Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a tall, dignified sighthound bred to course deer in the Scottish Highlands. These gentle, noble dogs combine impressive size with a sweet, affectionate temperament, earning them the title "Royal Dog of Scotland."

Bred for centuries by Scottish chieftains for deer coursing in the Highlands. The breed was once restricted to nobility, and only those ranking as an earl or above could own one. AKC recognized in 1886.

One of the tallest breeds, with a rough, wiry coat and a lean, elegant build. Similar to a Greyhound but larger and with a rough coat. Long legs, deep chest, and a gentle expression.

Gentle, dignified, and affectionate, the Scottish Deerhound is one of the sweetest giant breeds. They are polite, quiet, and deeply devoted to their families. Their calm demeanor belies their hunting heritage.

Friendly and gentle with everyone. Not a guard dog. Excellent with children due to their patient nature. Generally good with other dogs. Prey drive is present but manageable.

Moderate exercise needs—daily walks and regular opportunities to run in a safe area. They enjoy galloping but are not endurance runners. Calm and quiet at home.

Willing to please and relatively easy to train with positive methods. Gentle and sensitive—harsh corrections are counterproductive. They learn at a moderate pace.

Weekly brushing of the wiry coat. Occasional hand-stripping. Their coat requires less maintenance than it appears. Regular nail, ear, and dental care.

Like many giant breeds, they have a shorter lifespan. Bone cancer and heart disease are primary concerns. Bloat prevention is important. Regular cardiac screening.

Need large-breed appropriate food. Multiple smaller meals to prevent bloat. Slow, steady growth is important for puppies. Quality nutrition supports their large frame.

Need space due to their size but are quiet indoors. A yard is ideal but they can manage in larger apartments with daily exercise. Not suited for very warm climates.

Best for families who appreciate gentle, quiet giant dogs. Great with children. Ideal for those who enjoy a calm, affectionate companion. Be prepared for the shorter lifespan.

Intelligent and sensitive. They learn well with patient training. More willing to cooperate than some sighthound breeds. Their observational skills are impressive.

Extremely quiet. One of the least vocal breeds. They rarely bark and are peaceful housemates.

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing manages the rough coat effectively.

Contact the Scottish Deerhound Club of America for rescue. This is a rare breed. Be prepared for giant-breed care costs and a shorter lifespan.

Puppies grow rapidly and need careful nutrition. Avoid over-exercising during growth. Early socialization is important. They are gentle and sweet from a young age.

Senior Deerhounds need supportive bedding and moderate exercise. Monitor for heart and bone issues. Regular cardiac checkups. They are even more gentle and devoted in their senior years.