Scottish Deerhound

Height: over 30 inches (male); over 28 inches (female).
Weight: 85 to 110 pounds (male); 75 to 95 (female).

History:
The Scottish Deerhound was a deer hunting dog of the Scottish chieftains in the Middle Ages. The Deerhound was once so popular with Scottish high nobility that the breed became known as the royal dog of Scotland. No one ranking below Earl was permitted to own one. The advent of gun hunting, development of fenced agriculture (which cut up the wide open spaces needed for such deer hunts), and the fall of the Scottish clan system, resulted in the decline of the Scottish Deerhound. The breed almost became extinct. However, interest revived in the 1800’s and the breed was saved, largely due to the efforts of two brothers, Archibald and Duncan Mc Neill. Queen Victoria became a Deerhound fancier, and Sir Walter Scott also owned one. Though it was very difficult to feed these large dogs during World War II in Britain, and many people destroyed their dogs for lack of food, some dedicated Deerhound owners held out and saved their dogs. Today, this agile sighthound is primarily a companion, though he is sometimes still used to hunt rabbits and coyotes and for lure coursing.

Description:
The Scottish Deerhound is a tall slim sighthound, with a shaggy 3-4 inch long coat, beard, mustache and mane. The harsh, wiry coat comes in various shades of gray (blue-gray preferred), fawn, or brindle, with dark ears and tapering dark muzzle.  The hair is softer on the underparts and head. The eyes are either chestnut or hazel, and the nose is a dark color.  The soft ears lie back against the head unless the dog is excited, in which case, they become half-pricked. The body closely approximates that of a large greyhound, with straight forelegs, powerful arched loin and tucked up abdomen. The long straight or curved tail nearly reaches the ground.

Personality:
A very gentle and amiable breed. Quiet, loving and peaceable. Very courageous and dignified. Devoted and loyal. Somewhat willful–can be slow to obey commands, but generally naturally well-behaved. Excellent with considerate children. 

Behavior:
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Extensive grooming needed.
Coat: Wiry coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Needs lots of exercise.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Not recommended for apartments.
Outdoor Space: Best with a large yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Short (under 10 years).