Apartment fit
The Scottish Deerhound is usually difficult in apartments because it is giant, athletic, and needs safe running space. Calm indoor manners do not remove the need for room and careful exercise planning.
HoundGiant
Scotland
ScotlandScottish Deerhound
Weight
75-110 lb
Height
28-32 in
Lifespan
8-11 yrs
Coat
Harsh wiry Medium
The Scottish Deerhound is a giant rough-coated Scottish sighthound, gentle and dignified at home but built for speed over rough country.
Giant Scottish sighthound used historically for deer coursingRough-coated, larger-boned relative of greyhound-type houndsGentle and dignified indoors, fast and prey-driven outdoorsNeeds safe running space and giant-breed health planning
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Deerhound
GentleDignifiedFriendlyQuietSensitiveAthletic
Weight
75-110 lb
Height
28-32 in
Lifespan
8-11 yrs
Coat
Harsh wiry Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Low
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
2/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Scottish Deerhound is a large Scottish sighthound historically used for coursing deer. Breed standards describe it as resembling a rough-coated Greyhound of larger size and bone: tall, deep-chested, powerful, and still elegant. Its harsh, somewhat wiry coat is very different from a smooth hound coat.
In the home, Deerhounds are often gentle, dignified, friendly, and quiet. Outdoors, they remain sighthounds with speed, prey drive, and a need for safe running space. They are not usually sharp watchdogs, but they are too large and athletic for casual management around roads, wildlife, or small animals.
Care centers on giant-sighthound realities: safe exercise, controlled growth, soft bedding, lean body condition, and awareness of bloat, heart disease, bone cancer, and anesthesia considerations. The coat is not difficult, but weekly brushing, combing, and stripping of dead hair help maintain texture.
Temperament & Personality
GentleDignifiedFriendlyQuietSensitiveAthletic
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a gentle, dignified, friendly companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, low barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Harsh wiry
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Dark blue-gray, Gray, Brindle, Yellow, Sandy red, Red fawn
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs2/5
Trainability3/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- low barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- homes with space for a giant sighthound
- owners who can provide safe fenced running
- people who appreciate quiet gentle dogs indoors
- families prepared for giant-breed health costs
Not ideal for
- small apartments or many stairs
- homes with unmanaged small pets
- owners expecting reliable off-leash control in open areas
- people unable to manage bloat risk or large-dog transport
Common challenges
- finding secure running space
- managing prey drive
- protecting joints during growth
- monitoring bloat and cardiac risk
Barking & behavior
Scottish Deerhounds are usually quiet and gentle, but they are still sighthounds. Sudden movement from wildlife, cats, or small dogs can trigger chase behavior.
Training style
Use gentle, consistent, reward-based training. Recall, leash manners, handling, and calm behavior around wildlife matter more than repetitive obedience drills.
Grooming & shedding
Brush and comb weekly, with attention to the wiry coat, beard, and feathering. Dead coat may need hand-stripping or tidying, and soft bedding helps protect elbows and joints.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Scottish Deerhounds need daily long walks and regular safe running in a large fenced area. Puppies need controlled exercise because giant sighthounds grow quickly and can injure immature joints.
Grooming
Brush and comb weekly, with attention to the wiry coat, beard, and feathering. Dead coat may need hand-stripping or tidying, and soft bedding helps protect elbows and joints.
Training
Use gentle, consistent, reward-based training. Recall, leash manners, handling, and calm behavior around wildlife matter more than repetitive obedience drills.
Nutrition
Feed for slow growth and lean adult condition. Discuss bloat risk, cardiac screening, bone cancer awareness, and sighthound anesthesia considerations with your veterinarian.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Low
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
2/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather3/5
Heat tolerance2/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
BloatCardiac diseaseBone cancerAnesthesia sensitivityNeck or orthopedic injury
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Scottish Deerhound a good apartment dog?
Usually no. Some adults are calm indoors, but the breed is giant, athletic, and needs safe room to stretch and run. Stairs and tight spaces can also be difficult.
Does the Scottish Deerhound bark a lot?
Scottish Deerhounds are usually quiet and not strong watchdogs. They are more likely to chase movement than to bark constantly.
Is the Scottish Deerhound good for first-time owners?
The breed is gentle, but its size, prey drive, bloat risk, and sighthound management make it better for prepared owners with large-dog experience.
How much exercise does the Scottish Deerhound need?
Most adults need long daily walks and regular safe running in a fenced area. Puppies need careful exercise control during growth.
Is the Scottish Deerhound good with kids and other dogs?
Scottish Deerhounds are often gentle with respectful children and compatible dogs. Small pets and wildlife require management because the breed is a sighthound.
Does the Scottish Deerhound shed a lot?
Shedding is moderate. The harsh coat needs weekly brushing and occasional tidying or stripping, but it is not a high-trimming breed.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Scottish Deerhound?
The biggest challenge is providing safe space for a giant, fast sighthound while managing prey drive, bloat risk, and large-dog practical needs.
Our Shop
Dog essentials for everyday care
Browse practical products for feeding, grooming, cleanup, enrichment, and smoother daily routines.
