Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhounds live 8 to 11 years. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most serious health concern in the breed, so cardiac screening matters greatly. Bloat strikes this deep chested sighthound fast, so feed two meals daily and keep exercise away from mealtimes. Osteosarcoma also occurs at higher rates than in most breeds. Find a vet familiar with large sighthound breeds before any procedure.

Your Scottish Deerhound has a rough, wiry coat that needs brushing two to three times a week to stay tangle free. The coat sheds moderately and does not require stripping. Bathe every six to eight weeks. Check ears weekly, trim nails monthly, and brush teeth regularly. The beard and leg furnishings collect debris and need extra attention.

Your Scottish Deerhound needs a real run every day in a fully enclosed space. They are built for explosive speed and covering ground fast. Off leash exercise must stay within a secure fence since their prey drive overrides all recall training once something moves. They stay calm and relaxed indoors when their daily run is satisfied.

Scottish Deerhounds are gentle and intelligent but they have the independent nature of a breed that hunted without handler direction. Use positive reinforcement consistently. Keep sessions short and positive. Socialization from puppyhood builds a confident, adaptable adult. Off leash recall around prey animals or moving objects is genuinely unreliable.

Feed a high quality large breed formula twice daily. Sighthounds look lean even at a healthy weight, so judge body condition by feel rather than appearance. Two meals per day reduces bloat risk significantly. Add omega 3 fatty acids and joint supplements as your dog ages. Keep fresh water available at all times.

The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed with roots in Scotland stretching back to at least the 16th century, when Highland clans used them to course red deer across rugged terrain. Only men of noble rank were allowed to own a Deerhound for centuries. The breed nearly went extinct as deer forests shrank and large estate hunting declined in the 19th century. Author Sir Walter Scott, a passionate admirer of the breed, helped keep interest alive through his writing. The breed survives today in modest numbers among dedicated enthusiasts.