Home › Guides › Buying a Scottish Deerhound puppy
Finding a responsible Scottish Deerhound breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make as a prospective owner. A good breeder prioritizes the health and temperament of their dogs, screens for genetic conditions, and is genuinely committed to the breed’s welfare. This guide helps you identify trustworthy breeders and avoid puppy farms and irresponsible breeding.
The Royal Kennel Club Find a Puppy service
The Royal Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy service is a good starting point. It lists puppies from Kennel Club-registered breeders and allows you to filter by breed and health testing criteria. The Royal Kennel Club emphasises that you should “meet both the breeder and see the dam of the litter and the puppy itself before committing to a purchase.”
When searching on the Find a Puppy service, you can filter for puppies whose:
- Both parents are health tested
- At least the sire is health tested
- At least the dam is health tested
The Royal Kennel Club’s guidance states: “Be sure to check that the parents are health tested according to the breed-specific advice.” However, the RKC notes important limitations: it “cannot facilitate the vetting of breeders” on a buyer’s behalf, cannot “guarantee the accuracy of any statement made by any breeder,” and “cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between puppy buyer and the breeder.” You remain responsible for verifying a breeder’s claims.
Health testing: what to ask
Before purchasing a puppy, ask the breeder for proof that both parents have been health tested for:
- Factor VII deficiency (DNA test)
- Cystinuria (DNA test)
- Cardiac screening (echocardiography performed by a veterinary cardiologist)
- Hip and elbow assessment (BVA/Kennel Club hip and elbow scoring scheme or equivalent)
Ask to see the actual test results or certificates, not just verbal assurances. You can verify claimed test results using the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Test Results Finder by searching the parent dog’s name or registration number. Responsible breeders will provide this information readily and may even provide copies by post or email before you visit.
If a breeder cannot or will not provide health test results, this is a serious red flag. Avoid any breeder who refuses to share health information.
Meeting the breeder and dam
Visit the breeder in person or via video call before making a commitment. You should:
- Meet the dam (mother) and, if possible, the sire (father)
- See where the puppies are raised—ideally in the home, not a separate facility
- Observe the temperament of the parents and litter
- Ask about the breeder’s experience and history with the breed
- Discuss any family history of health problems in the parents or grandparents
- Ask what support the breeder provides after you take the puppy home
A responsible breeder will also ask you many questions: about your home and garden, your experience with dogs, your understanding of the breed’s needs, and your lifestyle. If a breeder shows no interest in your circumstances, they may not prioritize good matches between puppies and homes.
Puppy health and welfare
By law, all puppies in the UK must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks of age. The breeder should provide proof of microchipping and registration details before you collect your puppy. You will need to update the microchip registration with your own contact information after taking the puppy home.
The puppy should have been:
- Examined by a veterinarian to confirm health
- Started on a puppy vaccination schedule (usually first vaccination at 6–8 weeks)
- De-wormed appropriately for their age
- Socialised in the home environment
Ask the breeder to provide:
- Vaccination records (original certificate, not a photocopy)
- De-worming records
- Microchip details and registration confirmation
- Pedigree documentation (if Kennel Club registered)
- A written health guarantee (typically covering genetic conditions for 12 months)
- Feeding information and sample of current food
Red flags and warning signs
Avoid breeders who:
- Will not let you visit or show you the dam and puppies
- Cannot or will not provide health test results for parents
- Have multiple litters available at the same time
- Will deliver puppies to unfamiliar locations (such as car parks)
- Pressure you to commit or pay a deposit without meeting the puppy
- Offer puppies younger than 8 weeks old
- Have no interest in where the puppy is going or your home situation
- Keep dogs in poor conditions or refuse to show you where puppies are raised
- Offer significantly cheaper puppies than other responsible breeders
- Cannot or will not provide references from previous puppy buyers
- Do not ask you any questions about your suitability as an owner
Contracts and guarantees
A good breeder provides a written contract covering:
- Health guarantees (e.g., coverage for genetic conditions for 12 months)
- Your right to return the dog if there are unforeseen circumstances
- Breeder support and advice during the puppy’s life
- Spaying/neutering requirements (many breeders require this)
- Clause requiring the breeder to take the dog back if you can no longer care for it at any point
Read the contract carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
After you bring your puppy home
Within the first week, arrange an appointment with your veterinarian for a health check. Discuss:
- Completing the puppy vaccination schedule
- De-worming and flea prevention schedules
- Appropriate diet and feeding amounts for a growing giant breed
- Exercise restrictions (avoid strenuous activity until the growth plates close, typically around 12–18 months)
- Socialisation and training
- Bloat prevention strategies
Continue socialising your puppy safely with other healthy, fully vaccinated dogs during the critical socialisation window (6–16 weeks of age). Register with a good puppy class that uses positive reinforcement methods.
Key points
- Use the Royal Kennel Club’s Find a Puppy service to locate registered breeders and filter by health testing criteria.
- Always meet the breeder in person, see the dam and the puppy, and ask to verify health test results using the RKC Health Test Results Finder.
- Demand proof of DNA testing for Factor VII and cystinuria, cardiac screening, and hip/elbow assessment for both parents.
- Confirm the puppy has been microchipped by 8 weeks of age and get registration details before collection.
- Avoid breeders who will not show you the dam, provide health records, or take interest in your home situation.
- Obtain a written contract with health guarantees and breeder support terms.
Related: Deerhound help near you