A gentle giant: friendly, dignified and easy-going, keen to please and never sharp or nervous, yet capable of great speed when it runs.12
how to spot oneScottish Deerhound coat and colours
harsh, ragged, close-lying
Looks like a bigger, heavier-boned, rough-coated Greyhound. The coat is thick and crisp, roughly 8-10 cm on the body, softer on the head, chest and belly, shaggy but never overdone.1
Comes indark blue-greygreysbrindlesyellowsandy redred fawn with black points1
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Scottish Deerhound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
how busy a day looksScottish Deerhound exercise needs
More than two hours of exercise a day, ideally including safe space to gallop.2
where they are happiestScottish Deerhound at home
Needs a large house and large garden and suits country living better than town life.2
who they like aroundScottish Deerhound with people and other pets
Gentle and friendly with people, a calm and affectionate family companion.12
the hands-on bitsScottish Deerhound grooming and care
Groom more than once a week to keep the crisp coat neat; it does shed.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Scottish Deerhound, and at what times?
Feed your Scottish Deerhound at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stomachs empty within a few hours, so regular meal times help avoid hunger signals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Scottish Deerhound eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for a large, active breed. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw bones. Always avoid human treats like these and consult your vet for a balanced diet.5
How often should I bathe a Scottish Deerhound?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. At least once every three months is fine, as per general guidance. Use a gentle dog shampoo.6
How often does a Scottish Deerhound need brushing?
Brush your Scottish Deerhound more than once a week to keep its crisp, shaggy coat neat and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan suggests weekly brushing. The coat is thick and harsh, so regular brushing prevents tangles.2
How do I trim a Scottish Deerhound's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.6
How much exercise does a Scottish Deerhound need?
This breed needs more than two hours of exercise daily, ideally including a safe space to gallop. Daily walks and play are essential, and they suit country living best. A large garden is a big plus.2
How do I look after a Scottish Deerhound's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Daily brushing is ideal for teeth, as per Pet Wiki's plan.6
How long does a Scottish Deerhound live?
Scottish Deerhounds typically live around 10 years, though some may live a little longer. Senior years usually start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become even more important then.23
Is a Scottish Deerhound good with children and other pets?
Yes, this gentle giant is friendly, dignified and easy-going with people, and usually gets on well with children and other dogs when properly socialised. It is a sighthound bred to chase deer, though, and the urge to chase stays for life, so cats, rabbits and other small pets need careful introductions and supervision. Keep it on a lead outside secure areas.12
Can a Scottish Deerhound be left alone?
Scottish Deerhounds are affectionate and enjoy company, so they may not do well left alone for long periods. Their needs vary by individual; ask a good breeder or your vet for advice on your dog's temperament.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Scottish Deerhound costs
Running costs for a Scottish Deerhound, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Scottish Deerhound legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Scottish Deerhound in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Scottish Deerhound tip
Scottish Deerhounds can be prone to bloat, so feed smaller meals from a slow-feeder bowl and avoid exercise for two hours after eating. Treats should be given in strict moderation and never exceed 10% of daily calories.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
AKC calls it the 'Royal Dog of Scotland' and ranks it among the tallest dog breeds.7
2
Sir Walter Scott owned a famous Deerhound named Maida.3
3
Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) received a pair as a wedding gift, and her dog Dusk appears in Out of Africa.3
4
The FCI standard says the breed has hunted red deer for about a thousand years.1
I wake gently, stretching my long legs before padding to the kitchen for a morning pat. My human takes me to the open moor, where I gallop with the wind – nothing beats the feel of the heather under my paws. After a good run, I lope beside them, dignified and calm. At home, I lie by the fire, my head on their lap, watching the flames. I’m a gentle giant, content to share the quiet moments. Evening brings a short, peaceful walk under the stars.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganScottish Deerhound history
Deerhounds have been coursing red deer in Scotland for many centuries and keep the same type they have always had. As deer coursing declined in the 1800s the breed became a show and companion dog, while still being used abroad to hunt wolves, coyotes and kangaroos.13
Irish Wolfhound
Greyhound
Borzoi