Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound does well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision. Match the diet to the dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior), and keep clean, fresh water available at all times. Some Deerhounds gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and use treats in moderation.

Feed an adult two meals a day, usually morning and evening. Puppies need a large-breed puppy formula, ideally three to four times a day for proper development. Follow the guidelines on the food you choose for a starting amount based on your dog's weight, and ask your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.

Because this breed is prone to bloat, several smaller meals are preferable to one large one. To reduce that risk, feed from a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle toy, skip elevated food bowls, and avoid strenuous exercise directly before or after eating.

A complete-and-balanced diet usually supplies the nutrients a healthy dog needs. Your veterinarian may still suggest specific supplements for your dog's situation, so never add one without checking with your vet first.

The Scottish Deerhound's harsh, wiry double coat is easy to care for. An all-over brushing and combing about once a week suits most dogs, and a little more often if the coat picks up debris from tall grass or the woods. Coat thickness varies between individuals, so heavier coats need more regular attention than thin ones.

The wiry coat resists matting, and regular brushing removes dead hair and spreads the coat's natural oils. The double coat also protects the skin well, so frequent bathing isn't needed. Bathe only when the dog is very dirty or muddy, which also helps with any doggy odor. A slicker brush, a fine-toothed metal comb, and a nail grinder or clippers are useful tools to keep on hand.

Trim the nails every few weeks if they don't wear down on their own. Provide regular dental care with at-home brushing and professional cleanings.

Check the ears regularly for signs of infection and contact your veterinarian if anything seems off, and look at the eyes for cloudiness or irritation. The breed grows long, wispy hairs around the face and brow, so an occasional trim keeps hair from blocking vision. During grooming, check for new lumps or skin changes.

Puppies and adults need daily opportunities to run freely. Deerhounds are otherwise fairly low-energy but still need at least 30 minutes of activity twice a day. Long walks or jogs and safe space to roam suit the breed.

Raising a Deerhound puppy well takes a large, securely fenced area, and ideally a companion playmate. This is not a breed that can be crated all day while the owner works; destructive puppies are usually not getting enough exercise. Avoid forced exercise, such as running alongside a bike, with immature hounds whose bodies are still developing.

Puppies and adolescents can be big, strong, and sometimes destructive, but by around age two most settle into calm, loyal companions. Older Deerhounds get lazier, as most dogs do, yet regular exercise stays important into their senior years to maintain fitness. Scottish Deerhounds have specialized exercise and management needs that may challenge first-time owners.

The Scottish Deerhound is a sensitive, gentle breed that responds best to positive, reward-based training. The breed is easily stressed and does not do well kenneled, crated during the day, or left alone for long periods.

Deerhounds are smart and learn cues quickly; the harder part is motivation. Deerhounds are independent and do not have a strong desire to please. Varied, reward-based training can help maintain their attention. Scottish Deerhounds were bred to hunt independently away from the handler and may rarely check back for approval. Don't mistake that independence for willfulness, and keep sessions varied, since they bore easily when a task isn't challenging enough.

Begin Scottish Deerhound socialization early with people, pets, and children. The Deerhound enjoys its family and is patient with kids, though its size can intimidate small children, so supervise interactions. Indoors it is quiet and dignified, but a strong prey drive means it will chase furry animals that run past. Exercise on leash or in a fenced area, and take extra care around smaller household pets such as cats.