Scottish Deerhound puppies and dogs

Scottish Deerhounds are extra-large dogs, most weighing 75 to 110 pounds and standing around 28 to 32 inches tall. Males tend to be bigger than females.

The Irish Wolfhound is bigger than the Scottish Deerhound. Irish Wolfhounds are among the tallest dog breeds, with males often standing about 32 to 34 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 140 to 180 pounds. Scottish Deerhounds are smaller by comparison. Males usually stand about 30 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 85 to 110 pounds.

The Scottish Deerhound comes in an array of colors, including gray, blue-gray, brindle, gray brindle, black, black brindle, and blue.

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds are affectionate. Gentle and loving with their families, Scottish Deerhounds enjoy close bonds and companionship and form strong, affectionate relationships with their pet parents. They seek out attention and enjoy being part of family activities, making them warm and devoted pets.

No, Scottish Deerhounds generally do not do well if left alone for long periods. They are social dogs who thrive on companionship and interaction with their families. Being left alone for extended times can lead to separation anxiety, boredom, and behavioral issues.

They are best suited to homes where they can be part of daily activities and receive regular attention and interaction. If you need to be away from home frequently, provide them with plenty of mental stimulation, exercise, and even a companion animal to help them cope better with being alone.

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.

You can adopt a Scottish Deerhound at a much lower cost than buying one from a breeder. The cost of adopting a Scottish Deerhound is around $300 in order to cover the expenses of caring for the dog before adoption. In contrast, buying Scottish Deerhounds from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Depending on their breeding, they usually cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.