Scottish Terrier – a Wonderful Dog.
The Scottish Terrier also often called the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is characterised for its typical terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.
The personality and characteristics and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its origins.You should compare characteristics with with the other major dog breeds, of which there are many.
The Highland Terrier is often given the nickname of “little diehard”. Originally given in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, apparently so brave that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the idea for the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Scottie, but it was bred for killing small rodents in Scotland for centuries. It could be the original breed of the five Scottish Terrier breeds , with some historical evidence dating back to the 16th Century.
The origin of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra denoting “earth”. The Scottish Terrier was a hunter where these small legged, sturdy dogs were bred for the reason of killing small pest animals such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their tunnels.
Scottish Terriers appearance is characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The stiff coat exists in many colors, including black, wheaten or brindle of any shade. Scotties with ‘Wheaten’ (straw to nearly white) coats may occur, but may be Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
They are sturdy, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Highland Terrier has a long head in proportion to its body which averages about 10 or 11 inches high. The Scottish Terrier has stiff ears and tail. Highland Terrierwere bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of tunnels when they were caught after tunnelling after vermin and voles.
Aberdeen Terrierhave petite, bright almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Scottish Terrier personality is one of freedom and guts. Often people say a Scottie imagines he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the extent that he is totally fearless that often appears stupid in the face of a much larger dog, when he realises that he is only ten inches high. Professional dog walkers, such as London Dog Walking love to walk them, they are never intimated by the larger dogs!
Aberdeen Terrier have similar height and weight for both sexes, roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from withers to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh 8–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female from 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). Scottish Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Scottish Terrierare very attentive, light-hearted and sure in themselves. Scotties typically live from 11 and 13 years.
Aberdeen Terriers, whilst being very loving, can also be particularly stubborn. Because of this inflexibility, a Highland Terrier needs firm, but gentle handling from a puppy or it will dominate the family. Every new Highland Terrier addition should have a clear puppy training plan.
The Scottish Terrier makes a great guard dog because it normally only barks when essential and in the main only for strangers. Dog socialisation is crucial as it is a fearless breed that can be aggressive around other dogs unless presented and trained to different dogs whilst a puppy or young.
Because the Scottish Terrier were bred to hunt and fight badgers and other pests they love to dig and chase small pests, such as mice, rats and squirrels. Yet another reason to recommend that Scotties are generally walked on a leash.
Whilst Scotties are normally a healthy breed they have a propensity of developing specific cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified 6 cancers that Highland Terriers are more likely to go down with (versus other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract (more normal in more mature dogs and more common in females so watch for blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequent urination – and get veterinary assistance); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.
To help prevent cancer in any dog, ensure that your dog has minimal exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; be prudent when treating dogs with some flea medications; give a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and regularly exercise.
Two other genetic health concerns in the Scottie breed are von Willebrand disease (vWD) which is diagnosed with varying degrees of bleeding tendency, usually in the form of easy bruising, nosebleeds and gums that bleed.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); often known as lion’s jaw, that causes extensive bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions normally stop growing after twelve months or so, and may regress. The firm swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and problems in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if extensive, could be difficult for the dog.
Due to these inherited diseases it is advisable to buy directly from a breeder, who can show he has no problems with these diseases.
Famous Scotties include Roosevelts – Fala and former President George W. Bushs’ Barney. Infact the Scottish Terrier is the only dog breed that has lived in the White House more than three times.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Aberdeen Terrier include: Bette Davis; Julie Andrews; Queen Victoria; Ronald Reagan; Shirley Temple; Tatum O’Neal owned a Scottish Terrier. She was said to be so upset by her dog’s death to cancer and old age that she relapsed into drugs.
The Aberdeen Terrier is also a .
A Scottish Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier are featured on the Black & White whisky label. In Enid Blyton’s Mystery Series books, there is Buster a Scottish Terrier, who is often part of the mysteries.
So all in, a rightfully popular dog breed, particularly in character per kg, but you will need to train and be firm with your Scottish Terrier.
