Scottish Deerhound Breed Description

Scottish Deerhound Description, Straight from the Dog's Mouth
You won't usually find me hanging around your local kennel. Nor will you generally find me at your local animal shelter. I'm just not that popular here in the States. It's not because of poor temperament. Actually, I'm known for being extremely friendly and well behaved. However, I must note that I do need my daily routine of exercise. Look carefully at my photograph here. I am a tall, lean, running machine, bred to chase and bring down Red Deer. Truth be told, I occasionally get an itch to chase something, anything at all, and I just take off running.

And therein may lie the reason I'm not as popular here as some other dogs. You folks just don't hunt many Red Deer. Back home in the Scottish Highland glens you find a few more like me, but only a few. Sadly, my family has dwindled as breeders responded to changes in hunting. Today's hunters prefer different methods than in years past. Most use scent hounds and rifles now, not chase hounds like me. Now I ask you, "What's the sport in that?" I mean, at least give the deer a fighting chance in the chase!

Although I may remind you of a larger version of the Greyhound, I am more closely related to the Irish Wolfhound. In fact, I owe much to the Wolfhound for my breed's recovery in the 19th Century. Anyway, feel free to look me up and please consider what a wonderful dog you would have with me. Not to mention just how unique that would make you and yours. Can't you just hear them ask, "You have a...what kind of dog?"

 

 

Introduction

This breed was developed hundreds of years ago to hunt the Highland Deer, an animal the size of today's elk. In its native country it was known as the Royal Dog of Scotland. The Scottish Deerhound is a tall dog, sometimes as much as 36 inches at the shoulder, and it has a shaggy grey coat. They are devoted family dogs who need a great deal of exercise in safely enclosed areas.

Colors

dark blue gray, dark and light gray, brindles, yellow, sandy red and fawn colors. They should have black ears and muzzles

Living Area

Scottish Deerhounds are large dogs. However, they can live in an apartment so long as they are given plenty of exercise. When they are indoors, they are docile and quiet, due to their elegant and polite nature. So, you're not likely to find them underfoot, even if you live in a small place. However, it is critical for their health and happiness that they be given lots of exercise outdoors. The ideal place for a Scottish Deerhound would be a farm with acres and acres free for roaming and tracking, completely out of danger from traffic.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Pets4You offers listings of Scottish Deerhound breeders with puppies for sale.