The Scottish DeerHound Winner of Best In Show

Despite the breed’s large stature, Deerhounds have a small presence in the U.S. — the club has only about 500 members, Stencil says. Overall, she estimates there are about 1,000 Scottish Deerhounds around the country.

Scottish Deerhound puppies cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the breeder, and breeders are “very fussy about where they place dogs,” Stencil says. “You have to be committed to a big dog. They do need exercise.”

Scottish Deerhounds were originally bred for hunting deer in the highlands of Scotland. “Yes, they can still bring down a 250-pound stag,” says Stencil. They are loyal to their family and affectionate, “but not smothering or yippy.” And while Scottish Deerhounds are not guard dogs, “if someone comes to your front door, the size is intimidating,” she adds.

To get a full appreciation for the Scottish Deerhound, however, you need to see one running across a field. “They are beautiful,” Stencil says. “They fly through the air.”