The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is well known for its characteristic terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.
The behaviour and qualities 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 around 500.
The Scottish Terrier is often called by the nickname of “little diehard”. Originally coined in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, apparently so fearless that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the inspiration for his Regiment name, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Highland Terrier, but it was bred for controlling small rodents in Scotland for centuries. It may be the oldest of the five Scottish Terrier breeds and there are some references back to the 16th Century.
The source of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra denoting “earth”. The Aberdeen Terrier was a hunter where these short legged, powerful dogs were bred for the function of killing small rodents such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their tunnels.
Scottish Terriers looks are characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The wiry coat exists in many colors, including black, brindle or wheaten of any shade. Scotties with ‘Wheaten’ (straw to nearly white) coats may occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
They are sturdy, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Scottish Terrier has a long head in proportion to its body which averages about 10 or 11 inches high. The Highland Terrier has stiff ears and tail. Scottiewere bred with strong tails so that could be pulled out of holes when they were caught after digging after vermin and voles.
Scottiehave small, intense almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Scottie personality is one of freedom and spirit. Often people say a Scottie thinks he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the point that he is totally fearless that sometimes appears idiotic in the face of a larger dog, when he realises that he is less than a foot in height. Dog sitters love to walk them, they are never intimated by the bigger dogs!
Height at withers for both sexes of the Highland Terrier should be roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from shoulder 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). Aberdeen Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Aberdeen Terrierare very attentive, playful and sure in themselves. They typically live from 11 and 13 years.
Aberdeen Terriers, whilst being very loving, can also be particularly immovable. Because of this inflexibility, a Highland Terrier needs resolved, but gentle handling from a puppy or it will rule the family. Every new Highland Terrier addition needs to have a clear puppy training plan.
The Highland Terrier makes a great guard dog because it normally only barks when essential and usually only for strangers. Dog socialisation is crucial as it is a courageous breed that may be aggressive around other dogs unless educated and introduced to other dogs whilst a puppy or young.
Because the Scottie were used to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they love to dig as well as chase small pests, such as Squirrels, rats, and mice. For this reason it is recommended that Scottish Terriers are generally walked on a leash.
Whilst Scotties are generally a healthy breed they have a propensity of going down with 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 frequently in females so watch for blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequent urination – and search veterinary assistance); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.
Common prevention for dog cancer includes, ensure that your dog has minimal exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; be prudent when treating dogs with some flea medications; provide 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 shows in varying degrees of bleeding tendency, usually in the form of easy bruising, nosebleeds and gums that bleed.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); sometimes known as lion’s jaw, that causes major bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions stop progressing after twelve months or so, and can 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 former President George W. Bushs’ Barney and Roosevelts – Fala. Infact the Highland 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 Scottish Terrier include: Bette Davis; Julie Andrews; Queen Victoria; Theodore Roosevelt; Eva Braun; Tatum O’Neal owned a Highland Terrier. She was said to be so saddened by her dog’s death to cancer and old age that she relapsed into drugs.
The Scottie is also a player token in the board game, Monopoly.
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 personality per lb, but you will need to train and be firm with your Scottish Terrier.