Scottish Deerhound
About the Scottish Deerhound
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 28-32" |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs |
| Coat Type | Wire |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
High (60-90 min/day)
60 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,800/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Scottish Deerhounds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
Guides for your Scottish Deerhound
The story behind the Scottish Deerhound
Rough-coated coursing hounds have existed in Scotland since at least the Middle Ages, and the Scottish Deerhound was refined to bring down red deer in the Highlands, slipping after the quarry over rough ground at tremendous speed. For a period the breed was so prized that ownership was largely restricted to the nobility, and its fortunes fell with the Highland clan system in the eighteenth century. Nineteenth-century revivalists, notably the brothers Archibald and Duncan McNeill, rebuilt the breed to its old type. As rifle stalking replaced coursing, the Deerhound became a companion and show dog; it was among the earlier breeds recognized in Britain and America and remains uncommon but devotedly kept.
Originally bred for: Deer coursing, Hunting, Companion. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Scottish Deerhound
A giant yet fine-boned sighthound: grow puppies slowly, then give adults several smaller meals instead of one large sitting. Energy needs stay moderate for the size, and a correct adult is lean, with ribs easily felt.
Watch for: Bloat is a well-known concern in this tall, narrow, deep-chested build, so slow feeding, discouraged gulping and quiet rest around mealtimes are widely advised. Discuss preventive practices and dietary changes with your veterinarian.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Scottish Deerhound
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.