Characteristics, history, care tips and other helpful information for Scottish Greyhound dogs The Scottish Greyhound is a fit, loving and faithful dog breed. As one of the tallest breeds, the Scottish Greyhound is long and slim, resembling the English Greyhound in build. This breed goes back to the 16th century and is often called the «Royal Hound of Scotland».
The well-known 18th-century Scottish writer and historian Sir Walter Scott described it as «the most perfect creature from God.» Fans of Scottish Greyhounds can share how rewarding it is to have one of these dogs. With his fun-loving nature and kind demeanor, he makes a wonderful friend and can be a great pet.
Overview
GROUP: Ogari
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HEIGHT: Male: 75-80cm, Female: 70cm
WEIGHT: Males: 39–50 kg, females: 34–43 kg
FUR AND COLOR: Metallic fur in various shades of gray and brown
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8-11 years
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Characteristics of Scottish Greyhound dogs
| Level of affection | Mare |
| Friendliness | Mare |
| Friendship with children | environment |
| Friendship with other animals | microphone |
| The need for physical exercise | Mare |
| Desire to play | Mare |
| Energy level | environment |
| Training | environment |
| Intelligence | environment |
| Tendency to bark | microphone |
| mute | microphone |
History of the Scottish Greyhound breed
The Scottish Greyhound is native to Scotland and can be traced back to the 16th century. The breed is believed to have existed before the 16th century, but has had a variety of different names, including Irish Wolfhound, Rough Greyhound, and Highland Greyhound. Ultimately, the breed got its name from its special ability to hunt deer.
The Scottish greyhound was highly prized for its skill and beauty. In fact, in the Middle Ages, no one below the rank of count could own such a dog. Despite its valor, the breed risked near extinction in the mid-to-late 18th century – with the collapse of the Scottish nobility after the Battle of Culloden and the Jacobite Rebellion – but was saved by the enthusiasts Archibald and Duncan McNeill. They also became rare after the First World War due to the disintegration of the large estates.
The Scottish Greyhound arrived in the United States in the late 19th century and was admitted to the American Kennel Club (AKC) greyhound group in 1886. Today, the deerhound remains a relatively rare and highly valuable breed.
Caring for Scottish Greyhound dogs
The Scottish Greyhound has a shaggy, coarse coat, 7 to 10 cm long, and requires only routine grooming: once a week with a brush and/or comb should be enough to keep the dog’s coat looking its best.
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The breed sheds at a fairly low rate and even very little with regular brushing. Your dog should only need a bath occasionally, depending on odor or dirty fur.
Although Scottish Greyhounds are excellent athletes, they can also become lazy as adults. They love to run and play outdoors, but can be lazy when indoors. However, daily exercise is essential to keep them motivated and fit.
You will need to walk your dog on a leash as this breed will follow anything that moves. Walking on a leash can also be a challenge as they will take off running and may pick you off the ground due to their size. Children should not lead this breed as they will not be able to control such episodes.
Proper training and socialization are important for greyhounds. Fortunately, they tend to learn well. This is an intelligent breed, but often has a short attention span. In training sessions it is important to find out what motivates the dog as this can be difficult for some.
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Like other dogs that use vision and speed to hunt, the greyhound is easily stimulated by the sight of prey. Cats and other small animals may defy their predatory instincts until greyhounds understand that the pet is a member of the family too.
Raising your dog around small animals can help you teach your dog that they are not prey. However, you may never feel comfortable leaving your dog unattended around small pets. He loves the company of other large dogs, especially those of the same breed.
Scottish Greyhounds are very loyal and extremely affectionate to their families and usually prefer not to be left alone. They are rarely aggressive and have no problems with strangers. This is definitely not a watchdog. Most greyhounds do well with children if properly socialized, but as large dogs they should not be left unattended around small children.
Scottish Greyhounds are calm and lazy at home, but are not suited to apartment living as they need a yard and a room to romp around on a daily basis. Yards need to be fenced with secure fencing as they will try to follow anything that moves outside the fence; electronic fences won’t stop them.
Common health problems
Like other greyhounds, this breed is sensitive to anesthesia and cannot receive the usual dose. Be sure to talk to your vet before any treatment requiring anesthesia. They are also prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart that leads to abnormal rhythms and heart failure.
Responsible breeders are committed to maintaining the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. Dogs bred to these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, some breed-specific hereditary health problems may occur. Below are some diseases you should be aware of:
- Osteosarcoma: Aggressive bone tumors that may require amputation and chemotherapy
- Factor VII deficiency: a genetically inherited condition of failure of the blood to clot
- Cystinuria: genetically transmitted condition that leads to the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder
- Hip dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation (volvulus): swelling and twisting of the stomach
Diet and nutrition
Greyhounds need about three to four cups of dry food each day, which should be divided into two meals. They are prone to bloat and if they greedily gobble their food or eat too much at once, they risk this condition. When the bloated stomach twists, it is a medical emergency.
Monitor your dog’s weight to prevent obesity. A dog’s needs change as he gets older and you should discuss with your veterinarian appropriate feeding times, amount of food, type of food and exercise required.
Advantages
- Kind and playful
- Affectionate
- Friendly
disadvantage
- Tends to pull or run away while on leash (children should not walk this dog)
- High predatory instinct (the electronic fence does not act as a deterrent)
- Not suitable for apartment living
Other dog breeds and additional information
As with any breed, if you think the Scottish Greyhound is right for you, be sure to do your research before getting one. Talk to your veterinarian, other Deerhound owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to learn more.
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