The Complete Guide to Scottie Dogs

Scottie dogs are one of the most recognizable breeds around, and it's no wonder why - their adorable faces and fluffy coats have captured the hearts of many.

Their original purpose was to herd sheep, and they were bred to be brave and intelligent.

Scottie dogs are known for their distinctive beards and mustaches, which are actually a result of their facial structure. They come in two main coat types: rough and smooth.

One of the most iconic features of the Scottie dog is their short stature - they typically stand between 10 and 11 inches tall.

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the Scottie, has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. This hardy hunting dog was bred to be a wiry vermin killer, earning the nickname Aberdeen Terrier due to its prevalence in the town of Aberdeen, Scotland.

Originally referred to as the Skye Terrier, this breed was later given its own distinct name. Interestingly, there's another breed also called the Skye Terrier, but they're not related.

The Scottish Terrier has a rich and fascinating history. At one time, all Terriers from Scotland were referred to as Scottish Terriers.

This particular breed was initially referred to as the Skye Terrier, but it's not related to the Skye Terrier breed currently known. The breed was bred to be a hardy hunting dog.

In the 1800s, the Terrier was nicknamed the Aberdeen Terrier due to its presence in the town of Aberdeen, Scotland, which was known for having many of these tiny, wiry vermin killers.

A standard for the breed was developed in 1880.

The Scottish Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. It has a compact, sturdily-built body that's perfect for navigating tight spaces.

Their coat is one of their defining features - it's hard, wiry, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The undercoat is soft and protective, while the top coat is coarse and wiry.

Scotties have a distinctive beard and eyebrows, which are longer than the rest of their coat. They're often carried straight, adding to their charming expression.

Their eyes are small, bright, and piercing, with an almond shape that's unmistakable. They're set apart on the skull, giving them a keen, varminty expression.

Scotties have short, heavy legs that are perfect for short bursts of energy. Their front feet are often larger than their back feet, which can make them look a bit unbalanced.

The breed standard specifies that Scotties should be between 10-11 inches tall, and weigh between 19-22 pounds.

The Scottish terrier's origin is a bit of a mystery.

The first known mention of the dog was by Bishop John Lesley in his book History of Scotland from 1436 to 1561.

They are described as a "dog of low height" in Lesley's book, which gives us a glimpse into their physical characteristics.

Bishop John Lesley's description of the Scottish terrier as a dog that "creeping into subterraneous burrows, routs out foxes, badgers, martins, and wild cats from their lurking places and dens" tells us about their hunting abilities.

This description suggests that Scottish terriers were bred for their ability to hunt and dig.

Scottish terriers were originally used as ratters, bred to burrow and clear out vermin from buildings.

The name terrier comes from terra, which means earth, because they "go to ground" - a testament to their ability to dig and navigate underground.

Strong-willed and fierce, these dogs were used to drive badgers from their homes, requiring them to be tough and recklessly brave.

At one point, an author speculated that Scotties may have originated from bears instead of dogs, though this remains a topic of debate.

Scottish Terriers have a hard, wiry coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its quality and texture.

The coat needs to be hand stripped before bathing and conditioning the furnishings, and then touched up afterward. This process helps to strengthen the coat and improve its utilitarian purpose.

If you're hand stripping your Scottie, it's essential to card the undercoat to reach optimal results. This will help to remove dead coat and stimulate surface circulation to encourage new, fresh coat growth.

Regular brushing is a must, especially for the beard, eyebrows, and furnishings, which need to be conditioned on a regular basis to prevent breaking. These areas take longer to grow, so it's essential to be gentle when grooming.

A soft bristle brush is the best tool for brushing the jacket, as it won't pull out the undercoat but only remove dead coat. This will also help stimulate the production of natural oils on the skin and coat, leaving a natural shine.

If you choose to clip your Scottie, you'll need to plan for a routine maintenance schedule of 4 to 6 weeks for routine grooming. Brushing the furnishings weekly will take around 20-30 minutes.

Scottish Terriers require moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime. They can tolerate warmer temperatures but are best suited as an inside dog.

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Proper skin care is crucial for Scotties, as they can be prone to skin issues like flea allergies. Regular brushing and grooming can help to minimize shedding and prevent skin problems.

If you're considering bringing a Scottish Terrier into your home and have allergies, it's essential to spend time around the breed first to ensure you don't have a reaction. Regular maintenance, including brushing and grooming, can help to minimize shedding and make the breed suitable for those with allergies.

On a similar theme: Dog Grooming for Anxious Dogs

The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a brave and lovable breed. They are wonderful watchdogs, alert and tough, but can be stubborn if not trained properly.

Firm training should begin as soon as possible to establish a clear "pecking order" in the family. This will help the Scottie understand who's in charge.

Scotties are naturally wary of strangers and may take a while to warm up to new people. It's not uncommon for them to be reserved with outsiders.

In the right family, Scotties can be great with children, but it's essential to teach respect and reciprocity to both the children and the dog. If done correctly, the Scottie will be a devoted member of the family.

Scotties have a strong prey drive and may chase small mammals, such as squirrels, rats, and mice. This is due to their original breeding purpose as hunters of Eurasian badgers.

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Scottish Terriers can be wonderful family pets, especially with children, but it's essential to remember that they can develop Small Dog Syndrome if not properly trained and socialized.

They tend to be good with children, but children must also be firm with the Scottish Terrier. This is crucial in establishing a clear "pecking order" in the family.

If you prepare for the arrival of a Scottie, teach respect and reciprocity to both the children and the dog, and include the Scottish Terrier in your evolving family, the Scottie will be a devoted member of your family.

In fact, genetics, environment, and socialization are all important factors when bringing a Scottie into your home.

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Scottish Terriers are naturally wary of new people and it takes them a while to come around. They can be quite aloof, but loyal to their family, and tend to attach themselves to one or two people.

This wariness is not just a quirk, but a trait that's been noted by breeders and owners for centuries. They were originally bred to hunt and fight Eurasian badgers, after all, and that rugged nature has stuck with them.

As a result, it may take some time for a Scottish Terrier to warm up to strangers, even in their own home. Families will have no trouble getting affection from their Scotties, but outsiders might have to work for it.

This isn't to say that Scottish Terriers are unfriendly, but rather that they're cautious and take time to trust new people. With patience and gentle introduction, however, they can become great companions for anyone.

Scottish terriers are natural diggers, bred to dig and find prey.

They might dig for comfort or out of boredom, so providing mental stimulation and exercise is crucial to redirect this behavior.

Scotties are born with a strong instinct to dig, making rhododendrons and other plants a tempting target.

To keep your rhododendron safe, make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental activity.

Mental stimulation can help curb your Scottie's digging habit, so try adding puzzle toys and scent games to their routine.

Royalty Loved Scottish terriers, particularly King James VI and I, who helped popularize them in Europe by sending six Scotties to France as a gift.

Queen Victoria was also a fan of the breed and kept some in her kennel, with a favorite Scottie named Laddie.

King James VI and I's enthusiasm for Scottish terriers helped spread their popularity across the continent, showcasing their charm and appeal to royalty.

Most Scottish terriers share a single common ancestor, a female named Splinter II, who was owned by J. H. Ludlow, founder of the Scottish Terrier Club of England.

This shared ancestry has likely contributed to the breed's consistent temperament and behavior.