DogMatchUp

Scottish Deerhound vs Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Scottish Deerhound
Medium

Scottish Deerhound

Hound Group

Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Large

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

Scottish Deerhound Medium
Caucasian Shepherd Dog Large

Lifespan

Scottish Deerhound 8-11 years
Caucasian Shepherd Dog 10-12 years

Exercise Needs

Scottish Deerhound 3/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog 2/5

Grooming Needs

Scottish Deerhound 2/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog 4/5

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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Gentle, Dignified, Polite

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Overview

Majestic and powerful, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog boasts a massive frame covered in a thick, weatherproof double coat. Their large head features a broad muzzle and strong jaws, while their muscular build reflects their guardian heritage. These dogs display remarkable strength and agility despite their size, moving with surprising grace when alert.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Size: Large
Temperament: Fearless, Bold, Kind

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Scottish Deerhounds are more energetic than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Caucasian Shepherd Dogs.
  • Trainability: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs may be slightly easier to train due to their Caucasian Shepherd Dog's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Caucasian Shepherd Dogs adapt better to apartment living, while Scottish Deerhounds typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Scottish Deerhound and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Scottish Deerhound Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Size Medium Large
Life Expectancy 8-11 years 10-12 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Hound Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature Scottish Deerhound Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Height
28-32 inches
71-81 cm
23-30 inches
58-76 cm
Weight
75-110 lbs
34-50 kg
99-170 lbs
45-77 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Seasonal Regularly

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Scottish Deerhound Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Temperament Gentle, Dignified, Polite Fearless, Bold, Kind
Energy Level
3/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5

Compatibility

Feature Scottish Deerhound Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
2/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Scottish Deerhound Temperament

Gentle Dignified Polite

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Temperament

Fearless Bold Kind

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is characterized by being fearless, bold, kind, 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 moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Scottish Deerhound and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Scottish Deerhound
3/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
2/5

Good with Children

Scottish Deerhound
3/5
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Scottish Deerhound

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Scottish Deerhound

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 2/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Scottish Deerhound

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Low High

Rating: 2/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Scottish Deerhound

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 3/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 3/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Scottish Deerhound

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Low High

Rating: 4/5

Care & Maintenance

Scottish Deerhound Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

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

2/5

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.

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

2/5

Caucasian Shepherd Dogs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

4/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Caucasian Shepherd Dogs 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

Average Lifespan: 8-11 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Bloat
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Liver shunt

Caucasian Shepherd Dog Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-12 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Heart Issues
  • Eye Problems
  • Joint Issues
  • Obesity

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

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Pros

  • Exceptional guardian abilities
  • Loyal to family
  • Weather-resistant coat
  • Powerful and protective

Cons

  • Challenging to train
  • Requires extensive socialization
  • Not suitable for novice owners
  • High maintenance costs

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Scottish Deerhound and Caucasian Shepherd Dog, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.