Scottish Deerhound, Silken Windhound & More

What Is a Deer Hound — And Which Breeds Qualify?

When people search for "deer hound," they're usually referring to one of several sighthound breeds historically used to hunt deer by sight and speed. The term isn't an official breed name registered with any major kennel club. Instead, it's a functional descriptor that spans multiple breeds — most notably the Scottish Deerhound, but also the Silken Windhound, the Irish Wolfhound, and historically, several now-extinct British deer-hunting types.

These breeds share a common thread: they were developed to pursue large game across open terrain using explosive speed, keen eyesight, and the endurance to maintain a chase over miles. Today, most deer hound-type dogs live as companions and show dogs, though their instincts remain intensely prey-driven.

If you're researching deer hounds because you're considering bringing one home, this guide covers the breeds most commonly associated with the term, with a primary focus on the Scottish Deerhound — the breed most frequently called a "deer hound" in everyday conversation.

Origin and History: From Highland Hunting to Modern Companionship

The Silken Windhound, a more recent American development, was created in the 1980s by crossing Borzois with smaller longhaired sighthounds (primarily Whippets). The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the Silken Windhound in 2011. While not traditionally called a "deer hound," Silkens share the sighthound body plan and prey drive.

Physical Characteristics: What a Deer Hound Looks Like

Attribute	Scottish Deerhound	Silken Windhound
Weight (Male)	85–110 lb / 39–50 kg	33–55 lb / 15–25 kg
Weight (Female)	75–95 lb / 34–43 kg	22–45 lb / 10–20 kg
Height (at shoulder)	30–32 in / 76–81 cm (male); 28+ in / 71+ cm (female)	18–23.5 in / 46–60 cm
Lifespan	8–11 years	14–18 years
Coat Type	Wiry, harsh, 3–4 inches long; shaggy	Silky, soft, medium to long
Coat Colors	Dark blue-gray, gray, brindle, yellow, sandy red, red fawn	All colors and patterns accepted
Energy Level	Moderate — bursts of speed, otherwise calm	Moderate to high
Grooming Needs	Weekly brushing, hand-stripping 2–3× per year	Brushing 2–3× per week
Family Fit	Gentle with children; needs space	Excellent family dog; adapts to apartments

The Scottish Deerhound's silhouette is unmistakable: a deep, narrow chest; a long, slightly arched loin; and a characteristic shaggy coat that gives the dog a rough, almost unkempt appearance. The wiry coat served a functional purpose — protecting the dog's skin from thorny Highland brush and cold, wet weather during long hunts.

One feature that surprises new owners is the breed's topline arch. The loin should show a distinct rise, which contributes to the galloping mechanics that let these dogs sustain speeds of 28–32 mph (45–51 km/h) over distance. This is not a cosmetic trait — it's an athletic adaptation.

Temperament: What Surprises New Deer Hound Owners

The most common reaction from first-time Deerhound owners is surprise at how quiet and reserved these dogs are indoors. Despite their imposing size and athletic heritage, Scottish Deerhounds are famously low-key at home. They tend to find a soft surface — preferably your couch or bed — and remain there for hours. Many owners describe them as "45-mph couch potatoes."

However, this calmness has a flip side that catches people off guard:

• Explosive prey drive: A Deerhound that is placid in the living room can go from zero to full sprint in under two seconds if it spots a squirrel, rabbit, or cat outside. This switch is nearly instantaneous and cannot be reliably overridden with training alone.
• Sensitivity to tone: These dogs are emotionally attuned to their owners. Harsh corrections, raised voices, or tense household dynamics visibly affect them. They shut down under punitive training and respond best to positive reinforcement and patience.
• Selective social behavior: Scottish Deerhounds tend to be polite but aloof with strangers. They rarely show aggression, but they also rarely seek attention from unfamiliar people. They bond deeply with their family and can become Velcro dogs at home.
• Low barking tendency: Most Deerhounds rarely bark. When they do, it tends to be a deep, resonant sound that startles owners who assumed the dog was silent by nature. They are not reliable watchdogs — they're more likely to greet an intruder with curiosity than alarm.

Silken Windhounds share the sighthound temperament but tend to be more outgoing and playful, with higher energy levels relative to their size. They adapt more readily to apartment living and are generally more social with strangers.

Care Requirements: Exercise, Grooming, and Daily Life

Health Concerns: Breed-Specific Risks You Need to Know

Giant breeds like the Scottish Deerhound carry health risks that differ significantly from the general canine population. Always consult your veterinarian for a personalized health plan, but here are the conditions with documented breed predisposition:

Condition	Prevalence / Risk	What to Watch For	Typical Cost Range
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat)	Scottish Deerhounds are among the highest-risk breeds. Estimated lifetime risk: 20–30% in giant deep-chested breeds.	Distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, pale gums. This is a life-threatening emergency — call your vet or emergency clinic immediately.	Emergency surgery: $3,000–$7,000+; prophylactic gastropexy (preventive tacking of the stomach): $400–$800 when done at spay/neuter
Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)	Significantly elevated risk in Deerhounds. Studies from the Merck Veterinary Manual note large and giant breeds have 2–5× higher incidence than smaller dogs.	Limping that doesn't resolve with rest, swelling near a long bone (especially the radius, tibia, or humerus), pain on touch.	Amputation + chemotherapy: $5,000–$10,000+; prognosis remains guarded (median survival 10–12 months with treatment)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)	Reported in the breed; prevalence data is limited but the condition is recognized by breed health committees.	Exercise intolerance, coughing, weakness, abdominal swelling, fainting episodes.	Cardiology consult + echocardiogram: $500–$1,500; ongoing medication: $50–$150/month
Cystinuria (Urinary Stones)	Known hereditary condition in the breed. Males are more commonly affected than females.	Straining to urinate, blood in urine, frequent small urinations, crying during elimination.	Stone removal surgery: $1,500–$4,000; lifelong dietary management: $80–$200/month
Factor VII Deficiency (Clotting Disorder)	A specific inherited coagulation defect documented in Scottish Deerhounds. Dogs may appear healthy but bleed excessively during surgery or trauma.	Excessive bleeding after minor wounds or dental procedures, prolonged bleeding after spay/neuter.	DNA test (available through veterinary genetics labs): $65–$150; emergency transfusion if undiagnosed: $1,000–$3,000

Recommended health screenings before breeding a Scottish Deerhound (per the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): hip evaluation, cardiac evaluation, and DNA testing for Factor VII deficiency. Responsible breeders should provide OFA or PennHIP certificates for both parents.

