Scottish Deerhound Breed Guide
Also known as: Deerhound, Royal Dog of Scotland
Gentle giants with royal heritage, Scottish Deerhounds are calm, dignified sighthounds whose impressive size houses surprisingly gentle, quiet personalities.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Giant
Weight
34-50 kg
Lifespan
7-11 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Giant
Weight
34-50 kg
Lifespan
7-11 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Loves all ages
Shedding
Moderate
About Scottish Deerhounds
The Scottish Deerhound originated in Scotland during the 16th century, where they were bred by Scottish nobility for hunting red deer in the Highlands. These gentle giants were so associated with the aristocracy that commoners were forbidden from owning them.
Scottish Deerhounds are large, elegant sighthounds with rough, wiry coats in various colours including blue-grey, grey, brindle, yellow, and red fawn. They're known for their noble bearing, gentle expressions, and calm, dignified personalities.
These dogs are gentle, quiet, and make excellent family pets despite their large size. They're generally good with children and are known for their peaceful, laid-back nature. They require moderate exercise and are generally content with daily walks and occasional runs. While generally healthy, potential concerns include bloat, heart conditions, and certain cancers. Early socialisation helps ensure they're well-adjusted, confident adults.
Complete Care Guide for Scottish Deerhounds
Expert advice on keeping your Scottish Deerhound healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Establishing proper nutrition for a Scottish Deerhound requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs as a large breed dog. A well-balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins forms the foundation of their nutritional requirements, supporting their substantial frame and energy needs. Essential nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, play crucial roles in maintaining optimal health.
Given their predisposition to bloat, feeding practices deserve special consideration. Multiple small meals throughout the day, served in slow-feeder bowls, help reduce the risk of this serious condition. It's vital to prevent vigorous activity for at least an hour before and after meals. Selecting appropriate large-breed formulations ensures proper nutrient ratios that support healthy bone and joint development.
Food portions should align with the Scottish Deerhound's life stage, activity level, and overall health status. Puppies require specially formulated large-breed puppy food to manage their rapid growth phase, while adults and seniors benefit from age-appropriate formulations. Regular monitoring of body condition helps maintain a healthy weight, adjusting portions as needed.
While commercial diets meeting AAFCO standards provide complete nutrition, any dietary modifications should occur under veterinary supervision. This includes transitions between foods, which should happen gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset. Maintaining consistent feeding schedules and monitoring water intake further supports digestive health in this magnificent breed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Scottish Deerhounds from our community of pet parents
Scottish Deerhounds are known for their gentle, friendly, and dignified temperament. They are typically good-natured, polite, and extremely loyal to their families. Despite their large size, they are often quite docile and calm within the home. However, it's important to remember that they are a hound breed and therefore have an instinctual desire to chase. Their temperament can be influenced by a variety of factors including heredity, training, and socialisation.
Dog Breeds Similar to Scottish Deerhound
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