The scottish deerhound is one of the oldest european breeds, and is related to the irish wolfhound as well as the greyhound. A graveyard from the 800's show dogs almost identical to the modern deerhound, but by the early 1800's it was a rare breed in Scotland. Deerhound expert Archibald Mcc'Neil wrote in 1838 that only a dozen deerhounds were left, and that the various crosses with other breeds (among them borzoi) hadn't worked out well. The breed gained more popularity for its hunting abilities and was common by the 1860's, but has since then gone up and down in popularity.
The scottish deerhound should resemble a wirehaired greyhound, but larger and more heavier boned. It should give the impression of being a mixture of speed, strength, endurance and gentle dignity.
The head is long, preferably with a slightly convex muzzle. Moustasche and beard desirable. The eyes should have either a mild or intensive expression. The neck is very strong, with good reach though sometimes disguised by a mane. The chest is deep with a rounded rear. The tail should be long enough to almost reach the ground. The coat is scruffy, thick and wirey, somewhat shorter on the head and sides.