Scottish Deerhound Dog & Puppies

 

" Royal Dog of Scotland "

Breed Origins: Scotland - Dates back to antiquity but specifically bred during the 1400's
Breed usage: Hunting Dog: Stags - Red Deer
Dog Weight: 75 - 110 Pounds
Dog Height: 28 to 32 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies: From $500 - $800 US Dollars

 

Visit our beautiful Dog Pictures Gallery

Information, Facts & Origins of the Scottish Deerhound - Sighthound
The Scottish Deerhound originates from Scotland as its name indicates - The Royal Dog of Scotland. It is a dog of massive size with a very large powerful body, greyhound-like shape and gracefully built. The Scottish Deerhound was bred originally to hunt stags. It's origins can be dated back to antiquity but was specifically bred during the 1400's. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.

Scottish Deerhound Dog Names
Bay Dogs

The Scottish Deerhound - A Sighthound
The Scottish Deerhound Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet, although they were bred to hunt deer, this dog is gentle, gracious and well-mannered. It is good around children and will adapt well to family life but special consideration must be given to the practicalities of keeping such a large dog.

 

Information, Facts and History of the Scottish Deerhound Hound Dog
The Scottish Deerhound Hound is a very old sight hound dog breed originating in Scotland. The Scottish Deerhound was originally used to hunt large game, in particular, stags. This dog is also known by the shortened name, of simply, the Deerhound. This courageous dog was favoured by Scottish Chieftains and Royalty and showed exceptional prowess in hunting deer - stag hunting. The breed dates back to antiquity and they were used in great wars and battles to pull men off their horses - one of the famous War Dogs. The dog was given as a gift to European royalty and greatly valued in areas where there was a proliferation of deer. At one stage only Royalty and the nobility were allowed to own such a dog, in fact, no one with a rank lower than an Earl was allowed to own one - it was very much a status symbol during the Renaissance. As the deer population declined in England the Deerhound fell from favour, but was still greatly valued in the Scottish Highlands where the terrain suited the wild deer. The Battle of Culloden on Wednesday, April 16th, 1746 defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie and blasted the Jacobite hopes. This famous defeat sounded the death knell for the old Highland way of life and in resulted in the breakdown of the Clan system. It also resulted in the decline of the Scottish Deerhound breed. Changes to hunting deer with guns also added to the decline of the breed - but their popularity rose again in the mid 1800's with the advent of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Club. The breed was taken around the world by immigrants and their usage as working dogs changed according to the location. In Australia the Scottish Deerhound was put to use to keep down the kangaroo population and to hunt the dingo. The Scottish Deerhound was first registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1886.

Description of the Scottish Deerhound Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Scottish Deerhound's coat can be grey, brindle, red, black, pure white, or fawn. The coat is harsh, rough and shaggy.

 

Dog photograph

 

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Scottish Deerhounds
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Scottish Deerhound, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Scottish Deerhound may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Gastric Torsion

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Scottish Deerhound Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Scottish Deerhound dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Scottish Deerhound compared to the height of a male or female - essential information, especially in relation to this massive dog, but nevertheless info which is unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Scottish Deerhound dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Scottish Deerhound Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information about Grooming and Care of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The Scottish Deerhound's coat needs to be brushed once or twice weekly, the hair on the head, chest and stomach should be much softer than the hair on the body, neck and legs. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information about the Temperament and Character of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The Scottish Deerhound is a very independent breed of dog, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans, they are courageous, easygoing, patient, easygoing, and extremely sensitive. It is good with children and will adapt well to family life but special consideration must be given to the practicalities of keeping such a large dog. It needs ample room to stretch out on a soft surface and should not be required to live in cramped quarters.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The Scottish Deerhound dogs and puppies require a substantial amount of daily exercise. It prefers to live inside with its family and needs human companionship. As a hunting dog it is inclined to chase any small animals.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Scottish Deerhound - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Information about Scottish Deerhound Puppies
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing puppies:

  • Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
  • Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
  • Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
  • Exercising requirements for the Scottish Deerhound breed
  • Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
  • Family - child suitability

Age comparison between the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 8 – 11 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

 
  • Hunting and running down small quarry
  • Flushing out and Driving game
  • Vermin Hunting
  • Guard duties
  • Tracking

 

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Scottish Deerhound dog breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Scottish Deerhound dog - essential information but unique to this site. 

 

Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group 
The Hound group of dogs includes the Scottish Deerhound and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds and Whippets. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:

 

Dog Breeds - ABC List

Dog Names & Breeds Site Index

Hound Dog Breeds   

Facts - Origins - History - Description - Coat and Colours - Height - Size - Grooming - Temperament - Character - Living conditions - Exercise Requirements - Life Expectancy - Information - Facts - Origins - Info - Pups - Pictures - Photo - Information - Health - Care - Puppies - Breeds - Info - Pictures - Puppys - Photo - Pic - Information - Picture - Piture - Care - Pup - Picture - Puppies - Breeds - Facts - Origins - History - Description - Coat and Colours - Height - Size - Grooming - Temperament - Character - Living conditions - Exercise Requirements - Life Expectancy - Facts - Origins - History - Description - Coat and Colours - Height - Size - Grooming - Temperament - Character - Living conditions - Exercise Requirements - Life Expectancy - Information - Facts - Origins - Info - Information - Facts - Origins - Info - Pictures - Puppys - Information - Health - Care - Pictures - Photos - Pics - Puppies - Breeds - Pictures - Picture - Piture - Information - Health - Care - Picture - Puppies - Breeds - Pups - Pictures - Photo - Picture - Piture - Information - Health - Puppys - Care - Pictures - Puppies - Breeds - Info - Pictures - Picture - Piture - Puppys - Pups - Pictures - Photo - Information - Health - Care - Puppies - Breeds - Info - Pictures - Puppys - Photo - Pic - Information - Facts - Origins - History - Description - Coat and Colours - Height - Size - Grooming - Temperament - Character - Living conditions - Exercise Requirements - Life Expectancy - Information - Facts - Origins - Info - Picture - Piture - Care - Pup - Picture - Puppies - Breeds - Pictures - Puppys - Information - Health - Care - Pictures - Photos - Facts - Origins - History - Description - Coat and Colours - Height - Size - Grooming - Temperament - Character - Living conditions - Exercise Requirements - Life Expectancy - Information - Facts - Origins - Info - Pics - Puppies - Breeds - Pictures - Picture - Piture - Information - Health - Care - Picture - Puppies - Breeds - Pups - Pictures - Photo - Picture - Piture - Information - Health - Puppys - Care - Pictures - Puppies - Breeds - Info - Pictures - Picture - Piture - Facts - Origins - History - Description - Coat and Colours - Height - Size - Grooming - Temperament - Character - Living conditions - Exercise Requirements - Life Expectancy - Information - Facts - Origins - Info - Puppys - Written By Linda Alchin