Deerhound at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 71–76 cm
- Weight
- 35–45 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Shedding.
Is the Deerhound right for you?
Like every breed, the Deerhound is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the dog.
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You would like a dog that tends to be quiet.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- This would be your first dog.
How would the Deerhound fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Deerhound
The Deerhound is a large, shaggy-coated sighthound with a very athletic build that still looks elegant despite its size. It is often described as looking like a rough-coated Greyhound. Gentle and quietly friendly, it can make an excellent pet for owners who understand its instinct to chase.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
Large rough-coated dogs of greyhound type have been known in Scotland for at least 500 years. Early on the breed was called the Scottish Wolfdog, because its original quarry was the wolf. As wolves disappeared it was developed to course deer, and over time it became smaller and more refined.
Deerhounds were hugely popular for deer coursing until the 18th century, when hunters took up guns. In Victorian times interest in the breed revived, and today it is valued for its athletic lines, its elegance and its gentle temperament. The Royal Kennel Club lists it as a vulnerable native breed.
Deerhound temperament
Deerhounds are typically gentle, quiet and reserved, but can be very affectionate with their family and friends without being overwhelming. A gentle sense of humour is common, and adults often seem aware of their size around smaller animals and children, although every dog is different.
They may be reserved with strangers at first and are usually quietly curious about visitors rather than over-excited. Like other large breeds, they take several years to mature into calm adults. They are not a breed to leave alone.
Size and appearance
Deerhounds are large, tall dogs. Adults typically stand around 71–76 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 35–45 kg, with males bigger than females.
The coat is rough and shaggy. Breed standard colours include grey, dark grey, blue grey, black and grey, and several shades of brindle, though most adults today are grey.
How much exercise does a Deerhound need?
Adult Deerhounds need more than two hours of exercise a day and love to run free. Their strong chase instinct means free running should happen in a secure, enclosed area, because once they have spotted something to chase it can be hard to get their attention back.
Puppies should have their activity restricted, and young dogs need careful handling around stairs, steps and steep slopes. A large home and a large, secure garden suit them best. They are tall rather than bulky, but they need big beds and a big car, and can easily reach counter tops.
Training a Deerhound
Deerhounds have a short attention span and little interest in repeating tasks they see as pointless, so even basic training, and especially recall, will not always be easy.
- Keep training fun and engaging, and use play and chase toys alongside food rewards.
- Focus on the essentials: recall, lying down when asked and loose-lead walking.
- Avoid teaching them to jump up, as their size can intimidate people.
- Teach a down or a stand instead of a sit, as few Deerhounds sit comfortably.
- Socialise them carefully with smaller household pets.
Deerhound grooming
The coat needs brushing two or three times a week, as adult coats in particular can mat. It may need hand plucking once or twice a year, depending on its condition. Because of their size, professional bathing may be needed, and it helps to start this young.
Living with a Deerhound
Deerhounds are usually excellent with their own families and, with the right socialisation as puppies, they generally get on well with children. Clumsy puppies and adolescents can be too big for very young children, though. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Deerhound health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Deerhounds are prone to some serious breed-related conditions. The Royal Kennel Club asks breeders to prioritise genetic diversity and notes a breed club health scheme. Ask breeders about the health history of a puppy's parents and grandparents.
Osteosarcoma
An aggressive type of bone cancer, and one of the most serious health problems in the breed.
Dilated cardiomyopathy
A degeneration of the heart muscle.
Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
The stomach twists, trapping its contents and gas. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention, and it is often seen in large, deep-chested breeds. Smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the risk of bloating.
Portosystemic shunt
Abnormal blood circulation in which blood bypasses the liver.
Eye conditions
Inherited eye conditions are recognised in the breed, though careful screening and breeding mean they are relatively rare.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Deerhound home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Deerhound cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Deerhound home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Deerhound
If you have decided the Deerhound suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Deerhound
Deerhounds do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Deerhounds looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Deerhound adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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Deerhound FAQs
Is the Deerhound good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Deerhound live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Deerhound need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
How much grooming does the Deerhound need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Deerhound easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Deerhound be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Deerhound bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Deerhound good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Deerhound live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Deerhound get?
Adults typically stand 71–76 cm at the shoulder and weigh 35–45 kg.