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Pet Insurance for Deerhounds

Find out all about Deerhounds and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 28th, 2023       

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Price range

$600 – $800

Height

71–81cm

Weight

34–50kg

Personality

Gentle, affectionate, reserved

Coat length

Short-medium, coarse

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

8–11 years

Deerhound

Overview

The Deerhound, also known as the Scottish Deerhound, is an ancient breed with roots in Scotland. They were originally used for hunting large game, especially deer, hence their name. The dogs are tall with a slender yet muscular build, and a harsh and wiry coat that provides protection from the elements. Despite their imposing stature, Deerhounds are known for their gentle and friendly disposition, making them excellent companions.

Deerhounds are remarkably affectionate and placid. They tend to be reserved around strangers, but with their families, they exhibit a loyal and loving demeanour. While large, they are known to be ‘gentle giants’, particularly with children, and fit well into various household environments. Their affability and easy-going nature make them well-suited to a range of households and a cherished family member.

Common diseases and conditions of Deerhounds

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy: this is a heart condition that can lead to heart failure. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for early detection and management.
  • Osteosarcoma: Deerhounds are prone to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. This aggressive disease often requires amputation of the affected limb and can spread to other parts of the body.
  • Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus): this is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.

Breed-specific issues:  

Deerhounds are known for their reserved nature, particularly around strangers, underscoring the importance of early socialisation to acclimate them to various social situations. Their high intelligence demands regular mental stimulation, as they can grow bored easily and resort to behaviours like excessive barking, chewing or digging. While generally possessing a gentle disposition, Deerhounds may exhibit occasional stubbornness, necessitating positive and consistent training techniques to establish a harmonious owner-dog relationship. Owners should strike a balance between firm guidance and understanding. Additionally, their strong prey drive means they may be inclined to chase smaller animals, requiring careful introduction to new environments and smaller pets.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Deerhound?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Deerhound, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
  • Type of insurance you choose:  there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
  • The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
  • Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
  • Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover. 
  • Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do. 
  • Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.  

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Deerhounds

Are Deerhounds good with children?

Yes – Deerhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which makes them excellent companions for children. They tend to be patient and even-tempered, enjoying the company of youngsters. However, it's essential to supervise interactions, especially with very young children, due to the dog's large size. This breed's calm and steady demeanour often creates a bond of trust and affection between them and the children they share a home with.

How much exercise does a Deerhound need daily?

Despite their large size, Deerhounds have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy regular walks and some off-leash playtime in a secure area. Daily exercise is essential to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit, but they are not hyperactive dogs. Providing them with opportunities to stretch their legs and explore their environment helps maintain their overall health and well-being.

Are Deerhounds suitable for apartment living?

No – while Deerhounds are adaptable and can live in an apartment, they are better suited to homes with ample space to move around. They require a certain degree of room to stretch their legs, so access to a secure outdoor area is beneficial for their well-being. A large, enclosed yard or nearby parks where they can have regular exercise and playtime contribute significantly to their happiness and contentment.

Do Deerhounds bark a lot?

No – Deerhounds are not known to be excessive barkers. They tend to be rather reserved and are not inclined to bark without reason. However, like any dog, they may bark in response to certain stimuli or situations. Their calm and composed nature makes them well-suited for households where excessive noise may be a concern.

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Deerhound

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