Scottish Deerhound
Elegant and gentle, this breed combines quiet dignity with a loving, loyal nature. Known for their athletic build and calm temperament, they thrive as affectionate companions.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
76–81 cm (male)
71–76 cm (female)
WEIGHT
39–50 kg (male)
34–43 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
8–11 years
Scottish Deerhound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Scottish Deerhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Scottish Deerhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Scottish Deerhound is gentle, friendly, and dignified, showing affection toward family while being reserved with strangers. They are known for their calm demeanor and quiet presence.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle and friendly with family and strangers
Quick learner, responds well to training
Moderate exercise needs, enjoys daily walks
Occasionally playful, but not overly exuberant
Adjusts to calm homes, dislikes city bustle
Strengths
- Gentle and calm with family members
- Excellent with children and other dogs
- Quiet and rarely barks unnecessarily
- Low aggression toward people and animals
- Adaptable to relaxed indoor environments
Challenges
- Needs large, secure space for exercise
- Prone to heart and bone health issues
- Sensitive to anesthesia and some medications
- Can be stubborn with obedience training
- High prey drive toward small animals
Protect your Scottish Deerhound
Scottish Deerhound can develop cardiomyopathy and osteosarcoma. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Scottish Deerhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Scottish Deerhounds are intelligent but can be independent thinkers, which may make training a challenge. Consistent, positive reinforcement works best for teaching them new commands and behaviors.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has high exercise needs, requiring daily opportunities for vigorous running and play. Regular mental stimulation is also important to prevent boredom and support their overall well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Scottish Deerhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Scottish Deerhound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Their size and needs require experience and commitment from owners
Apartment Living
They need space and may struggle in small living quarters
Active Lifestyle
Their athleticism matches well with active lifestyles and regular exercise
Kids
Usually patient but can be knocked over due to their large size
Multiple Pets
Often sociable with other dogs, but prey drive may affect small pets
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone for extended periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Scottish Deerhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scottish Deerhound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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