Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhound Grooming Profile

Scottish Deerhounds are giant, gentle sighthounds that reach full maturity between four and five years of age. They are moderate shedders with wiry coats requiring weekly brushing, needing daily exercise and a carefully managed 5 to 8 cup daily diet to prevent bloat.

Breed Group

Hound Dogs

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Breed Size

Giant

AKC Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1886

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1954

Allergy-friendly

Worst Choice; they are not hypoallergenic and are moderate shedders

1 / 10

Shedding

Moderate

5 / 10

Grooming need

10 mins/week

7 / 10

Low-maintenance

Moderate

6 / 10

Size

Giant

10 / 10

Growth timeline

3-4 years

9 / 10

Grooming FAQ

Are Scottish Deerhound hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?

Scottish Deerhounds are not hypoallergenic. Their wiry coat sheds moderately and produces dander, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Allergy-friendly: 1 / 10

Do Scottish Deerhound shed?

Scottish Deerhounds are moderate shedders. They lose hair consistently year-round, requiring regular brushing to remove dead hair and keep the coat healthy.

Shedding: 5 / 10

How often should you groom a Scottish Deerhound?

Scottish Deerhounds need moderate grooming. Brushing once or twice a week is usually sufficient to maintain their harsh, wiry coat and prevent tangles. Dead hair needs to be hand-stripped or pulled out twice a year.

Grooming need: 7 / 10

Are Scottish Deerhound low-maintenance dogs?

Scottish Deerhounds are moderate-maintenance. They need space to run and daily exercise, but are calm indoors. Their grooming needs are relatively simple.

Low-maintenance: 6 / 10

How big do Scottish Deerhound get?

Scottish Deerhounds are giant, elegant dogs. Males stand 30-32 inches and weigh 85-110 pounds, while females are slightly smaller and typically range from 75 to 95 pounds.

Size: 10 / 10

When do Scottish Deerhound stop growing?

Scottish Deerhounds reach full height by 18 months but continue to fill out and gain muscle until full maturity is reached by 4 to 5 years of age.

Growth timeline: 9 / 10

How much should a Scottish Deerhound eat?

Adult Scottish Deerhounds need 5 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Adult males often require significantly more than 4 cups daily to maintain weight. Feed carefully to avoid bloat.

Feeding amount: 7 / 10

How often should a Scottish Deerhound puppy eat?

Scottish Deerhound puppies require 3-4 meals daily until six months of age, then transition to 3 meals until twelve months. Recommend 3-4 meals daily until six months of age, then transition to 3 meals until twelve months.

Puppy feeding frequency: 8 / 10

Vet Insights

Scottish Deerhounds are giant, gentle sighthounds that reach full maturity between four and five years of age. They are moderate shedders with wiry coats requiring weekly brushing, needing daily exercise and a carefully managed 5 to 8 cup daily diet to prevent bloat.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
Verified