Scottish Deerhound characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | 6% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | High | 35% of breeds |
| Good with children | High | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Medium | 40% of breeds |
| Barking | Very Low | 4% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 9 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Scottish Deerhound right for you?
The Scottish Deerhound is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. In terms of temperament, it is reliably good with children and a solid family choice and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Scottish Deerhound needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Scottish Deerhound needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. With medium energy and high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Scottish Deerhound to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Scottish Deerhound wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Scottish Deerhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and stays notably quiet indoors. It tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Scottish Deerhound
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Scottish Deerhound genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very low — the Scottish Deerhound is unusually quiet, one of the few breeds that rarely uses its voice. Only 4% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Size: Giant — the Scottish Deerhound is a giant breed, which changes the car, the vet bill and the space a dog needs. Only 6% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Adaptability: Low — the Scottish Deerhound is less adaptable than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Scottish Deerhound actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Manages a normal working day if it is properly exercised and left something to do. |
| Noise | Notably quiet. |
Where the Scottish Deerhound fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | High child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Depends | Medium independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Experienced large dog owners
- Rural properties
- Gentle families
- Sighthound enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Very large size
- Short lifespan
- High exercise needs when young
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Scottish Deerhound good with children?
- Yes — the Scottish Deerhound is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Scottish Deerhound shed a lot?
- The Scottish Deerhound has medium shedding.
- How much exercise does the Scottish Deerhound need?
- With medium energy, the Scottish Deerhound needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Scottish Deerhound live?
- The Scottish Deerhound typically lives around 9 years.
- Can the Scottish Deerhound live in an apartment?
- The Scottish Deerhound is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Scottish Deerhound easy to train?
- The Scottish Deerhound picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Scottish Deerhound be left alone during the day?
- The Scottish Deerhound tolerates being left alone for a normal working stretch if eased into it. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.