The general formation of the body of the Scottish Deerhound is that of a Greyhound - only of larger size and bone. The chest is deep, rather than broad, with a good girth of chest indicative of great lung power. Height for dogs is 30 to 32 inches, bitches 28 inches on up. A bitch is not penalized for being larger, unless the incresed size makes her appear coarse. Weight is from 85 to 110 pounds in dogs, and from 75 to 95 pounds in bitches.

The Scottish Deerhound has a shaggy, harsh coat, which sheds very little. The ideal coat is a thick, close-lying ragged coat, harsh or crisp to the touch. Coloring is a matter of fancy, but the dark blue-gray is most preferred. The next in line for color preference, is darker and lighter grays or brindles, the darkest being generally preferred. Yellow and sandy red or red fawn, especially with black ears and muzzles, are equally high in estimation. White is to be severally penalized, as the Scottish Deerhound is a "self-colored" dog. A white chest and toes on the darkest dogs is acceptable, although the less white, the better.

The Scottish Deerhound's head should be broadest at the ears, then narrowing slightly at the eyes, tapering off into the muzzle. The muzzle should be pointed. The hair on the skull should be moderately long and softer than the rest of the coat. The ears should be set on high, and when in repose, should be folded back like a Greyhound's. The ears should be soft and glossy, like a mouse's coat to the touch, and the smaller the better.

The neck is long - befitting the Greyhound character of the dog. The tail tolerably long, tapering and reaching to within 1& 1/2; inches of the ground and about 1& 1/2; inches below the hocks. Eyes are dark, with dark rims. The legs should be broad and flat, with the forearms as straight as possible; thighs are well muscled. Feet are close and compact, with well-arranged toes.

To learn more about this easy-going dog, please visit the
Scottish Deerhound Club of America.