Breed guide overview
About Deerhounds
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
Deerhounds are a noble and elegant breed with a long history. They were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and coursing deer, hence their name. These dogs are known for their tall and lean build, which allows them to chase prey with great speed and agility. Deerhounds were once considered a royal dog and were only owned by nobles and kings in Scotland!
Male Deerhounds can reach an average height of 76 to 81 cm, while females are slightly smaller, averaging around 71 to 76 cm.
In terms of weight, Deerhounds typically weigh between 36 and 54 kg.
On average, they have a life expectancy of 8 to 11 years.
Deerhounds are gentle, affectionate, and loyal, often called “gentle giants” for their calm and friendly nature. Despite their size, they are well-mannered indoors and thrive in relaxed home environments. They are excellent with children and usually get along well with other pets when properly socialised, though their hunting instincts may need managing around smaller animals.
Deerhounds can be independent and occasionally stubborn, so consistent, positive training is essential. They enjoy lounging but require regular exercise and space to run.
Overall, they are elegant, loving companions with a calm yet playful disposition.
“Douglas is big lad. Very cuddly and loves sniffing when out on walks. He loves meeting new people and is a very friendly soul. He doesn't realise his size but loveable and gentle."
Douglas' owner, Ann from Dundee
"Lucio's ideal day is pretty chilled...after a 45 minute walk in the mornings he tends to spend the entire day moving from sofa to sofa dreaming of chasing rabbits."
Lucio's owner, Christine from London
They have moderate to high exercise needs and should have at least 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise every day. This should include a combination of physical activities, such as brisk walks, jogging, or off-leash running in a securely fenced area, and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or obedience training.
Deerhounds have a strong prey drive, so it's important to ensure they are exercised in a safe and controlled environment to prevent them from chasing after small animals.
Puppies also benefit from exercise, but their exercise needs are different from adult Deerhounds. As growing puppies, their bones and joints are still developing, so it's important to avoid excessive high-impact exercise that could potentially harm their growth plates. Puppies should have shorter play sessions and controlled exercise, such as gentle walks or supervised play in a secure area.
Deerhounds can reach full exercise levels at an adult level between 18 and 24 months of age, but it's always best to consult with your vet for specific guidance based on your individual dog.
Deerhounds have a wiry, harsh double coat consisting of a coarse outer layer and a soft undercoat, which requires moderate grooming to keep it in good condition.
Weekly brushing helps remove loose hair, prevent matting, and maintain the texture of their coat. During shedding seasons, extra grooming is needed to manage the increased shedding and ensure their coat stays tidy.
Deerhounds benefit from occasional hand-stripping to remove dead hair and preserve their coat’s natural texture. Baths should only be given as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo to avoid stripping the coat’s natural oils.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Deerhounds are intelligent dogs but can be somewhat independent, which may make training a bit challenging. They are gentle and sensitive by nature so respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards, praise, and treats, so using these methods will help motivate them during training sessions.
Due to their sighthound heritage, Deerhounds have a strong instinct to chase, making a reliable recall command critical for their safety. Teaching recall should be a priority and may require extra patience, especially in environments with distractions like small animals. Incorporating games, such as “hide and seek” or controlled off-lead training in a secure area, can make recall training more effective and fun.
With the right training methods and a little persistence, Deerhounds can become loyal and obedient companions.
Feeding a balanced and nutritious diet is important for the health and well-being of Deerhounds. High-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended. Feeding twice daily works well for most Deerhounds.
The amount of food will depend on factors such as their age, metabolism, and exercise levels. It's best to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the food manufacturer and adjust the portions as needed to maintain a healthy body weight.
When it comes to feeding Deerhound puppies, they have specific dietary needs to support their growth and development. They should be fed a puppy-specific diet formulated for large breed puppies until they reach around 12 to 18 months of age. These diets are specially designed to provide the right balance of nutrients to support their bone and muscle development.
Consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations for your Deerhound.
Deerhounds are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some of the common health concerns in Deerhounds include:
Bones and Joints
Osteosarcoma - a malignant cancer of the bone
Panosteitis - a painful, inflammatory condition of the long bones of the leg
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately!
Heart
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger, which can lead to heart failure
Liver
Porto-systemic shunt (PSS) - when the blood circulation bypasses the normal cleaning processes of the liver resulting in signs like stunted growth and abnormal behaviours
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Deerhound is right for you, consult with your vet.
Due to their large size, Deerhounds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening condition. To reduce the risk, feed them smaller, frequent meals, avoid vigorous exercise around mealtimes, and consider using a raised bowl.
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.