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About the Breed: Scottish Terrier

Breeds

The distinguished, independent, and intelligent Scottish Terrier is known for its rugged nature and endless determination.

History

The well-known Scottie silhouette is that of a short-legged but substantial terrier with distinctive furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body. The wiry topcoat and soft, dense undercoat coat can be black, wheaten yellow, or a brindle-stripe pattern. Bright, piercing eyes, and erect ears and tail, convey keen alertness—a hallmark of Britain’s terrier breeds.

The Scottie working style has been described as efficient and businesslike, and their aloofness toward strangers makes them excellent watchdogs. Their hunting instinct remains strong, which can complicate life for the neighbor’s cat and surrounding squirrels in the area.

 

Scotties are known to be cantankerous around other dogs. This bold and clever Scotsman enjoys brisk walks and upbeat play.

Personality

Scotties are very much a one-person dog. They are very distinguished little dogs and harsh words can hurt their feelings and they will turn their back on you and pout. They are not outgoing and boisterous. The breed is known to be independent and self-assured, somewhat playful, intelligent, and has been nicknamed the ‘Diehard’ because of its rugged nature and endless determination.

Pros

  • Incredibly loyal.

  • Do not like silly play unless they instigate it.

  • Extremely smart, and can excel at sports.

  • Well behaved.

Cons

  • Not good with children or lots of high energy in the household.

  • Can have a few health issues.

  • Barky and not good in apartments.

Best With

  • Adult homes.

  • Owners willing to use positive training only.

  • Homes with a minimum 4 foot solid wooden fence or secure farm fencing—because beware, they can dig out!

Not For

  • Homes with other dogs, unless they’ve been raised with them.

  • People who want a very obedient dog.

  • People who are not willing to take the time and money to train.

  • People who live in an apartment or have no yard.

  • Homes that do not have a very securely fenced yard.

  • Children under 7 years old.

More Info

Characteristics

Size:

 

Females:

Average 10 inches at the shoulder, and roughly 19 pounds.


Males:

Average 10 inches at the shoulder, and roughly 22 pounds.

Color:

 

Black, brindle, or wheaten.

Energy Level:

 

Moderate; becomes more sedate as they get older.

Life Expectancy:

On average, 10 to 12 years.

Children:

 

Scotties do not like nonsense. They are not fond of toddlers and children dashing through the house. They were bred to chase things that move quickly and rid barns of vermin. They do best in adult homes.

Other Animals:

 

Can be tolerant with other dogs, but unless they were raised with cats, its not a good situation.

Abilities:

 

They can be wonderful in agility, rally, lure coursing, nose work, tracking, barn hunt, and earthdog. They were bred with an overwhelming instinct to hunt.

Shedding/Grooming:

 

Scottish Terriers are a double coated breed and dead hair can fall out, but they do not blow their coats. They require grooming at the salon every 8 weeks. They are NOT hypoallergenic.

Health:

Scotties seem to always be fine until the end of their life. Their normal cause of death is bladder cancer and liver cancer.

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