Scottish Deerhound

At a Glance

Temperament

Scottish Deerhounds are noble and dignified sighthounds with a gentle, sensitive disposition despite their hunting heritage. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds and preferring close companionship over independence. These intelligent dogs combine the speed and grace of a greyhound with a larger frame and calm temperament, making them surprisingly gentle couch companions. They retain their prey drive and love to chase, but respond well to training from owners who understand their independent thinking and need for both physical exercise and quiet cuddle time.

History

While ancient Scottish stones from around 1200 years ago depict large dogs hunting deer, the modern Scottish Deerhound breed emerged in the early 19th century, recognized as distinct from English regional greyhounds like the Highland greyhound. These dogs were the foundation breed for the modern Irish Wolfhound in the late 19th century and were so prized that Queen Anne of Denmark gifted them to her brother Christian IV. The breed's decline began in the 1880s as estates were subdivided and hunting methods shifted from coursing to stalking with rifles, requiring only tracking dogs rather than swift hunters. A dedicated group of enthusiasts preserved the breed by transitioning them from working hunters to show dogs.

Health Notes

Scottish Deerhounds are generally hardy dogs adapted to harsh Highland conditions, but their large size predisposes them to certain health concerns common in deep-chested sighthounds. Heart conditions, bone and joint issues, and certain cancers can occur in the breed. Regular veterinary checkups and responsible breeding practices are important for maintaining the health of these noble dogs.

Fun Facts

• Scottish Deerhounds were so prized by nobility that Queen Anne of Denmark sent them as royal gifts to the King of Denmark in the early 1600s.
• Unlike greyhounds, Deerhounds perform better on rough, hilly terrain and can actually outrun a greyhound on uneven ground due to their larger, more heavily-boned frame.
• Teddy Roosevelt documented that Canadian and American hunters used rough-coated Scottish Deerhounds to hunt wolves and deer in North America.
• One successful deer chase rarely lasted more than a few minutes—the dogs would run down a red deer by sheer speed if they got close enough.
• In Australia, Deerhounds were historically crossed with other breeds to create 'Kangaroo Dogs' specifically for hunting kangaroos and wild boar.
• The breed nearly vanished in the late 1800s when Scottish sporting estates were split up and hunters switched to rifles, leaving only a handful of enthusiasts to save them.