Scottish Terrier

The Scottie as the breed is otherwise known can be easily recognized through its shaggy beards and eyebrows. It is a small dog yet surprisingly fast, playful and alert. The Scottish Terrier is beloved from the Disney animated film, Lady and the Tramp. This playful breed is a wonderful companion for many people. The history of the Scottish Terrier dates back to the 1700s. The breed has its roots in Aberdeen, Scotland and hence its earlier name, the Aberdeen Terrier. The dogs found their way to the US in the 1890s. The Fourth Earl of Dumbarton gave the dogs a nickname, Little Diehards. In those days, the Scottish Terrier was used to hunt badgers, fox, otter and rabbits among other den animals.

The Scottish Terrier, or Scotties, is a short-legged and heavy boned dog breed. This gives one the impression of a small but powerful dog. They have a dense undercoat and an outer coat that is wiry. The bodily fur can stretch up to a length of 2 inches. An ideal terrier should attain the height of 10 inches. Their weight ranges from between 18-22 pounds. If taken care of properly, Scotties can live for between 11-13 years.

Personality

The loving and gentle nature of Scotties make them ideal pets that all family members can bond with. The dog is also known to be aggressive when other dogs or animals cross its path. It protects its territory aggressively. It is friendly to the human family it lives with and can be reserved at times. Scottish Terriers are meant for indoor living including apartments. They are more active indoors than outdoors. Even if you live in compound without a yard or in an apartment, the dog will be quite at home. Scotties are good with children but there is a condition, you must teach your children to show leadership over the dog. As such, they do not fit well in homes with little children. A lot of training is needed to make the dog adapt to the family’s way of life. In as much as you train the dog to be social and fit in with the rest of the family, you must do the same with everyone who interacts with the dog on a daily basis.

Breed Characteristics

Scottish Terrier Build Information

The Scottish Terrier, or Scotties, is a short-legged and heavy boned dog breed. This gives one the impression of a small but powerful dog. They have a dense undercoat and an outer coat that is wiry. The bodily fur can stretch up to a length of 2 inches. An ideal terrier should attain the height of 10 inches. Their weight ranges from between 18-22 pounds. If taken care of properly, Scotties can live for between 11-13 years.

Behaviour and Personality

The loving and gentle nature of Scotties make them ideal pets that all family members can bond with. The dog is also known to be aggressive when other dogs or animals cross its path. It protects its territory aggressively. It is friendly to the human family it lives with and can be reserved at times. Scottish Terriers are meant for indoor living including apartments. They are more active indoors than outdoors. Even if you live in compound without a yard or in an apartment, the dog will be quite at home. Scotties are good with children but there is a condition, you must teach your children to show leadership over the dog. As such, they do not fit well in homes with little children. A lot of training is needed to make the dog adapt to the family’s way of life. In as much as you train the dog to be social and fit in with the rest of the family, you must do the same with everyone who interacts with the dog on a daily basis.

Appearance

A Scottie's wiry coat requires regular brushing. You should trim your Scottish Terrier at least two times a year. As part of the grooming exercise, leave the dog's hair standing long. Trim the facial hairs slightly and brush them forward.

Scottish Terrier Common Health Conditions

The Scottish Terrier can suffer from Scottie cramp which is a problem associated with movement. Other health issues include skin and jaw problems, allergic reactions to fleas and a condition known as Von Willebrand's disease.

Scottish Terrier Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

Scottish Terriers are the only dog breed known to have resided in the White House three times: US presidents Bush, Eisenhower and Roosevelt all had Terriers as part of their families while they were in power. The Scottie is also used as piece in Monopoly, a popular board game.