Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a breed of great antiquity, so old that its exact origins are lost to time. We know they were perfected in Scotland hundreds of years ago, where they were the prized possessions of the Highland chieftains. So highly were they valued that no one with a rank lower than an Earl was permitted to own one. Their original purpose was the pursuit of the magnificent red deer, which could weigh up to 400 pounds. A pair of Deerhounds was expected to track, chase down, and hold this massive prey for the hunter. The Scottish Deerhound was developed to hunt large game, much like the Irish Wolfhound and the Borzoi.

As a sighthound, they hunt using their incredible speed and keen vision, not scent. The breed’s fortunes fell with the decline of the Scottish clan system and the invention of firearms, which made their hunting skills less necessary. By the 19th century, they were nearly extinct. The breed was saved from disappearing forever by dedicated enthusiasts, Archibald and Duncan McNeill, who began a careful breeding program. Today, while rarely used for deer hunting, they remain a noble and cherished companion, a living link to the wild history of the Scottish Highlands.

The Deerhound’s temperament is one of charming contradictions. Indoors, they are the picture of serenity. They are quiet, gentle, and love nothing more than to fold their long limbs onto the softest sofa available. They are polite with visitors and deeply affectionate with their families in a calm, undemanding way. Many owners describe them as “the best-kept secret in the dog world” because of their easygoing nature in the home. They are gentle giants with dignified manners, similar to the Great Dane and the Saint Bernard.

However, the moment they step outside into an open space, their ancient instincts take over. When they see something interesting to chase, they transform from a couch potato into a world-class sprinter. They are incredibly fast and built for explosive bursts of speed. This prey drive is hardwired and cannot be trained out of them. A Deerhound will chase cats, squirrels, rabbits, or even distant plastic bags with total focus. They are not guard dogs in any sense; their response to an intruder is more likely to be a polite tail wag than a bark.

Exercise: The Most Critical Need

The single most important requirement for a happy Scottish Deerhound is the opportunity to run. A simple leash walk, even a long one, is not enough to satisfy their needs. They must have regular access to a large, open, and—most importantly—securely fenced area where they can gallop at full speed. A 6-foot fence is recommended, as they are athletic jumpers. Without this outlet for their energy, they can become listless and unhappy. Because of their intense prey drive, letting a Deerhound off-leash in an unfenced area is extremely dangerous; if they see something to chase, they will be gone in a flash and will not hear your calls. Scottish Deerhounds thrive on open space for running, much like the Greyhound and the Saluki.

Grooming: Ruggedly Handsome

For such a large, shaggy dog, the Deerhound’s grooming needs are surprisingly minimal. Their crisp, wiry coat is designed to protect them from the harsh Scottish weather. A good brushing once a week is all that’s needed to remove dead hair and prevent any tangles. They shed very little. There is no need for professional clipping or trimming; their rugged, natural look is part of their charm. Their beard may need occasional cleaning after meals.

Training a Scottish Deerhound requires understanding the sighthound mind. They are intelligent and learn quickly, but they are also independent thinkers. They were bred to make their own decisions at a distance from the hunter. They may not see the point in repetitive commands like “sit” twenty times in a row. They respond best to gentle, patient training that uses positive reinforcement.

They are extremely sensitive, and harsh words or methods will cause them to shut down. A Deerhound obeys you because it loves and respects you, not out of a sense of duty. The most challenging command to train is a reliable recall (“come”). Their instinct to chase is so powerful that it can override any training. This is another reason why off-leash freedom is only safe within a secure fence.

For a large breed, Deerhounds are relatively healthy, with a lifespan of 8 to 11 years. However, like all purebreds, they are prone to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these issues. Key health concerns include:

• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): As a deep-chested breed, they are at very high risk for this life-threatening stomach condition. Owners must learn the signs and take preventative measures.
• Heart Disease: Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a primary concern.
• Cancer: Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is the most common cancer seen in the breed.
• Anesthesia Sensitivity: Like many sighthounds, they can be sensitive to certain types of anesthesia. It is vital to have a veterinarian who is experienced with this trait.

They are susceptible to bloat and heart problems, which are also common in large breeds such as the Mastiff.

Bringing a Deerhound into your home is like inviting in a quiet, elegant roommate. They are remarkably unobtrusive for their size. Their ideal day involves several sessions of lounging on a comfortable sofa, punctuated by a mad dash around a fenced yard. They are not demanding of attention but will seek out a gentle pat or lean against you to show their affection. They are true members of the family and must live indoors with their people.

With children, they are exceptionally gentle and tolerant. Their main hazard to small toddlers is their long, sweeping tail or a clumsy turn. As always, supervision is key. With other dogs, especially other sighthounds, they are usually very sociable and enjoy having a canine companion. However, their relationship with cats and other small animals is fraught with risk due to their powerful prey drive. Even if raised with a cat, their instinct to chase can take over in a moment of excitement. A home with small pets is generally not the best fit for a Deerhound.