Buying or Adopting a Scottish Deerhound

Is a DOG really the right pet for you?

I've been helping people choose and find dogs for over 35 years now, and I have to say that for many people, dogs are not ideal pets.

Pros AND Cons of Owning a Dog

Should you get a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog?

Don't set your sights on any purebred dog until you read these three eye-opening articles:

The Truth About Purebred Dogs

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs

Is a Scottish Deerhound the right breed for you?

Scottish Deerhounds: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Scottish Deerhound Health Problems

Are YOU right for a Scottish Deerhound?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

Someone home most of the day
Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
No young children in the household
No very small dogs in the household
No cats in the household
Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Scottish Deerhound stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
"Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as the sighthound sport of lure coursing
Trimming/clipping – every few months
An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Scottish Deerhounds are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Scottish Deerhound to lots of people and other animals
Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Scottish Deerhound, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Should you get a male or female Scottish Deerhound?

Symbols for male and female Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Girl hugging a dog Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
What age should your new Scottish Deerhound be?

Where can you buy or adopt a Scottish Deerhound?

Scottish Deerhounds are very uncommon in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Scottish Deerhounds rank 154th.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might occasionally find a Scottish Deerhound available from a Dog Rescue group. But not many are turned over to Rescue groups, because not many people own them in the first place. Scottish Deerhounds may be turned over to Rescue simply because they don't act like more familiar breeds; sighthounds have a unique temperament and special needs that must be met.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Scottish Deerhound found in an animal shelter. Deerhound Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Scottish Deerhound turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Scottish Deerhound from a show breeder, who breeds Scottish Deerhounds to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You might also be able to buy a Scottish Deerhound from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Scottish Deerhound puppy should have:

a report from a veterinarian that a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) has been done and the dog has a normal heart

Also, at least ONE PARENT of a Scottish Deerhound puppy should have:

a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a blood-clotting disease called Factor VII (7) deficiency.

Also, EACH PUPPY should have:

a report from a vet that a bile acids blood test was done and the puppy has a normal liver (no liver shunt)

If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Scottish Deerhound ends up with heart or liver disease.

Puppy in a pet shop window Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I've never seen a Deerhound in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Girl holding up a puppy and looking at him How To Choose a Good Scottish Deerhound Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Scottish Deerhound puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

Pedigree parchment AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you consider buying only AKC registered Scottish Deerhound puppies? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?

To help you train and care for your dog

To learn more about training your dog to be calm and well-behaved, my dog training book is Teach Your Dog 100 English Words. It's a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your dog to listen to you and do whatever you ask.

My dog buying guide, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, will teach you everything you need to know about finding a good-tempered, healthy dog.

My dog health care book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, shows you how to help your dog live a longer life while avoiding health problems and unnecessary veterinary expenses.