Scottish Deerhound Dog Breed Facts
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Breed: Scottish Deerhound
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Also Called: Deerhound
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Height: The Scottish Deerhound is about 28-32 inches.
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Weight: The Scottish Deerhound weighs between 75-110 lbs.
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Colors: The Scottish Deerhound can be dark blue gray and lighter grays, brindles and yellow, sandy red or red fawn with black points. Dark blue-gray is preferred.
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Physical Appearance: The Scottish Deerhound possesses the general body formation that is found in the Greyhound, though they are larger in size, heavier in bone structure and rough coated.
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Temperament/Personality: The Scottish Deerhound is easy going by nature and good with children. May chase smaller pets due to strong hunting instincts.
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Care: The Scottish Deerhound sheds very little and requires minimal grooming. They should be brushed regularly, excess hair plucked from the ears and trimming the pads of their feet. Plucking of the coat should be done twice a year.
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Health Concerns/Problems: The Scottish Deerhound commonly has the following health problems: Anal Sac Infections, Fractures (Broken Bones), Lameness, Bloat, Heart Failure and/or Heart Arrhythmia (Cardiomyopathy), Inhalant Allergies, Flea-Bite Allergy, Pyometra (Uterine Infection), False Pregnancy, Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer), Hypothyroidism, Food Intolerance, and Head or Neck Pain.
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Training: The Scottish Deerhound needs to be trained at a young age. They are quick learners if trained properly.
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Activity: The Scottish Deerhound needs a tremendous amount of exercise. They love to run along bicycles and should be allowed to run free occasionally.
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Life Span: The Scottish Deerhound lives an average life of 8-11 years.
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Litter Size: The Scottish Deerhound has an average litter of 8-9 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Scottish Deerhound originated in Scotland.
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Brief History: Once known as the "Royal Dog of Scotland," the Scottish Deerhound was permitted to be owned only by those people holding the rank of earl or above. The breed was highly regarded for its courage and tenacity as a stag hunter and its loyalty to the clan chieftain and his kin. Scottish Deerhounds may have arrived in Scotland over 3000 years ago with the Phoenician traders. The Scottish Deerhound is featured in the writings of novelist, Sir Walter Scott who had a female Deerhound named "Maida". They became a favorite among the Scottish Highlanders who used them to hunt wild deer in the glens.
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