Scottish Deerhounds shed moderately. They have a wiry, coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat that requires regular brushing. Their coat is designed to withstand various weather conditions, so while they do shed, it’s not excessive. Overall, this is a fairly low-maintenance breed.

Scottish Deerhounds aren’t great with cats despite their gentle and loving personalities. The problem is their hunting background, which gives this breed a high chase instinct. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament. If introduced and socialized at a young age, your Scottish Deerhound and cat should peacefully coexist at home.

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds are good with other dogs. Gentle and sociable, as well as friendly and tolerant, Scottish Deerhounds get along well with canine companions and are adaptable to multi-dog households. Like any breed, individual personalities can vary, but early socialization and positive experiences with other dogs can help ensure that they develop good manners and positive interactions with their canine companions.

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds can swim. Although bred for hunting on land, many Deerhounds are strong, capable swimmers who enjoy the water. As with any breed, introduce them to water gradually and ensure they are safe and supervised while swimming.

The Scottish Deerhound is from the highlands of Scotland. With origins in the medieval period, the Scottish Deerhound is one of Scotland’s oldest and most distinguished hunting dogs. The first official descriptions of the breed date from the 19th century. Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott called the Scottish Deerhound “the most perfect creature of Heaven.”

Scottish Deerhounds were bred for hunting large game, particularly deer. Their primary purpose was to track and bring down deer, utilizing their impressive speed, endurance, and strength. Historically, they were prized for their ability to work alongside hunters in the rugged Scottish landscape. Their large size, agility, and keen sense of smell made them well-suited for this demanding role. Over time, they also became valued as companions due to their gentle and loyal nature.

Scottish Deerhounds live eight to 11 years on average. Due to their large size, they tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to smaller breeds. Regular veterinary care, a healthy diet, and appropriate exercise can help support their well-being and longevity.

Scottish Deerhounds stop growing at 18 to 24 months of age. They are slow to mature compared to some other breeds, with their growth extending over a longer period due to their large size. While they may achieve their full height earlier, they continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until they are about two years old.

No, Scottish Deerhounds do not bark a lot. With a calm and reserved demeanor, barking is not a prominent trait of the breed. Their quiet nature makes them well-suited for families or individuals who prefer a serene environment.

Scottish Deerhounds are moderately easy to train. Like most sighthounds, they are a sensitive breed and not as eager to please as some other breeds. They respond best to plenty of positive reinforcement and gentle instruction. Keep sessions short and engaging to help make training more effective. Also, remember that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds are smart. Their intelligence can be more subtle compared to highly trainable breeds. Thoughtful and perceptive, these gentle giants display a sensitive intelligence that helps them navigate their environment and interact well with their families.

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds are good with children. Their gentle, easygoing nature is a perfect match for children who love a giant pup.

As with any breed, always supervise your child when interacting with your Scottish Deerhound to keep everybody safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds are good family dogs. The Scottish Deerhound has a laid-back, affectionate personality that is adaptable and sociable. They do need plenty of exercise, both on and off-leash, so a family willing to give this dog daily physical stimulation is the ideal match. After a workout, they’ll be ready to snuggle up on the couch with the family.

No, Scottish Deerhounds are not hypoallergenic. While they have a wiry, coarse coat that sheds less than some other breeds, they still produce dander, which can trigger allergies. Remember, no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, but breeds with less shedding and lower dander production might be more suitable for people with allergies. If allergies are a concern, it’s a good idea to spend time with the breed to see how you react before bringing one into your home for keeps.

Scottish Deerhounds have a higher incidence of some health issues than other breeds, including:

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition characterized by the heart muscles’ inability to contract properly, which ultimately leads to a decrease in blood pumping to the heart. When a dog has cardiomyopathy, both heart chambers become enlarged from having to work harder to get blood through. The extra stress on the heart from the restricted blood flow often leads to congestive heart failure (CHF). The major symptoms of DCM include lethargy, anorexia, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, a swollen abdomen, and temporary loss of consciousness.

• Cystinuria: Cystinuria is an inherited kidney defect where the amino acid cystine is not properly filtered by the kidneys. The body does not properly reabsorb cystine, and causes kidney and bladder stones. If the stones are left untreated, they can create fatal urinary blockages. Symptoms of cystinuria are similar to a regular urinary tract infection and include frequent attempts to urinate without much coming out and blood in the urine.

• Factor VII deficiency: Factor VII deficiency is a blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive and sometimes fatal bleeding from injuries and surgery. It is a genetic disease, and DNA tests are available to identify whether your dog is affected or is a carrier.

• Hypothyroidism: This thyroid malfunction results in low hormone production and can cause obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus: This is a sudden, painful, and life-threatening swelling and twisting of the abdomen.

• Osteosarcoma: A malignant bone cancer.

• Others: Sensitivity to anesthesia and allergies. 

To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may recommend hip, heart, and imaging tests for your dog.