Scottish deerhound

Overall description of the breed

The Scottish Deerhound, one of the oldest breeds in the United Kingdom, has a fascinating history dating back to the 3rd century alongside the hero Fingal. It likely appeared in the 5th century BC, thanks to Phoenician merchants, as it made its way through the northern regions of the UK, where Scotland is currently situated.

Originally bred for hunting due to its imposing stature and strength, the Deerhound specialized in hunting large game, such as red deer and deer. However, the advent of firearms relegated it to the role of tracker and prey chaser. Over time, it found its place as a companion dog and in dog shows. Its physical characteristics have changed little over the centuries, remaining true to its distinctive silhouette and rustic charm.

Although not widely spread beyond the British Empire, there are now a few hundred specimens in South Africa. It received official recognition from the International Cynological Federation on April 29, 1955, and its current standard was established on October 8, 2012.

The Deerhound is a large-sized greyhound, characterized by its slender and elongated silhouette, similar to that of the Afghan Hound but without the abundant fur. Its body length is equivalent to its height at the withers, giving it a square appearance. Its strong bone structure, well-developed musculature, and graceful gait conceal an exceptional top speed.

When used for hunting, its remarkable endurance and resistance to effort are impressive. Its chest is deep and slightly narrow, maintaining an elegant appearance with discreetly rounded shoulders and a well-defined abdomen. The backline exhibits a slight curve, typical of greyhounds.

The Deerhound's tail is attached high on the back, of medium length, tapering gradually towards the tip. Its head, slender and proudly held, adds to its elegance. Its narrow muzzle features a moderately pronounced stop, while its small ears are folded and placed high on the sides of the skull.

As for its coat, it boasts a rustic appearance with a coarse texture that becomes softer on the head, chest, and abdomen. The breed standard allows for various colors, including brindle, sandy fawn, red fawn, blue-gray, with the possibility of black markings on the ears, leg tips, and tail.

The Scottish Deerhound is an incredibly affectionate dog, close to its owner and more demonstrative than most greyhounds. Intelligent and athletic, it greatly enjoys family activities and playful games to channel its boundless energy while spending time with loved ones. It is an indefatigable walker, requiring daily exercise to be calm and peaceful indoors.

It is generally sociable with its fellow dogs, making the Scottish Deerhound one of the friendliest greyhounds. However, its hunting instinct may require special attention around smaller animals. It is docile and quick to learn, although it can occasionally exhibit some stubbornness. Its natural wariness of strangers makes it a good guard dog, and its imposing size often deters potential intruders.

As a companion, the Scottish Deerhound is a delightful, gentle, and attentive dog towards its owners. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a companion that is both calm, active, and affectionate. Adult males weigh around 30 kg (66 lb) and measure approximately 76 cm (30 inches) at the withers, while females measure around 71 cm (28 inches).