Scottish Deerhound Puppies for Sale
Recognized by: AKC, FCI, KC, UKC
About the Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is a towering, rough-coated sighthound bred to course the red deer of the Highlands, combining great size with grace, speed, and gentle dignity. Resembling a larger, wiry-coated Greyhound, it has a harsh grey coat, an arched loin, and an easy, ground-covering gallop. Despite its imposing frame it is famously sweet-natured, calm, and devoted, often described as a gentleman among hounds. Quiet and mellow indoors, it needs regular chances to stretch out and run in safe, open space, and its strong prey drive means secure fencing is essential. A dignified, affectionate companion, it suits owners who can accommodate a very large, gentle hound with sighthound needs.
Every dog is an individual — genetics, socialization, health, training, and environment matter more than breed averages.
Typical tendencies
Scored against PuppyList’s editorial rubric. Tendencies, not guarantees.
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Browse all puppiesWhere this breed shines
- Gentle, dignified, and deeply affectionate temperament
- Calm and quiet companion in the home
- Generally sociable with people and other dogs
Things to consider
- Very large size requires space, and a shorter lifespan is typical
- Strong prey drive; needs secure fencing and leashed walks
- Needs safe room to gallop; puppies must not be over-exercised while growing
History
The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed developed by Highland chieftains to course and pull down red deer across open moorland. So prized was it that ownership was at times restricted to the nobility, and the breed nearly vanished when clan society declined. It was revived in the 19th century by breeders such as Archibald and Duncan McNeill, and the AKC recognized it in 1886.
Temperament
Scottish Deerhounds are gentle, dignified, and affectionate, forming devoted bonds and generally getting along well with people and other dogs. They are calm and quiet in the home but retain a powerful instinct to chase moving game. Sensitive and eager to please in their own reserved way, they respond best to patient, gentle handling.
Questions to ask a Scottish Deerhound breeder
- Have the parents been screened for cardiac disease (dilated cardiomyopathy)?
- Is there family history of bloat or osteosarcoma?
- How long-lived have the dogs in this pedigree been?
Health considerations to discuss
Dilated cardiomyopathy. Heart disease occurs in the breed; cardiac evaluation of breeding stock is recommended.
Bloat (gastric torsion). This deep-chested breed is at real risk; owners should know the emergency signs.
Osteosarcoma. Bone cancer is a notable cause of death in large sighthounds; early lameness warrants prompt evaluation.
Informational only — always consult a veterinarian and ask breeders for documentation. Sources: American Kennel Club · The Kennel Club (UK) — written by PuppyList editorial
Questions worth asking about any Scottish Deerhound litter
- Can I see the puppy and its mother — in person or on a live video call?
- What health checks, vaccinations, and vet visits has this litter had?
- How was the litter raised and socialized?
- What paperwork comes with the puppy (health records, registry papers if applicable)?
- What is your deposit, payment, and pickup/transport process?
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy a Scottish Deerhound puppy on PuppyList?
Browse the Scottish Deerhound listings on this page, open one to see photos, details, and the breeder's information, then contact the breeder directly. PuppyList is a marketplace — you arrange the purchase with the breeder yourself.
How can I tell if a Scottish Deerhound breeder is trustworthy?
Contact the breeder, ask for recent photos or a video of the actual puppy, and confirm details before you commit. Never send money before verifying. See our listing guidelines for the full buyer-safety checklist.