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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 SCOTTISH DEERHOUND
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The Scottish Deerhound is a large breed with a lean body. Its chest is moderately deep, but somewhat narrow. The back is strong and slopes slightly toward the hocks. The legs in front are very straight with wide elbows. The back legs are slightly angled. It has an elongated neck that extends to the sloping shoulders. This breed's head, skull, and muzzle are all elongated. The ears, which are set high, typically fold toward the face. Its coat uneven and somewhat shaggy coat is unique. It is coarse and long over most of the body. The head, underbelly, and chest are the exceptions. The coat is not as coarse and is shorter in these areas. Extending past the hocks, the tail is moderately long.
Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is a breed that is an excellent household pet. It cares about its family, but does not usually make an effective guard dog or watchdog. Its good-natured attitude makes it a winner with everyone in its household. However, it may resort to its hunting instinct if it encounters small animals. This includes small pets that may exist in its household. This breed is energetic and can be playful with children. It is obedient and generally responsive to training. Training is essential to teach this breed socialization skills.
Height and Weight
Male height: 30-32 inches Male weight: 85-110 pounds Femlae height: 26-28 inches Female weight: 75-95 pounds
Health Problems
The Scottish Deerhound may develop cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion.
Ideal Living Conditions
The Scottish Deerhound is a breed of moderate size and energy that requires a lot of space. It is inactive when indoors, so it is more suitable for outdoor environments where there is a significant amount of space for it to run around. The breed is also tall and when kept in a backyard should be enclosed with a fence that is both well built and tall enough to prevent it from leaving the premises.
Exercise
The Scottish Terrier is a breed that daily needs exercise. It will play and engage in physical activity on its own, but being able to go outside of its enclosed area is a good idea for the dog mentally. A daily walk or jog is great for this breed.
Life Expectancy
The Scottish Deerhound has an average life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Litter Size
The Scottish Deerhound has an average of 9 puppies.
Grooming
The coat of the Scottish Deerhound looks like it requires special attention, but there are some standard grooming practices owners should have with this breed. A comb is better for grooming the coat to remove any tangles and to prevent matting. Trimming the coat is a good idea to keep it looking healthy. The breed's ears should also be cleaned on a regular basis.
Origin
The Scottish Deerhound was first bred in Great Britain several thousand years ago.
Group
Hound
Color
There are several colors that are acceptable for the Scottish Deerhound coat. The coat can range from brindle with light yellow to a dark bluish-gray color. The coat may also be a reddish or light brown color.
Breed Clubs
Scottish Deerhound Club of America http://www.deerhound.org Northern California Deerhound Club http://norcaldeerhounds.org
Breed Rescues
Scottish Deerhound Rescue http://www.deerhound.org/rescue.htm Scottie Rescue http://northtexasscottierescue.com/Holmes.html

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