Known for its feisty personality and iconic appearance, there isn’t any other dog breed like the Scottish Terrier, or Scottie for short. Hailing from the highlands of Scotland, this canine stands out from other terriers. Read on to learn more about the Scottish Terrier!
1. Nobody’s Quite Sure of This Breed’s Origins
It is widely known that the Scottish Terrier is from well, Scotland (it’s in its name after all!). However, the creation and origins of this British canine remain somewhat mysterious, as little to no records exist. What makes tracing their roots even more difficult is that the term “Scottish Terrier” seemed to be a bit more generic in usage, as other dogs varied in appearance and size by region. Still, in general, terriers were bred for their ability to control vermin rather than for their looks.
By the turn of the 18th century, a small handful of terrier breeds from Scotland were narrowed down: besides the Scottish Terrier, there was also the Skye Terrier, the West Highland White Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. As it was widely observed in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland, they were most frequently referred to as the Aberdeen Terrier (which some people still call them even today).
Even through the 1800s, the Scottish Terrier was up in the air for standardization as there wasn’t anything set in stone to determine what the breed entailed, along with the many names that were thrown around, causing further confusion. Eventually, breeders and fanciers managed to establish a breed standard with the lineage that would ultimately give rise to the modern-day Scottish Terrier. The American Kennel Club (AKC) would recognize the Scottish Terrier in 1885, and this dog would explode in popularity when it reached the United States.
2. These Terriers Were Bred for Hunting
Like many other terriers from Scotland, the Scottish Terrier was originally bred to hunt small animals, typically those that were considered nuisances out on the farm. This strong-willed canine was made to fight and take down animals such as badgers and foxes. Due to their toughness and overall confidence, the 1st Earl of Dunbarton even nicknamed them the “Diehard”! This bold dog was also used to pursue rodents, such as rats and mice, that would soil farm property or otherwise cause damage to crops.
This strong prey drive is still present in the Scottish Terrier’s instinct today, which is very important to consider if you have other small animals at home. If properly integrated, a Scottish Terrier can share a household with other small pets. Still, note that if provoked, this terrier will stand its ground.
3. These Terriers Are Common in Pop Culture
The Scottie was introduced into the U.S. around the late 1800s and has since then been a fairly popular family dog. By 1936, the Scottish Terrier was the 3rd most popular breed in the United States. Now, out of the AKC’s 201 registered breeds, these little guys rank 59th.
Around this time was also when the popular board game “Monopoly” was made; one of the game pieces was chosen to be the Scottish Terrier due to the widespread fame and admiration that this breed experienced at the time. Various brands, including Black and White whiskey, Radley handbags, and Walkers Scottish cookies all use or have used the Scottish Terrier as their mascot. This dog has even been depicted in a few movies, such as in the Disney films “Lady and the Tramp” (as a supporting character) and “101 Dalmatians”.
Along with the German Shepherd, the Scottish Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House more than three times. U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt owned a Scottish Terrier named Fala that accompanied him almost everywhere, while his wife Eleanor Roosevelt owned another when the family entered the White House in 1933. Apparently, Fala has received more fan mail than most U.S. presidents have ever had!
George W. Bush also notably owned two Scottish Terriers as well during his presidency. President Dwight. D. Eisenhower also kept two Scotties before his term in office. There’s no bones about it; Scottish Terriers are among the most popular presidential pets!
4. Scotties Have Some Health Issues
While the Scottish Terrier is generally healthy, there are some conditions to know about. One breed-specific issue that the Scottie is prone to is “Scottie cramp”. This affects the dog’s ability to move its legs, causing stiffness, muscle spasms, and problems walking properly. It is often observed in puppies and young dogs and can be diagnosed by a veterinarian. While it is a genetic disease, as of right now, there is no proper way to genetically screen for this disorder before puppies are born.
Scottish Terriers are also a bit more susceptible to other complications, including bleeding disorders, joint problems, and cancer. Von Willebrand disease, a blood clotting disorder, is commonly seen in the Scottish Terrier, along with craniomandibular osteopathy, also known as “lion’s jaw”.
Being a small breed, the Scottie can also be prone to luxating patellas, or floating kneecaps. This occurs when your dog’s kneecaps become dislocated out of place, causing discomfort for your dog. While it can be managed through a veterinary treatment plan, serious cases may require surgical intervention.
5. These Dogs Love to Exercise
The Scottish Terrier is an energetic breed that requires around an hour of exercise daily. Exercise keeps your dog both mentally and physically stimulated. Especially in a high-energy dog like the Scottie, a bored dog is a destructive one!
Long walks can satisfy the Scottie, though it is very important to always keep a Scottish Terrier on a leash as this breed’s high prey drive will have them go after any small animal it senses! Playtime sessions (including the classic game of fetch) and some time to run around in a secure yard are also great ways to keep your Scottie well-exercised. If their exercise needs are met, the these dogs can comfortably live in an apartment or a small house.
The Scottish Terrier makes a great competitor for certain sporting activities, including agility trials. Agility trials consist of your dog running through an obstacle course, navigating through weave poles, tunnels, and hoops. Earthdog trials are a great way to allow your Scottie to exercise their natural instincts.
Earthdog is a competition where your dog can partake in a simulated hunting trial. This involves finding and tracking down the prey (typically a cage containing live rats) in an artificial den. Barn hunt trials are another great activity for terriers such as the Scottie, as this involves a simulated ratting session. Competing dogs must search for a tube that contains a live rat through hay bales and tunnels for a limited amount of time. No rats are harmed in the process!
It is important to note that the Scottish Terrier is a very poor swimmer and should not partake in aquatic activities. This is due to their short stature, dense bones, and disproportionate heads, so they should always be supervised around water.
6. These Dogs Require Regular Grooming Sessions
The Scottish Terrier is a breed whose coat needs some regular attention. While this dog’s fur doesn’t shed (which can be considered a blessing by some), this means that regular grooming is important. Its coat must be brushed weekly with preferably a soft bristle brush, and clipping should be done every two to three months to keep its fur from growing too long. While you can learn to clip your Scottie’s coat yourself, a professional groomer can also do this if so desired (though this dog is known to be nippy on the grooming table, which should also be noted!). The Scottie should be bathed monthly, though some owners even recommend doing so weekly.
As with all dogs, your Scottish Terrier’s ears should be cleaned frequently to prevent infection. Your dog’s nails should also be trimmed every few weeks to prevent discomfort. To keep your dog’s dental hygiene in peak condition, you should brush their teeth daily. While dental chews are often enjoyed, they should not be a substitute for tooth brushing and are best used as supplemental treats.
7. These Terriers Are NOT Lapdogs!
The Scottish Terrier may be small in size, but it is a big dog at heart. Some people say that this canine takes everything too seriously, making it rather standoffish toward other dogs and strangers. However, this aloofness and wariness around strangers makes them an ideal watchdog.
It is ill-advised to bring a Scottie home for families with younger children, as this dog does not tolerate rough handling. Older children with experience around dogs are more suitable for the Scottish Terrier. As mentioned earlier, lots of caution should be taken if small pets, such as cats or hamsters, are present in the household due to this breed’s high prey drive.
Training the Scottish Terrier requires persistence and patience. This breed gets bored rather easily, so training sessions should be short and exciting. The Scottie is not a dog that appreciates being coddled around and boasts an independent streak. Even with their strong personalities, Scotties are also very loyal and affectionate pets to their owners. If one has the dedicated time to tend to this canine’s needs, the Scottish Terrier makes a perfect active companion for many years to come.
