| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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This breed is not as popular as others, even in its homeland, Scotland, and on the nearby island of Ireland.
Surprisingly, breeding establishments that breed the Scottish Deerhound have been increasingly growing in Australia and the United States. This dog breed is also bred in Sweden and Denmark quite successfully as well. Let’s try to get to know this dog better, and perhaps we will understand why the Scottish Deerhound is so successful outside its country.
Scottish Deerhound: Origins
The Scottish Deerhound, also known as the Scottish Rough-Haired Hound, has ancient origins which are usually confused with the origins of the Irish Sighthound. And although it is easy to get confused, the Scottish Deerhound has many reasons to be considered an authentic breed.
As its name indicates, this breed was used for deer hunting. There are several hypotheses about the origins of the Deerhound. The least recognized hypothesis says that it was the Phoenicians who introduced this breed to Europe through maritime trade. While the most established theory says that this breed, like all greyhounds, came to Europe from the plains of Central Asia, as a result of the flow of Indo-European migrants. It is said that they reached Great Britain and Scotland by crossing the entire European continent.
Another peculiarity of the Deerhound is its rough coat, which is still not well explained by experts. It is supposed to be a legacy left by its ancestor the “Rampur Hound“, a semi-long and hard-coated dog. The standard for this breed was established in 1892, but this fact has not yet been clarified.
Scottish Deerhound: Temperament
Majestic, calm, and thoughtful, this breed is a sighthound with an excellent temperament. It is sweet and affectionate with its owners. However, it does not behave in the same way with strangers. Although, it never becomes aggressive, it is not sociable or communicative with them at first.
The Scottish Deerhound seems to be cold at first, but when it becomes confident it will ask for pampering. This breed is lively and energetic. It should not be left alone in an apartment because it would suffer a lot. It needs to exercise to burn energy. It loves running in open and green spaces.
If you have a big backyard, the Scottish Deerhound will love it. It has no problem adapting to adverse and harsh weather conditions that many other dogs would refuse to endure.
Scottish Deerhound: Physical Characteristics
- Male Scottish Deerhounds weigh 110 lb (50 kg); while female Scottish Deerhounds weigh 82 lb (37kg).
- The average height for a Scottish Deerhound is 30 inches (76 cm) for a male and 28 inches (70 cm) for a female.
From these sizes, it is clear that the Scottish Deerhound is a large dog. Besides, it falls into the Graioid morphotype. Its body is the perfect combination of speed, power and endurance, all the skills needed to hunt deer and similar animals.
Its body is harmonious and well-proportioned. Its physical characteristics are very attractive. All this makes him one of the most beautiful sihthounds.
Many mix it up with the famous “Irish Wolfhound” due to its appearance. But the Deerhound is not offended if it is mistaken, and it continues with its long, elegant, and fast pace. Its head is wider at the ears and it slightly narrows to the eyes. The skull is flat rather round.
The muzzle of this breed is also particular: It is black and slightly curved. The ears are folded and covered with soft, small, fringeless hair. The Scottish Deerhound’s eyes are generally dark brown or hazel.
The colors allowed by the official standard are:
- Dark blue-gray with dark and light gray tones, or brindle and fawn,
- Sandy red or red fawn with black tips.
White can also be present, for example, on its chest, legs and tip of the tail, but it is not a quite acceptable appearance because purists generally prefer a single color or almost single color coat.
The Scottish Deerhound has a wiry, hairy tail that almost reaches the ground. It should never be curved or twisted.
The Scottish Deerhound’s coat is crisp to the touch. The hair on the body, neck and quarters is harsh and wiry about 3 or 4 inches long; that on the head, breast and belly is much softer.
Scottish Deerhound: Grooming and Health
Thanks to its body build, the Scottish Greyhound is an all-weather resistant dog. During the growth stage, it is extremely important to provide calcium and phosphorus to its body.
The last recommendation we can offer you is related to its coat: it should be cleaned and brushed carefully once a week.
Scottish Deerhound: Puppies
Deerhound puppies are just as adorable as adult Deerhounds. Obviously, they are more lively and eager to run around in green areas.
During the first 3 and 12 months of life, your vet will recommend the amount of calcium and phosphorus required by your pup. At this stage, growth is accelerated, so puppies should be fed well and abundantly.
We advise you to contact your veterinarian to get guidance regarding the optimal food ratio and any nutritional supplements your dog may need.
Once the Deerhound has gone through its puppyhood, it will not need any special care. This is thanks to its rustic temperament. Its coat should be brushed once a week.
Scottish Deerhound: Price, and Puppies For Sale
The price of a Scottish Deerhound puppy may vary between 1100 and 1500 dollars, about 1000-1300 English pounds. It is essential that you buy a dog from a reliable breeder so that you can be sure that your puppy has been:
- Bred for good health and temperament;
- Well-selected (this means that its parents were chosen without genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too fearful or too aggressive;
- Vaccinated and well-groomed.
In Internet sales, you can find puppies at a much lower price. However, we advise you to check if the dog has a pedigree or not, which is essential to know the dog’s breed’s purity.
In addition, after what we have mentioned about the longevity of the Scottish Deerhound, you must know how the puppy was treated in terms of lifestyle and feeding.
Now that we have clarified all the most important aspects, you can go in search of your new 4-legged friend, who is surely waiting for you.
In addition to the Scottish Deerhound, there are other types of sighthounds recognized:
Long or wavy sighthounds:
- Borzoi (Russian Sighthound)
- Afghan Hound
- Saluki Hound
Wirehaired sighthounds:
- Irish wolfhound
- Scottish Greyhound (Deerhound)
Short-haired sighthounds:
- Azawakh (African Greyhound)
- Spanish Greyhound
- Greyhound
- Polish Greyhound
- Magyar agár (Hungarian Greyhound)
- Miniature Italian Greyhound
- Sloughi (Arabian Greyhound)
- Whippet
