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

Like all sighthounds, the quiet, dignified Scottish Deerhound doesn't behave like most dog breeds you may be used to, like a Golden Retriever or German Shepherd. For example, a Scottish Deerhound is unlikely to fetch a ball or play tug-of-war or protect your family.

Oh, certainly, Scottish Deerhound puppies and adolescents are as active, awkward, and mischievous as any other breed. But adults tend to be calm, graceful, and undemanding. They learn house rules well and spend much of their time sprawled blissfully on the softest sofa. Generally sighthounds do not like to be mauled or clutched at; they tend to move away from too much overt physicalness.

It is outdoors where Scottish Deerhounds have such special needs. They require space for the long strides of their floating lope (described as "poetry in motion") and their powerful, driving gallop. But it must be a safe, enclosed area, else they will be out of sight in seconds and end up dead on the road. It has happened time and time again with sighthounds.

Because of his great size, strength, and speed, the Scottish Deerhound does require early socialization, but he is almost unfailingly polite with strangers. This is not a guard dog, sometimes not even a watchdog -- some easygoing individuals will remain comatose when the doorbell rings.

Scottish Deerhounds are amiable with other dogs, but are serious chasers of anything that runs, including cats and tiny dogs.

Though mildly stubborn and independent, this is also a sweet and sensitive dog. He is willing to respond (albeit in a slow, casual way, as though humoring you) to cheerful training that includes consistent guidance, verbal praise, and food rewards.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Scottish Deerhounds have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Scottish Deerhound to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Scottish Deerhound

If I was considering a Scottish Deerhound, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing them with a large fenced area. Deerhounds don't need miles of running exercise – in fact, young Deerhounds should never be allowed to jog beside you, or even worse, beside a bicycle. This will only damage their growing bones and joints. Rather, Deerhounds need a large fenced area where they can walk, trot, and gallop in short spurts – ideally by playing with another Deerhound! It's a good idea to own more than one of these unique hounds.

   Without the right amount of space and opportunity to exercise, Scottish Deerhounds will become bored, which they usually express by destructive chewing. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Scottish Deerhound involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are "hardwired" into his genes.

2. Chasing other animals. Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are, or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures. Most Scottish Deerhounds will pursue your neighbor's cat or small dog, if given the chance. And while they will be peaceful with your own cat or small dog when indoors, if the same cat or small dog goes outside and starts to run, it becomes fair game. In today's society, the legal liabilities of owning a large hunting breed should be considered.
3. The independent temperament. Like most sighthounds, Scottish Deerhounds are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. They can be stubborn and slow to obey. You must show them, patiently but persistently, that you mean what you say.

   In other words, you must teach your Scottish Deerhound to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Read more about Scottish Deerhound Training.

4. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Scottish Deerhounds need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness, which is difficult to live with.
5. Emotional sensitivity. Be honest.... is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Scottish Deerhounds are extremely sensitive to stress and do best in a peaceful, harmonious home.
6. Health problems. Scottish Deerhounds are extremely prone to a life-threatening digestive syndrome called bloat. In addition, an alarming number of Scottish Deerhounds die in middle age of cancer and heart disease. To keep this breed healthy, I recommend following all of the advice on my Scottish Deerhound Health page.