The Scottish Deerhound, or simply the Deerhound, is a breed of hound (a sighthound), bred to hunt. The name originates from its purpose: to hunt Red Deer.
History: The Scottish Deerhound shares a history with the Irish Wolfhound - at least until the 800’s. Then Celtsmen wanting a lighter boned dog to chase deer up and down the mountains of Scotland, began to breed an animal that diverged from the heavier wolfhound. During World War II in Britain it was very difficult to feed these large dogs, 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 dog.  It originally came in all the colors appearing in the wolfhound today but only gray animals have been seen in the last few decades.
Appearance: The Scottish Deerhound appears to be a rough-coated Greyhound. He is however, larger in size and bigger in bone. He is a tall and slim sighthound with a saggy 3-4 inch long coat, beard, mustache and mane. The head should be broadest at the ears, narrowing slightly to the eyes, with the muzzle tapering more decidedly to the nose. The muzzle should be pointed, but the teeth and lips level. Coat on the Scottish Deerhound should be harsh and wiry. Ragged coated, crisp and thick, hair should lie closely to the body of said dog giving him a shaggy and unkempt appearance. Though there are many colors, the dark blue-gray is most common, followed by light grays, brindles, and red fawn. White markings may be on the chest or toes as well.
Size: Height:  28-32 inches (71-81 cm)
Weight: 75-110 pounds (34-50 kg)
Temperament: He is a gentle and gentlemanly dog with elegant ways and polite affection. Quiet, loving, friendly and excellent with children. The deerhound is reserved with strangers, but remains friendly towards them. Socialization as a pup is required for any breed however. Does not do well with smaller animals. Its strong hunting instinct may cause it to chase unfamiliar animals. The Scottish Deerhound can be willful at times and slow to obey commands. The Scottish Deerhound has an unusual cry.
Health: watch for bloat, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma. It is wise to feed them 2 or 3 small meals a day rather then one big one. Avoid vigorous exercise right after the dog has eaten a big meal.
Life expectancy: 8 – 11 years
Grooming: The deerhound’s shaggy, harsh coat requires weekly combing. Additional grooming includes plucking and trimming of excess hair from its ears and pads of its feet. Occasionally, stray hairs will need to be cut and the coat should be plucked twice yearly. The Scottish deerhound sheds very little.
Puppy price: Ј500-800