How to Identify a Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhounds are members of the hound group. Due to this breed's age, it is unclear what their true origins are. [1] They do share some characteristics with other dogs, but they have many distinguishing ones as well. This wikiHow will teach you how to identify whether or not a dog is a Scottish Deerhound.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Viewing the Body Structure

  1. Scottish Deerhounds are relatively large, with males being anywhere from 30–32 inches (76–81 cm) tall and weighing somewhere between 85–110 pounds (39–50 kg), and females usually being slightly smaller, and anywhere from 28 inches (71 cm) or taller, and weighing somewhere between 75–95 pounds (34–43 kg). [2]
  2. Scottish Deerhounds should have a head that is the most broad at their ears, and it should narrow a little to the dog's eyes. The dog's muzzle should taper clearly to their nose. [3]
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  3. Scottish Deerhounds have ears that are set on high. When the dog is at rest, their ears should be folded back, similar to a Greyhound. The ears should be raised above the dog's head when they are excited, though their fold should not disappear (the ears may also be semi-erect in some instances). They should be glossy and soft, feeling similar to the coat of a mouse, and they should be as small as possible. You may also notice a silvery, silky coat on the ear tip and body. [4]
  4. Scottish Deerhounds typically have dark-colored eyes that are typically either hazel, dark brown or brown. The eyes should also appear somewhat full. [5]
  5. Scottish Deerhounds should have a tail that is of a long length, and it should taper and be within 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of the ground, and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) below the dog's hocks. When the Scottish Deerhound is not moving, the tail should either have a curve or be dropped flawlessly down. When they are moving or excited, the tail should be curved, yet never lifted out of line of the dog's back. [6]
  6. Overall, Scottish Deerhounds should resemble a Greyhound with a rough coat, though larger-boned and larger-sized. [7]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. While a dark blue-gray color is the most ideal, you may also notice other colors (with the exception of white-minus potential white toes, a white chest, or even on the tip of the dog's tail, though there should be as little white as possible). [8]
  2. Scottish Deerhounds should have a wiry, harsh-feeling coat on their quarters, body and neck, and significantly softer hair on their breast, belly and head. Occasionally, you may notice a silky-feeling coat in addition to the hard-feeling coat, though the coat should never have a woolly texture. [9]
  3. Overall, Scottish Deerhounds should have a close-lying, thick coat that appears ragged, with a little fringe on the inside of the dog's hind legs and front legs (nothing like a Collie, though). [10]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking a Look at Temperament

  1. While, like most dogs, the Scottish Deerhound may be a rambunctious troublemaker, once they become an adult, their behavior usually becomes more dignified and refined, as if they are royalty. [11]
  2. Most Scottish Deerhounds are friendly towards strangers from an early age, though, as with any dog, early socialization can be helpful for this (meaning they are not usually a good guard or watch dog). [12]
  3. Most Scottish Deerhounds are calm and gentle overall, and tend to do well if their owner is cheerful. [13]
  4. While they tend to be docile with most other dogs (similar to people), Scottish Deerhounds have been known to chase small dogs, rodents, cats, or any other small animals, so this is something to be aware of. [14]
  5. Therefore, they do not respond well to being scolded harshly when they're being trained. Instead, they do better with rewards and praise. [15]
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      Tips

      • Consider dog DNA testing if you'd like to know whether or not your dog is a Scottish Deerhound. This can help confirm what breed your dog is.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-deerhound/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-deerhound/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishDeerhound.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/scottish-deerhound-temperament/
      3. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/scottish-deerhound-temperament/
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/scottish-deerhound-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/scottish-deerhound-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/scottish-deerhound-temperament/

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