Scottish Deerhound

“Gentle, Dignified, Polite” 

The Scottish Deerhound, is a very ancient breed that was originally bred to hunt wolves, rather than deer. This breed has a strong prey drive for smaller, furry animals. It is a wonderful, calm and gentle family dog, with quiet yet courageous devotion to its family members. 

Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28 inches & up (female)

Weight: 85-110 pounds (male), 75-95 pounds (female)

Life Expectancy: 8-11 years

Group: Hound Group 

 History

Scottish Deerhound was virtually identical to the Irish Wolfhound, and that contributed to the Scottish Deerhound’s name. Over time, it was bred down in size, as its primary game became the smaller deer rather than the more powerful and larger wolf. However, when the wolves started to disappear from the wilds of Great Britain, the Scottish Deerhound became highly prized as a deer-coursing dog. This breed was definitively identified as a Deerhound as early as the 16th century. From that point forward, regardless of whether the dog was larger or smaller, short haired or wiry, the breed could be recognized as a Deerhound. It should resemble a rough-coated Greyhound of larger size and with more bone. It is very similar to the Irish Wolfhound, but is smaller, much sleeker, lighter in build and reflects the contribution of the Greyhound to its ancestry.

Care

Because they're a giant breed, it's important to introduce puppies to exercise gradually so you don't damage their still developing bones and joints. Deerhound puppies need plenty of off-leash exercise in a safely fenced area to develop properly. Give them unrestricted access to a large yard so they can get out and run when the mood strikes them.
The Scottish Deerhound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).

Grooming sessions are a good time to inspect the dog all over for any new lumps or skin problems, and to check that the eyes and ears are healthy and trouble free.

BREED STANDARD

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