breed existing
long before any notes were ever kept.
The Scottish Deerhound nearly became extinct
because this was such a highly regarded
and prized breed which was limited to only
those of an earl ranking or higher. These
dogs were very successful in the hunting
and killing of large deer and it is this
skill which made the Scottish Deerhound
a very valuable asset. However, around 1825,
Archibald and Duncan McNeill were successful
in bringing this breed back from near extinction.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized
the Scottish Terrier in the Hound Group
in 1886
Height:
The height for a Scottish Deerhound can
be from 30 - 32 inches (76 - 81 cm) and
for bitches from 28 inches (71 cm) plus.
Weight:
The weight of the Scottish Deerhound is
between 75 to 110 pounds (34 - 50 kg). Bitches
weight less - between 75 to 95 pounds (34
- 43 kg). AKC Standard.
Coat
Type: The Scottish Deerhound
has a shaggy, somewhat wiry and close lying
coat which is crisp to the touch. The hair
on the head, belly and breast is much softer.
To keep the Scottish Deerhound's coat in
good condition, keep it thoroughly brushed
and clean.
Color:
The color of the Scottish Deerhound's coat
includes dark blue gray, gray, brindle and
black, yellow and sandy red or red fawn.
Darker colors are more preferred over lighter
shades. White is permissible on the chest,
toes or a slight tip to the stern, but as
a general rule, the less white, the better.
Temperament:
The Scottish Deerhound is a loving and a
faithful companion. He is gentle, quiet,
friendly and generally good with children
(do not leave small children alone due to
the Scottish Deerhound's large size which
he may unintentionally knock over a child).
It is not difficult to train a Scottish
Deerhounds as they are eager to please,
although they can be lazy. They are not
wary of strangers nor will they bark if
something appears out of the norm - therefore,
they do not make good watch or guard dogs.
While they are busy as a puppy, they are
quite laid back as an adult and love to
take long naps. However, they need to be
subjected to daily exercise - especially
as a puppy. Long walks, free play in a secure
area and especially lure coursing are all
good ways to keep your Scottish Deerhound
physically and mentally fit.
Health Concerns:
Several health conditions the Scottish
Deerhound is prone to includes: osteosarcoma
(bone cancer), cardiomyopathy, bloat and
torsion. The average life span is between
9 - 11 years.
Special Interest:
• The Scottish Deerhound does not
like the heat.
Classifications:
AKC: Hound Group
ANKC: Hound Group 4
CKC: Hound Group 2
FCI: Group 10 Section 2 Rough-haired Sighthounds
KC: Hound
NZKC: Hounds
UKC: Sighthounds & Pariahs
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