Scottish Deerhound: Size, Weight & Temperament

Despite its size, the Deerhound is regarded as gentle, friendly, and largely non-aggressive, typically reserved-friendly rather than watchful toward strangers. At home it is calm and undemanding, almost a large couch-potato personality.

As a sighthound it needs regular free-running opportunities with short, intense sprints; otherwise moderate walking is sufficient. Its prey drive toward fast-fleeing small animals is pronounced and should be considered during off-leash time.

The rough coat needs only occasional brushing and is generally low-maintenance. Because of its deep chest, there is an elevated risk of bloat (gastric torsion), so several small meals rather than one large one are recommended.

The breed is prone to heart disease (dilated cardiomyopathy), bone cancer (osteosarcoma), and bloat, which keeps life expectancy moderate for its size. Its chest is normally proportioned, not excessively narrow as in some other sighthound breeds.