Scottish Deerhound vs Belgian Tervuren
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Scottish Deerhound
Hound Group
Belgian Tervuren
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Scottish Deerhound Overview
Majestic and noble, Scottish Deerhounds possess a commanding presence with their tall, lean build and rough coat. Standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder, these graceful giants combine strength with elegance. Their dignified bearing reflects their aristocratic heritage, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reveal their characteristically kind nature.
Belgian Tervuren Overview
Belgian Tervuren dogs showcase elegant proportions with a proud carriage and alert expression. Their distinctive long, straight double coat features rich fawn to russet mahogany coloring with black overlay. Square-built and muscular, they possess a refined yet powerful frame, complemented by their characteristic black mask and erect triangular ears.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than Belgian Tervurens, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Tervurens.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Tervurens.
- Trainability: Scottish Deerhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Scottish Deerhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Scottish Deerhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Belgian Tervurens typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Scottish Deerhound and Belgian Tervuren, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Courageous, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Scottish Deerhound Temperament
The Scottish Deerhound is known for being gentle, dignified, polite, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Belgian Tervuren Temperament
The Belgian Tervuren is characterized by being courageous, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Scottish Deerhound and Belgian Tervuren, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Scottish Deerhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Scottish Deerhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Belgian Tervuren Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervurens need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Tervurens require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Belgian Tervuren Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Scottish Deerhound
Pros
- Gentle and dignified temperament
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Requires large living space
- High exercise needs
- Short lifespan
- Strong prey drive
Belgian Tervuren
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working dog
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and agile
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intensive grooming required
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Scottish Deerhound and Belgian Tervuren, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.