SCOTTISH DEERHOUND
APPEARANCE
The Scottish Deerhound is a giant dog with long legs, a svelte yet sturdy build, and an intelligent expression. This is a dog that carries himself with grace and elegance. He has a shaggy but not abundant cost, which is rough in texture. Coloring of the Scottish Deerhound includes blue gray, lighter gray, dark gray, red fawn, sandy red, and brindle. He has a long muzzle, and ears that hang down to frame the face. The height of the Scottish Deerhound is 28-32 inches for females and 30-33 inches for males. These dogs weigh in at 75-95 pounds for females and 85-100 pounds for males.
PERSONALITY
The Scottish Deerhound is a giant of a dog, with a certain regal charm, elegance, and dignity about him. Very loyal and devoted, the Scottish Deerhound is a docile and loving breed, and is a bad choice for those looking for a watchdog or guard dog! The Scottish Deerhound is not a demanding breed, and his quiet, calm dignity and grace makes him ideal for those that want a solid, dependable companion who is not clingy. However, it is essential that those considering a Scottish Deerhound as a family pet have the necessary space, both indoors and outdoors, to accommodate this gentle giant.
TRAINING
The Scottish Deerhound is sensitive and sweet natured, but can sometimes be stubborn. He is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership and training.
EXERCISE
Since the Scottish Deerhound is an active breed, it requires a great amount of exercise. It should be allowed to roam around a vast secured area because they love to run and chase. When properly trained, they can be excellent jogging companions.
SOCIALIZATION
Early socialization is important with this breed to promote a stable attitude and temperament. The Scottish Deerhound gets along well with children, and is usually polite around strangers. He may give chase to small animals such as little dogs and cats, but tends to get along okay with household dogs.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Scottish Deerhound is not advisable for people who have small living quarters, as the breed requires a large area for it to move around. The area must also have high fences, as the Scottish deerhound can easily jump over a six-foot fence.
GROOMING
The Scottish Deerhound’s shaggy coat needs weekly combing. The excess hair on its ears and toes also need to be trimmed and/or stripped periodically. Stray hairs, on the other hand, should be cut or plucked at least twice yearly.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Scottish Deerhound is around 8-11 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with this breed. This includes heart problems, bloat, OCD, bone cancer, and sensitivity to chemicals and drugs. The parents of the Scottish Deerhound puppy should have OFA certificates.
HISTORY
The Scottish Deerhound originates from the UK and enjoys a long history. These dogs were bred and used by Highlanders in Scotland in the Middle Ages, and their job was to hunt down large deer. Some think that the origins of the Scottish Deerhound go back around three thousand years. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1886
