Deep in the misty Highlands of Scotland resides a gentle giant known as the Scottish Deerhound. A direct descendant of the ancient Greyhound, this hound, fondly termed as the “Royal Dog of Scotland,” boasts an impressive lineage that traces back to the late 16th century. What’s interesting, however, is the popular misconception that these majestic creatures are formidable guard dogs. Fierce and imposing? Check. Intimidating stature? Absolutely. But a guard dog? Well, let’s unravel this mystery together, shall we?
If you were to glance upon the Scottish Deerhound for the first time, its massive, muscular frame might lead you to believe that a creature of such grandeur would make an excellent guard dog. After all, surely a creature that big has to have a ferocious bark, if not an equally ferocious bite? Surprisingly, that’s where you’d be quite off the mark.
The Scottish Deerhound, in reality, is what we’d describe as a “gentle giant.” Yes, they are incredibly large, with males standing as tall as 32 inches at the shoulder and females a tad smaller at 28 inches, but their size is perhaps the only thing that might discourage uninvited intruders.
Having had the privilege of the companionship of these dogs, Scottish Deerhounds have one of the kindest, friendliest temperaments you’ll ever encounter in a dog breed. They are incredibly docile and amicable, even toward strangers. In fact, their friendly disposition makes them unlikely to ever assume a guard dog’s typical duties. Also, while they are brave and won’t hesitate to protect their families when danger is present, their first instinct is more likely to befriend a stranger rather than thwart one.
What the Scottish Deerhound does have, however, is an innate sense of loyalty. The proverbial ‘man’s best friend,’ a Scottish Deerhound will stick with its owners through thick and thin. While they aren’t likely to chase off an intruder, they are definitely a comforting presence in any home.
The next question then becomes, why wouldn’t you want a Scottish Deerhound as a guard dog? To answer this, we must consider the breed’s unique characteristics and requirements.
Historically, Scottish Deerhounds were bred for hunting red deer. They encompass a breed known as sighthounds, which hunt by sight rather than scent. This breeds an inherent instinct to chase; therefore, any moving object, person, or animal may ignite their chase instinct. This makes them a bit unpredictable and less capable of “guard duty.”
Additionally, despite their large size, these dogs require a surprisingly low exercise regimen. A walk or two per day is more than sufficient to keep a Scottish Deerhound happy. The caveat, however, is that they need regular opportunities to stretch their legs in a securely fenced area. Despite their laid-back nature, a Scottish Deerhound that doesn’t get enough exercise can become anxious, which could lead to destructive behavior.
To add to this, Scottish Deerhounds are prone to certain health issues. They are likely to develop bloat, a sudden and often deadly swelling in the stomach. At the slight possibility of this, it is requisite to get the Deerhound to the vet immediately.
So, after digging into the characteristics of this impressive beast, it’s safe to say that while a Scottish Deerhound makes an excellent companion and a cherished member of any family, it does not make the most reliable guard dog. If you’re seeking a faithful friend who will loyally stay by your side and offer you deep brown eyes full of affection, then the Scottish Deerhound is an incredible pick.
However, if you’re looking for a steely sentinel that barks at every sign of perceived danger, you might want to mull over other breeds.
In conclusion, the Scottish Deerhound is a magnificent creature radiating grace, elegance, and warmth. This breed’s sense of loyalty and companionship serves as a wonderful testament to its rich history. So while they may not be the ‘guard dogs’ society typically portrays them as, they make for invaluable life partners, comforters, and friends. They are less the guards of your home and more the guardians of your heart. You see, the essence of Scottish Deerhounds lies not in their intimidating size or their majestic stature, but in their loving hearts and gentle souls.
