Sunday, November 11, 2012

Breed Profile: Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier originated in Scotland in the 1800's.  His job was vermin control.  When we think vermin, mice and rats usually come to mind.  No doubt, the fearless Scottie dispatched many mice and rats.  He also hunted and killed such vermin as badgers and foxes.  This bold hunter is present in the modern day Scottie.  

Like most terriers, the Scottie is feisty, confident and eager to catch creatures who burrow under ground, (earth=terra, hence terrier).   The Scottish Terrier is heavy boned, short legged, with a large head and sturdy seven inch tail that stands almost straight up. 

The coat consists of a dense undercoat and a wiry outer coat of about 2 inches in length.  Coat colors are black, brindle and wheaten.  The coat requires regular clipping, or stripping if being shown.

Some Scottish Terrier Facts

-  life span:  11-13 years

-  height at shoulder:  10-11 inches

-  weight:  18-23 pounds

-  also known as Aberdeen Terrier

Life with a Scottish Terrier is often described as a challenging adventure.  Scottie aficionados claim that there is no dog like a Scottie and once you have a one, you either can't imagine life without a Scottie or you are simply not a Scottie person.  The pre-eminent quality of a Scottish Terrier is probably quirkiness.  They are also headstrong, smart, always ready for action, and a bit sensitive.  Some say Scotties are obstreperous until they are about five years old, then they mellow to rowdy.

Strong and game, the Scottie is good at Earth trials, Agility and Lure Coursing events.  No swimming however, his heavy body and short legs are not conducive to buoyancy.

The Scottie's large head contains a set of teeth as strong as those found in much larger dogs.  Thus, it is best to avoid soft or squeak toys as they tend to get pulverized.

Due to his independent nature and instinct to chase running varmints, never let your Scottie go off leash - you may never see him again. 

The Scottish Terrier gets along well with other dogs, except when two males live together.  They will scrabble.  Pets such as cats and birds and ferrets are treated kindly by the Scottie because they are family.  Cats and birds and ferrets that are not family are considered prey.

Scottie Manifesto

-  just because I won't sit on your lap doesn't mean I don't love you

-  I am not a delicate flower.  Let's wrestle!

-  if you want a jolly dog to follow you around, get a Golden Retriever

See some Scottie pictures.

Next Breed Profile:   Siberian Husky!


  1. Wow, interesting information about this breed and I love the drawing Lynn. I have an independent Chihuahua that acts like a cat and has very long legs. She's dainty like an Italian Greyhound and she constantly nips and won't walk on a leash. Hope she'll mellow someday, but I've heard they kind of stay independent.

    1. Thanks Eve. I've heard that Chihuahuas stay independent all their lives, too. Part of the charm of the a Chihuahua might say, if you wanted a bed warmer without attitude, you shoulda got a King Charles Spaniel!

  2. This, of course, is AngryParsnip's favourite breed of dog. She's got two of them...

    1. Cool. AngryParsnip sounds like a Scottie aficionado.

      Umm. Who is AngryParsnip?

  3. Her blog is right here:

    Hamish and Watson are her Scotties.