Do Scottish Deerhounds make good pets?

Yes, Scottish Deerhounds can make excellent pets for the right family. Gentle, calm, and affectionate, they do best with people who can provide the near-constant companionship they crave and frequent opportunities to run, especially when they are young.

Which is bigger: Irish Wolfhounds or Scottish Deerhounds?

Irish Wolfhounds tend to be larger than Scottish Deerhounds. While the two breeds have the same maximum height, Irish Wolfhounds have a maximum weight that is 10 pounds greater than the Deerhound’s (120 pounds versus 110 pounds).

How much does a Scottish Deerhound cost?

Every breeder is different, but you should expect to pay at least $1,000 for a Scottish Deerhound puppy.

Do Scottish Deerhounds bark a lot?

All dogs bark sometimes, but Scottish Deerhounds do not bark very much and are not easily excited.

Scottish Deerhound

Updated June 8, 2026

Scottish Deerhounds are giant dogs whose endearing mix of scruffiness and majesty will work their way into your heart. These sight hounds’ sweet nature and keen athleticism are best nurtured by families who can provide attention and exercise in equal measure.

Temperament

Gentle Giant, Elite Athlete, Perceptive Pal

Weight

75–110 pounds

Height

28–32 inches

Life Expectancy

8–11 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Blue Gray, Brindle, Gray, Gray Brindle, Black, Black Brindle, Blue

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If you’ve ever wanted a furry, friendly shadow, look no further than the Scottish Deerhound. Bred to hunt wild red deer in the Scottish Highlands, these sight hounds were (and still are!) more than mere lure coursing champs. They have long served as gentle, affectionate companions who are happy to accompany their humans wherever they’re going.

As the Scottish Deerhound Club of America (SDCA) notes, “The depth of your relationship with your Deerhound is limited only by how much love and time you put into it.” Given that Sir Walter Scott once described Deerhounds as “the most perfect creature of heaven,” you won’t need much motivation to invest your time and energy into the relationship.

Scottish Deerhound Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Barking Tendencies

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Scottish Deerhound Appearance

Scottish Deerhounds look somewhat similar to Greyhounds but with two important differences that are arguably their most unique characteristics.

First, Deerhounds are significantly larger than Greyhounds, topping out at an impressive 32 inches at the withers. (For perspective, the average adult desk height is around 28–30 inches.) Second, Scottish Deerhounds have wiry, moderately long fur.

Ears
Scottish Deerhounds have high-set ears that rest folded backward. The breed standard describes their texture as “soft, glossy, like a mouse’s coat to touch,” standing in stark contrast to the bristly fur on their body.
Eyes
The Scottish Deerhound’s eyes range from dark brown to hazel in color and are rimmed in black.
Nose
Their nose is typically black but can be bluish-gray. It is also slightly aquiline, or curved, in shape.
Coat Length
The Scottish Deerhound’s characteristically coarse coat is 3–4 inches long.
Coat Color
Their fur can be blue-gray, brindle, gray, gray brindle, black, black brindle, or blue. According to the breed standard, dark blue-gray is the most preferred color.
Tail
Scottish Deerhounds have a long tail that comes within 1.5 inches of the ground.

Scottish Deerhound Temperament

The Scottish Deerhound is a beautifully balanced breed. For example, while they are naturally majestic athletes bred to bound over harsh terrain in pursuit of deer four times their size, Scottish Deerhounds can just as easily earn a “couch potato” designation, especially as adults. That’s because what Deerhounds really prize is companionship—they want to be where their humans are, whether that calls for exercise or relaxation.

This human-centric orientation means that Scottish Deerhounds are incredibly gentle, calm, and attuned to their families. They get along with people of all ages and with many dogs as well, but because of their size, it’s important to monitor their interactions.

However, it’s important to note that Deerhounds have a strong prey drive. This instinct can lead them to chase animals of all sizes, including squirrels, rabbits, cats, deer, and even other dogs. Always make sure introductions to other pets are done properly and that your Deerhound is safely on a leash or within a fenced area when outside.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Scottish Deerhound

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How to Care for a Scottish Deerhound

On the whole, Scottish Deerhounds are easy on the eyes, easy to groom, easy to train, and easy to get along with. If you add a Deerhound to your family, most of your time will be spent providing both exercise and attention.

Scottish Deerhounds are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Here’s what you should expect to provide to keep them in tip-top shape:

Brushing: The Scottish Deerhound’s characteristically crisp, coarse coat doesn’t shed much, but it does need some attention. Remove dead hair with a slicker brush multiple times a week for optimal coat and skin health.
Bathing: How often you bathe your dog will depend on your Deerhound’s lifestyle, but generally speaking, every few months should suffice. Keep in mind that bathing your dog too often can strip their skin of healthy oils.
Nails: Like all dogs, Scottish Deerhounds need regular nail trims. A good rule of thumb is that if you can hear your dog’s nails click when they walk, it’s time for a trim.
Ears: Talk with your veterinary team about how often you should clean your Deerhound’s ears and the best way to do it.
Teeth: Daily brushing with a dog-safe toothbrush and toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease.

