Rare Scottish Dog Breeds and Their Unique Characteristics

Scotland is home to a rich history of dog breeding, and among its many breeds, some stand out for their rarity. The Scottish Deerhound is one such breed.

This majestic dog has a long, muscular body and a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

The Scottish Deerhound is a gentle giant, known for its calm and even-tempered nature. They are also highly intelligent and trainable.

Explore further: Scottish Boy Dog Names

The Skye Terrier is a rare Scottish dog breed that's as charming as it is unique. It was bred to hunt badgers, otters, foxes, and other critters that farmers considered pests.

Its distinctive appearance, with a mop of silky hair and pointed ears, made it a favorite among the British aristocracy for centuries. Mary Queen of Scots was so devoted to her Skye Terrier that it hid under her dress when she was beheaded.

Only 42 Skye Terriers were registered with The Kennel Club in the U.K. in 2012, and there were between 3,000 and 4,000 left in the world in 2013.

Check this out: Skye Terrier

The Border Collie is a breed with a rich history, developed in the Scottish borders as a herding dog. Its lineage can be traced back to old Roman dogs and Viking spitzes, both brought to the British Isles by conquerors.

These dogs have a strong work ethic, continuing their traditional work throughout the world. They're highly intelligent and agile, making them a popular choice for herding and other dog sports.

Border Collies are known for their loyalty and strong herding instincts, which makes them well-suited for active families or experienced dog owners.

Recommended read: Border Terrier Long Hair

The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie for short, has been winning the hearts of dog owners for more than three centuries.

These smart and entertaining dogs were originally bred in Scotland and the British Isles to hunt rodents that carried disease and infested grain stores.

The Malcolm clan bred them on their Poltalloch estate in the 1700s, showcasing their long history in Scotland.

Additional reading: English Cocker Field Bred

The Skye Terrier is a small dog that's low to the ground with a longer body, making it a unique breed.

This Scottish breed has a long history of hunting foxes and other small game, and was even favored by Queen Victoria and Mary Queen of Scots.

The Skye Terrier's long silky fur requires regular brushing and grooming, which can be a bit of a challenge for some owners.

Despite its small size, the Skye Terrier is a strong and agile breed, bred to hunt badgers, otters, and other critters that farmers considered pests.

The breed's popularity has plummeted in recent years, with only 42 Skye Terriers registered with The Kennel Club in the U.K. in 2012.

Sadly, there are now between 3,000 and 4,000 Skye Terriers left in the world, making it one of the most endangered breeds in the U.K.

The Skye Terrier's loyal and affectionate nature makes it a beloved companion for many owners, but its stubborn streak can sometimes make training a challenge.

This breed's elegant and dignified appearance has made it a favorite among the British aristocracy for centuries, and it's not hard to see why - the Skye Terrier's mop of silky hair and pointed ears make it a truly unique-looking dog.

A different take: Sealyham Terrier Photos

The Dandie Dinmont terrier is a rare Scottish breed that gained fame through literature.

Sir Walter Scott's novel "Guy Mannering" inspired the popularity of this breed, with the fictional character Dandie Dinmont owning the same terriers.

This breed was originally bred to be a friend to farmers, used to hunt otters, badgers, skunks, and weasels.

Their calm personality and distinct hair poof set them apart from other terriers.

The Dandie Dinmont terrier is considered a vulnerable native breed by The Kennel Club in the U.K.

For your interest: Dandie Dinmont Terrier Dogs

Dog Breed Standards are in place to ensure the integrity of each breed. They outline the ideal characteristics, temperament, and physical attributes of a breed.

The Scottish Terrier, for example, is described as having a long, dense coat that's wiry in texture, with a harsh outer coat and a soft undercoat. This breed standard is crucial for maintaining the breed's signature look.

In addition to physical characteristics, breed standards also consider temperament and behavior. The West Highland White Terrier, another rare Scottish breed, is known for being friendly and energetic, with a strong prey drive that makes them excellent companions for active families.

For another approach, see: Scottish Dogs Breeds

A dog breed's purpose is a big factor in determining what makes it a rare breed. If its intended purpose is no longer around, it may disappear over time.

Many hunting and working breeds have become rare due to advancements in technology and equipment. This has reduced the need for certain breeds.

Some dog breeds are rare because there aren't many of them around in the world anymore. This can happen if a breed is highly localized or specialized for a local function and native to a specific area.

Dog breeds that are highly localized or specialized may stay rare unless they experience a boost in popularity.

The American Kennel Club is generally accepted as the authority on dog breeds in the United States. They recognize between 190 and 360 breeds as official breeds.

These organizations, including Britain's Kennel Club and the Federation Cynologique International, are considered the authority on which dog breeds are most populous or popular in their specific countries or parts of the globe. They determine which breeds are rare based on their own standards.

If one of these organizations recognizes a breed as rare or doesn't recognize it at all, it's likely that the breed is indeed rare. They have a good understanding of the dog population and can make informed decisions about which breeds are truly rare.

A fresh viewpoint: American Kennel Club Lancashire Heeler