Are Scottish Deerhounds Good Guard Dogs? | Protection Guide

The Scottish Deerhound is a majestic and gentle giant known for its noble appearance and hunting heritage. But when it comes to guarding your home, are they a good fit? In short, Scottish Deerhounds make poor guard dogs. They are mildly protective and not strongly territorial, with a generally calm and friendly nature toward strangers. While they have alertness to their surroundings, their instinct is not to confront but to observe or flee. Therefore, professional guard dog training is rarely effective or recommended for this breed.

Understanding the Scottish Deerhound's Protective Tendencies

Bred for coursing red deer in the Scottish Highlands, the Deerhound’s primary trait is speed and endurance, not aggression or territorial defense. They are naturally gentle and social dogs that tend to be friendly toward people and other animals. Their protective instinct ranks low compared to traditional guard breeds. They rarely bark or display aggressive behavior toward intruders, making them more likely to be passive than a deterrent.

Additionally, Scottish Deerhounds possess a calm demeanor and moderate trainability, but their independent nature means they are not highly motivated by commands related to protection work. Their size and strength might seem intimidating, but their temperament simply does not support guard dog roles.

Practical Advice for Scottish Deerhound Owners

If you want a dog primarily for companionship with some alertness, the Deerhound fits well. However, if home protection is your goal, consider these points:

• Do not rely on them for guarding; their natural instincts won’t back you up in a threatening situation.
• They make excellent watchdogs in the sense that they notice and observe unusual activity but won’t necessarily warn you loudly or intervene.
• Their gentle nature makes them unsuitable for protection training that requires aggression or territorial defense.

Training or Management Strategies for Protection

If you still want to enhance your Scottish Deerhound’s guarding abilities, approach training carefully:

1. Focus on basic obedience first. A well-mannered dog is easier to manage.
2. Encourage alertness by rewarding them when they notice new people or sounds.
3. Avoid aggressive protection training. This can cause stress and behavioral issues.
4. Use other security measures like alarms and fences to complement your dog’s natural abilities.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Scenario: Stranger approaches your home.
  • Solution: Deerhounds may quietly observe but won’t bark or confront.
• Scenario: You want a dog to deter burglars.
  • Solution: Deerhounds’ size may be intimidating visually, but they lack aggressive deterrence.
• Scenario: You desire a family dog with some alertness.
  • Solution: Deerhounds are affectionate, alert, and gentle companions.

Conclusion

Scottish Deerhounds are not suited to be guard dogs. Their mild protective instincts and friendly, calm demeanor mean they won’t act as effective protectors or deterrents. Instead, they shine as loyal, gentle companions who can alert you to unusual activity without aggressive behavior. For protection purposes, professional guard dogs with strong territorial instincts and trainability are a better choice. If you own a Deerhound, focus on companionship and basic obedience to enjoy the breed’s many wonderful qualities.