Is a Scottish Terrier the Right Breed for You?
Scottish Terriers can be good with children and other pets if properly socialized and trained from a young age. However, they have a strong prey drive and may not tolerate rough play or unfamiliar animals. It’s important to supervise interactions and teach children to respect the dog’s boundaries.
The Scottish Terrier
also known as the Aberdeen Terrier, is thought to be the oldest of the five terrier breeds developed in Scotland. Alongside the Skye Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and West Highland White Terrier, the Scottish Terrier holds a prominent place in Scottish history and culture.
Terrier-like Dogs were depicted
in Scottish literature in the 1600’s. It is believed the Old Scotch Terrier is the foundation for many modern terrier breeds. The first appearance in a dog show by a Scottish terrier was in 1860 in Birmingham, England. The official breed standard was published in 1880 and the breed was recognized in the United States by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.
Although developed in Scotland
the “Scottish Terrier Club of England” was founded in 1881, being the first club dedicated to the breed. The “Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland” was founded 7 years later in 1888!
Scottish Terriers are one of the earliest
breeds that were known to hunt badgers. Their love of digging holes comes from their instincts as hunting dogs. While they may not be used to hunt much any more, they still have that “nose for the hunt” that they inherited from their ancestors-and they will dig!
The Scottish Terrier
affectionately known as “Diehard,” earned its nickname in 1675 from the First Earl of Dumbarton due to its remarkable tenacity and unwavering spirit. This nickname has stood the test of time and continues to be associated with the breed today. Originally bred as working dogs, Scottish Terriers take their jobs very seriously. Their strong work ethic and dedication make them reliable companions and excellent at fulfilling their duties.
According to FCI Breed Standard
the Scottish Terrier can reach up to 10 inches in height and 22 pounds in weight. Accepted coat colors are:
“Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade.”
When they get REALLY excited
some Scotties are prone to what is called “Scottie Cramp” with symptoms such as muscle cramping and stiffening legs. It generally occurs in younger puppies and is usually not life threatening.
Growing Up Scotty
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In This Same Research
the Scottish Terrier ranks 120 out of 124 dog breeds in hostility towards other familiar dogs. Scotties are VERY likely to get along with any other dogs you may have in house. However, as they were bred to hunt small vermin, these small dogs have a high prey drive and are very likely to chase other small animals.
Scotty Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Scottish Terrier ranks 65th out of 130 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 40 to 80 repetitions and obey first commands more than 30% of the time. This puts them in the “fair working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will need only 5 repetitions or less the learn the same task!
Check Your Scottish Terrier Facts and Take a Fun Scotty Quiz!
Quick Facts About Scottish Terriers Infographic
Facts About Scottish Terriers- Final Thoughts
With their erect ears, wiry topcoat, and short legs, Scottish Terriers have a distinct appearance that sets them apart. While they may have an independent streak, they can be trained to exhibit good behavior from an early age through proper socialization and obedience training. It’s important to note that Scottish Terriers have a high prey drive and may not be compatible with smaller pets. With their high energy levels, they require daily walks and exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Although they are generally a healthy breed, it’s essential to be aware of potential health problems such as luxating patella or von Willebrand disease. Lastly, while Scottish Terriers can form strong bonds with their families, they may not be the best choice for households with small children due to their independent spirit and sometimes stubborn nature. Overall, with the right training, attention, and care, Scottish Terriers are a great small breed that can make a great fit to those who appreciate their unique qualities.