Deer Hound vs. Similar Breeds: How They Compare

Trait	Scottish Deerhound	Irish Wolfhound	Borzoi
Weight Range	75–110 lb / 34–50 kg	105–180 lb / 48–82 kg	60–105 lb / 27–48 kg
Height	28–32 in / 71–81 cm	30–35 in / 76–89 cm	26–31 in / 66–79 cm
Lifespan	8–11 years	6–8 years	9–14 years
Coat	Wiry, shaggy	Wiry, rough, shorter	Long, silky, flowing
Temperament	Reserved, dignified, quiet	Gentle, outgoing, patient	Aloof, independent, cat-like
Trainability	Moderate — willing but slow to respond	Moderate — eager but easily bored	Low to moderate — highly independent
Prey Drive	Very high	High	Very high
Apartment Suitability	Possible with committed exercise	Difficult due to size	Possible with committed exercise
AKC Popularity Rank (approx.)	~135 of 201 breeds	~76 of 201 breeds	~104 of 201 breeds

The Scottish Deerhound sits in a middle ground: smaller and longer-lived than the Irish Wolfhound, but less independent and more biddable than the Borzoi. If you're drawn to the sighthound temperament but want a dog that's somewhat easier to manage in a home setting, the Deerhound is often a better fit than either alternative — provided you can accommodate the exercise needs and health monitoring.

Availability, Cost, and Finding a Responsible Breeder

Scottish Deerhounds are uncommon but not impossibly rare. Most puppies are placed through breed-specific networks rather than general listings.

Typical Costs

• Puppy purchase price: $2,000–$3,500 from a health-tested breeder in the US. Puppies from champion show lines or imported European bloodlines may reach $4,000–$5,000.
• First-year expenses: $3,500–$5,500 including spay/neuter, vaccinations, crate, fencing upgrades, food, and initial veterinary exams. Giant-breed spay/neuter costs more due to size — expect $400–$800.
• Annual ongoing costs: $2,500–$4,000 for food, routine veterinary care, heartworm prevention, grooming, and pet insurance premiums.
• Pet insurance: $60–$120/month for a giant breed. Consider a policy that covers hereditary conditions — many basic plans exclude them or impose waiting periods.

Where to Look

• The Scottish Deerhound Club of America (SDCA) maintains a breeder referral list and a rescue network. This is the most reliable starting point.
• Attend regional sighthound specialty shows or lure coursing events to meet breeders and see adult dogs in person.
• Silken Windhound puppies are available through the International Silken Windhound Society (ISWS) breeder directory. Prices typically range from $1,500–$2,500.

Breeder Red Flags

• No OFA/PennHIP health clearances on both parents — "vet checked" is not the same as genetic health testing
• Multiple litters available simultaneously or year-round availability
• No questions asked about your home, fencing, experience, or lifestyle
• Puppies shipped without a meet-and-greet (video or in-person)
• Prices significantly below $1,500 — this often indicates no health testing was performed
• No take-back clause in the contract requiring you to return the dog to the breeder if you can no longer keep it

Rescue is also an option. The SDCA and regional sighthound rescue organizations (such as National Greyhound Adoption Program affiliates) occasionally have Deerhounds or Deerhound mixes available. Adult rescue dogs typically cost $300–$600 in adoption fees and often come already spayed/neutered and vetted.

Real Owner Insights: Living With a Deer Hound Day to Day

Based on owner reports and breed community discussions, here's what daily life with a Scottish Deerhound actually looks like:

Mornings: Most Deerhounds are slow to wake. Expect a stretch, a yawn, and a leisurely walk. They are not the type of dog that will drag you out of bed at 5 AM — unless they hear a rabbit in the yard.

Exercise sessions: On-leash walks are pleasant but uneventful. The real action happens off-leash in a fenced field. A Deerhound will sprint in wide arcs, often reaching full speed within 5–6 strides, and then return to you looking mildly winded and satisfied. Total sprint time is usually 5–15 minutes, followed by a long rest.

Training quirks: Deerhounds learn commands readily but comply selectively. "Come" is the most important — and most challenging — command because prey drive can override recall training. Many experienced owners never trust a Deerhound off-leash in an unfenced area, regardless of training level. This is a management issue, not a failure of the dog.

Space needs: Despite their size, Deerhounds don't need a mansion. They need soft places to lie down and enough room to stretch out fully (they sleep in a "dead bug" position with legs splayed). A home with a living room and a fenced yard is sufficient. Stairs can be difficult for giant breeds, so single-level living is preferable as they age.

Lifestyle fit: Best suited for owners who enjoy outdoor time but aren't looking for a running partner (Deerhounds sprint, they don't jog alongside you for miles). They do well in quiet households and can be good with respectful children ages 8+. They are not ideal for homes with small pets (cats, rabbits, small dogs under 15 lb) unless introduced carefully and supervised constantly.

Frequently Asked Questions