Start socializing your Scottish Deerhound puppy as soon as you bring them home. Talk to your veterinarian about age-appropriate activities that can safely introduce your puppy to different animals, people, environments, and objects that will help them feel comfortable and confident in a wide variety of settings as they grow.

Training should also start as soon as you bring your dog home. Like all dogs, Deerhounds learn best with positive, rewards-based methods. Rewards can include high-value training treats, words of praise, and favorite toys.

The SDCA highly recommends puppy kindergarten for young Scottish Deerhounds and advises prospective Deerhound pet parents to seek out classes that incorporate lots of food and play and avoid making dogs perform the same exercise over and over.

Nutrition is complex, so it’s best to partner with your veterinarian when determining your Scottish Deerhound’s diet. They can help you find a food that meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards and is nutritionally complete for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), size, lifestyle, and health.

Most adult Deerhounds should eat at least twice a day. Because these dogs are prone to bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), consider the following mealtime tips to help reduce the risk of this life-threatening condition:

Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent your dog from eating too quickly
Restrict intense exercise for two hours after your dog eats
Avoid raised food bowls
Provide smaller meals throughout the day

And remember: While treats are a helpful training tool, always offer them in moderation. Treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

The SDCA recommends providing 30 minutes of vigorous exercise twice a day—emphasis on the word providing. Deerhounds need and enjoy a lot of exercise, but they’re unlikely to initiate activities on their own. They need the motivation of either a human or another dog, which is at least partly why many Scottish Deerhound pet parents opt for a second dog.

Leashed walks are helpful, but they’re unlikely to satiate a Scottish Deerhound’s exercise requirements on their own. Deerhounds need a chance to run, ideally in a space with a 6-foot fence to keep them from chasing something into danger.

Scottish Deerhounds are happy to tag along with you on hikes, runs, bike rides, and hunting excursions. Other favorite activities include rally, lure coursing, and nose work.

Adult Scottish Deerhounds are laid-back dogs, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind when determining their ideal home:

Size: Scottish Deerhounds take up a lot of space, so you’ll need to make sure you can comfortably share your home. Their size can also pose challenges with very young children. Deerhounds can cause unintentional harm when playing or simply walking around, so close supervision is always necessary.
Exercise needs: Bred to leverage their running abilities, Scottish Deerhounds need lots of exercise, particularly when they’re young. Ideally, they will have some time and space to run each day, which can be difficult to provide in an urban setting.
Prey drive: The Scottish Deerhound’s hunting instincts won’t simply disappear because they’ve taken on the role of family pet. This can make sharing your home with other animals like cats or rabbits, more difficult. Your best chance at safe cohabitation is to raise your Deerhound with other animals from puppyhood, slowly teaching them how to interact safely. To keep your Deerhound from chasing real or perceived prey into danger outside, the breed club recommends a 6-foot fence.
Personality: Scottish Deerhounds do not enjoy being alone for long periods of time. They need families who want to share their lives with their pets.

Scottish Deerhound Health

The average Scottish Deerhound lifespan is 8–11 years. Like all dogs, they are prone to certain health conditions. It’s important to partner with an ethical breeder who prioritizes health and genetic testing.

Bloat and gastric dilation-volvulus: Bloat in dogs occurs when gas and/or food cause the stomach to expand. Sometimes, bloat progresses into a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), in which the dog’s stomach twists and cuts off blood flow to and from the stomach and spleen. GDV is painful and a life-threatening emergency. Signs include retching or dry heaving without vomiting, a swollen abdomen, sudden anxiety, pacing, panting along with drooling, and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary care.
Dilated cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) occurs when the heart muscle becomes weak leading to an enlarged heart that can’t effectively pump oxygenated blood throughout the body. An irregular heartbeat can also develop. Signs include rapid or difficult breathing, weakness, an inability to exercise, coughing, and lethargy. There isn’t a cure, but medication can help manage the condition.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer that occurs most commonly in the legs of large and giant dog breeds. There isn’t a cure, but surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and pain management can extend a dog’s quality of life.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism occurs when a thyroid hormone deficiency affects metabolic function. Symptoms can include unexplained weight gain, lethargy, inability to stay warm, mental dullness, poor coat quality, skin infections, and ear infections. Treatment typically requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Scottish Deerhound History

The Scottish Deerhound is a very old breed, which is why the dogs’ exact origins remain somewhat of a mystery. However, we do know that the nicknamed “Royal Dog of Scotland” was bred to hunt deer in the Scottish Highlands and that only people with the rank of earl or higher were allowed to own one.

The breed gained American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 1886.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Jennifer Coates, DVM.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhound