About Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the "Scottie," is a distinctive and dignified breed with a rich history and a charming personality. Originating from the United Kingdom, these small but sturdy dogs make loyal and engaging companions for the right owners. With their iconic silhouette and independent spirit, Scotties have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

History and Origin

The Scottish Terrier hails from the Highlands of Scotland, where they were originally bred for hunting vermin. Their exact origins are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to be one of the oldest terrier breeds. Scotties were prized for their courage and tenacity in pursuing prey like foxes, badgers, and rabbits in the rocky terrain. The breed's standardized appearance began to take shape in the late 19th century, and they quickly gained popularity both in the UK and abroad. Today, the Scottish Terrier is recognized as a symbol of Scottish heritage and a beloved family pet.

Physical Characteristics

The Scottish Terrier is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive, rectangular build. They stand approximately 10 inches tall and typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds. Their most recognizable feature is their harsh, wiry outer coat, which protects them from the elements. The undercoat is soft and dense, providing insulation. The coat is short and smooth, requiring regular grooming to maintain its characteristic appearance. The breed's color is typically black, but they can also be found in brindle, wheaten, or sand. Scotties have a long head, erect ears, and a high-set tail that is typically carried erect.

Temperament and Personality

Scottish Terriers are known for their independent and self-assured nature. They are intelligent and can be quite stubborn, but they are also fiercely loyal to their families. Scotties are often described as being dignified and reserved, but they can also be playful and affectionate with those they trust. They are generally good with children (5/5) and good with other dogs (5/5), especially when raised with them from a young age. However, their strong prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with small pets like rodents or rabbits. Scotties have an energy level of 2/5, needing moderate exercise.

Training and Exercise Needs

Training a Scottish Terrier requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Their independent nature can make them challenging to train, but with the right approach, they can learn basic obedience commands. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop into well-adjusted adults. Scottish Terriers have a trainability of 3/5. While they don't require excessive amounts of exercise, they benefit from daily walks and playtime to stay physically and mentally stimulated. A fenced yard is ideal, as their strong prey drive may lead them to chase after small animals.

Health and Care

The lifespan of a Scottish Terrier is typically 10-14 years. Like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, including Scottie Cramp, a neurological disorder, and various types of cancer. Responsible breeders screen their dogs for these conditions to minimize the risk of passing them on to their offspring. Regular veterinary checkups and a healthy diet are essential for maintaining a Scottie's overall health and well-being. Their shedding is moderate (3/5), and they need regular grooming (3/5), including brushing and occasional professional grooming, to maintain their coat. They have a moderate tendency for drooling (3/5).

Is This Breed Right for You?

The Scottish Terrier is a unique and rewarding breed, but they are not the right fit for everyone. Their independent nature and strong will require an owner who is patient, consistent, and experienced with dog training. If you are looking for a loyal, intelligent, and dignified companion, and you are prepared to meet their needs for training, exercise, and grooming, then a Scottish Terrier may be the perfect addition to your family. Consider their temperament and exercise levels, as well as their moderate shedding and grooming needs, before bringing a Scottie into your home.

Temperament

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Upload a Photo

You must be logged in to upload photos.

Compare Breeds

Compare this breed with another to find the perfect match for you.

Select another breed Select a breed AffenpinscherAfghan HoundAfrican DogAiredale TerrierAkita InuAmerican TerrierAppenzellerAustralian CattledogAustralian KelpieAustralian ShepherdAustralian TerrierBasenjiBasset HoundBeagleBedlington TerrierBernese MountainBichon FriseBlenheim SpanielBlood HoundBluetick CoonhoundBorder CollieBorder TerrierBorzoiBoston BulldogBouvier des FlandresBoxerBrabanconBriardBrittany SpanielBull MastiffCairn TerrierCardigan CorgiCaucasian OvcharkaCavapooChesapeake RetrieverChihuahuaChowClumberCockapooCocker SpanielCoonhoundCotondetulearCurly RetrieverCzechoslovakian WolfdogDachshundDalmatianDandie TerrierDholeDingoDobermanEnglish BulldogEnglish HoundEnglish MastiffEnglish SetterEnglish SheepdogEnglish SpringerEntlebucherEskimoFlatcoated RetrieverFox TerrierFrench BulldogGerman PointerGermanlonghair PointerGermanshepherdGiant SchnauzerGolden RetrieverGordon SetterGreat DaneGroenendaelHavaneseHuskyIbizan HoundIndian BakharwalIndian ChippiparaiIndian GaddiIndian GreyhoundIndian MastiffIndian MudholIndian PariahIndian RajapalayamIndian SheepdogIndian SpitzIrish SetterIrish SpanielIrish TerrierIrish WolfhoundItalian GreyhoundItalian SegugioJapanese SpanielJapanese SpitzKeeshondKelpieKerryblue TerrierKombaiKomondorKuvaszLabradoodleLabradorLakeland TerrierLapphund FinnishLeonbergLhasaMalamuteMalinoisMalteseMedium PoodleMexicanhairlessMiniature PinscherMiniature PoodleMiniature SchnauzerMixNewfoundlandNorfolk TerrierNorwegian BuhundNorwegian ElkhoundNorwich TerrierOtterhoundPapillonPatterdale TerrierPekinesePembrokePitbullPlott HoundPomeranianPugPugglePyreneesRedboneRhodesian RidgebackRottweilerRussell TerrierSalukiSamoyedSchipperkeScottish DeerhoundSealyham TerrierSharpeiShetland SheepdogShiba InuShihtzuSilky TerrierSpanish WaterdogStaffordshire BullterrierStandard PoodleStbernardSussex SpanielSwedish DanishSwiss MountainTervurenTibetan MastiffTibetan TerrierToy PoodleToy TerrierVizslaWalker HoundWeimaranerWelsh SpanielWelsh TerrierWesthighland TerrierWheaten TerrierWhippetYorkshire Terrier

Compare