Scottish Deerhound vs Russell Terrier
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
Russell Terrier
Terrier 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.
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Scottish Deerhounds are less energetic than Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Scottish Deerhounds require less grooming attention compared to Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Scottish Deerhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russell Terriers 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 Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 8-11 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 28-32 inches 71-81 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs 34-50 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Gentle, Dignified, Polite | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Scottish Deerhound | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is characterized by being alert, inquisitive, lively, 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 Russell Terrier, 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 5/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Scottish Deerhound
Rating: 2/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers 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 medium coat coat, Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Scottish Deerhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Liver shunt
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
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
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Scottish Deerhound and Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.