Scottish Deerhound

For the first time ever, a Scottish Deerhound named Hickory won Best in Show at the 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed is now expected to grow in popularity.

According to the American Kennel Club, the Scottish Deerhound has a “quiet and dignified” personality. The Scottish Deerhound Club of America notes that these dogs have a unique personality: “They are very gentle, and at the same time, regal.”

Tall and slender, the Scottish Deerhound resembles a much bigger, hairier version of a Greyhound.

Scottish Deerhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds. According to the AKC, “Known centuries ago as the Scotch Greyhound, Rough Greyhound and Highland Deerhound, the Scottish Deerhound became a clearly identified breed in the 16th and 17th centuries.”

Back then, because of their superb hunting abilities, these dogs could only be owned by people with the ranking of earl or higher. This exclusivity led to the near extinction of the breed. It was revived in the early 19th century, and first registered by the AKC in 1886.

Of course, nowadays anyone is allowed to have a Scottish Deerhound, but the Scottish Deerhound Club of America offers this advice for potential pet parents: “[T]he Deerhound is not the dog for everyone. He’s probably not going to bring back that stick you throw, he most likely will not bark and growl when someone approaches your front door, and that nice roast you put on the kitchen counter to defrost is an open invitation for a Deerhound to snack!”

Personality

Quiet and gentle
Dignified and regal
Their loving personality makes them less-than-ideal watchdogs

Size

75-110 pounds
28 to 32 inches tall

Lifestyle

Because of their large size, they may intimidate small children; however, they are very child friendly
Good with other dogs, but may chase after cats and small pets due to their strong hunting instinct
Although they can live in apartments if they are regularly exercised, they do best in houses with large, fenced yards

Training & Exercise

Easy to train, but may lack motivation
Should be taken for long walks or jogs daily – a leash is essential
Enjoy “lure coursing,” a sport that allows them to use their hunting skills without chasing live game

Coat

Wiry coat that is 3 to 4 inches long
Hair on the body and neck is “harsh or crisp to the touch,” according to the AKC, but much softer on the head, chest and belly
Coat color may be blue-gray; gray; yellow; black; sandy red or red fawn
Exceptionally easy to care for; just needs brushing and occasional baths

Health

Prone to bloat, so they should be fed a few small meals daily instead of one large one, notes dogbreedinfo.com

Lifespan

10 years

Rescue

To adopt a Scottish Deerhound, contact the Scottish Deerhound Club of America.

PHOTO: Stanmar

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