Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound is a giant rough-coated sighthound bred to course red deer across the Highlands — once so tied to the nobility it was called the Royal Dog of Scotland.

History

It was developed to chase and pull down red deer over the open hills of Scotland, a task that demanded great size, speed and stamina. For long stretches of history only those of high rank were permitted to keep one.

Temperament

The breed is known for being gentle, dignified and quietly friendly — a calm, easy housemate that is affectionate with its people and rarely aggressive. Indoors it is placid; outdoors the instinct to chase is strong.

Care and training

It needs regular chances to gallop in a safe, enclosed space, since a sighthound in pursuit will not recall, and gentle, patient training suits its sensitive nature. The rough coat needs regular brushing.

Health

Great size brings real costs: bloat, dilated cardiomyopathy and bone cancer are known tendencies, along with the anaesthetic sensitivity of a lean hound and a short lifespan. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.