Scottish Deerhound

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a slicker brush and wide-toothed comb to work through the 3-4 inch wiry coat. Hand-strip loose dead coat every few months rather than clipping to maintain the correct harsh texture. Pay special attention to the beard, eyebrows, and leg furnishings where tangles form.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks using a texturizing shampoo for wire coats. Their rough coat naturally repels dirt and mud, so baths are needed less often than you might think. Towel dry and air-dry to preserve the natural crisp texture -- blow-drying softens the coat.

Common Issues

• Beard and mustache matting from food and water
• Leg furnishing tangles between grooming sessions
• Large size makes home grooming challenging
• Bloat risk affecting post-groom comfort
• Joint issues in older dogs requiring gentle handling during grooming

Extend Your Grooming Results

Comb through the beard daily after meals and water to prevent matting and odor. Keep sanitary areas trimmed for hygiene. Pull loose dead coat by hand between professional grooming sessions to maintain the tidy, natural Deerhound silhouette.

Seasonal Care

Deerhounds shed moderately in spring and fall when the undercoat loosens. In Houston summers, the wiry coat actually provides insulation from heat -- never shave it. Trim the belly and inner thighs slightly shorter in summer for comfort. In winter, their coat provides good protection.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, daily beard maintenance, ear cleaning weekly, nail trims every 3-4 weeks, hand-strip loose coat monthly, professional grooming every 8-10 weeks.