Scottie Dog Breeders Guide to Scottish Terrier Ownership

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Posted Oct 22, 2024

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Selective Focus Photo of a White Terrier Dog
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Scottie dog breeders know that Scottish Terriers, also known as Scotties, are a popular breed for their loyal and affectionate nature.

Scotties typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a distinctive beard and mustache, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Scotties are known for their short, dense coats that come in a variety of colors, including black, wheaten, and brindle.

Quick Facts

Scottie dog breeders are known for their expertise in raising these lovable and lively companions. The Scottish Terrier breed originated in Scotland.

Here are some key facts about the breed:

  • Size: Small
  • Breed group: Terrier
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Coat: Double coat with a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat
  • Temperament: Independent, confident, and affectionate
  • Exercise needs: Moderate
  • Training needs: Moderate

Health-wise, Scottish Terriers are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health conditions. These include von Willebrand’s disease, patellar luxation, and skin allergies.

Breed Overview

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the Scottie, is a remarkably substantial and well-boned breed for its size.

They were originally bred to go to ground after fox and badger, and their independent nature can make them stubborn at times.

Their distinctive appearance, with a short back, strong neck, and long head, makes them unmistakable.

History

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The Scottish Terrier's history is a fascinating tale that spans centuries. The breed's origin is believed to date back to a dog described by Pliny the Elder in 55 B.C.

The Romans called these dogs terrarii, which means "workers of the earth", a name that reflects their ability to follow their quarry to the ground. The breed was a hunter and still hunts by instinct today.

The Old Scotch Terrier is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in Scotland and the foundation dog for all of today's terrier breeds. It's extinct today but was described as a stable worker with strength, courage, and stamina.

The breed was a black or sandy-colored dog that was low in stature, strong, with long hair and small, half-prick ears. This description is remarkably similar to the Scottish Terrier we know today.

James I of England sent several dogs to France as a present to the French monarch in the seventeenth century, and those dogs are believed to have been foundation dogs for the modern Scottish Terrier.

Overview

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The Scottish Terrier is a breed that originated in Scotland in the early 19th century. They were bred to hunt vermin like rats and foxes on Scottish estates.

Their distinctive appearance, with long, wiry beards, has made them a popular breed around the world. They were first recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1883.

Scottish Terriers are known for their hunting instincts, but they're more commonly kept as beloved family pets today. Their charming personality has won over many hearts.

They have a remarkable, substantial build for their size, with a short back, strong neck, and long head. Their small pricked ears give them an unmistakable outline.

Scottish Terriers are independent to the point of stubbornness, but with the right care and training, they make wonderful companions.

The Breed Group

The Terrier breed group is a hardy collection of dogs that were originally bred and used for hunting vermin. They were selectively bred to be extremely brave and tough, and to pursue small game above and below ground.

Dogs of terrier type have been known here since ancient times. The breed group's name "Terrier" comes from the Latin word Terra, meaning earth.

These game breeds were portrayed by writers and painters as early as the Middle Ages.

Name Variations

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The Scottish Terrier is a breed with a rich history and a unique name to match. This breed is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier.

Some people refer to the Scottish Terrier as the Aberdeen Highland Terrier or the Scottish Highland Terrier. This is because of the breed's origins in the Highlands of Scotland.

You might also hear the Scottish Terrier called a Scottie or a Scotty. These are affectionate nicknames that are commonly used to refer to the breed.

Here are some common name variations for the Scottish Terrier:

  • Aberdeen Highland Terrier
  • Aberdeen Scottie
  • Aberdeen Terrier
  • Diehard
  • Diehard Scottie
  • Highland Terrier
  • Scottie
  • Scottish Highland Terrier
  • Scotty

Physical Characteristics

Scottish Terriers are small dogs, typically growing to around 10 inches tall.

Their sturdy build is supported by wiry, rough outer coats and loftier, softer undercoats.

They weigh between 18-22 pounds when fully grown, with males being slightly heavier than females.

Their double coat is not always black, as they also come in solid and color combinations of brindle, red, silver, and wheaten.

Size

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The Scottish Terrier's size is quite compact.

On average, they stand about 10 inches tall.

Their sturdy build makes them look even more robust despite their small stature.

Males typically weigh between 19 to 22 pounds, while females weigh between 18 to 21 pounds.

Coat Color and Grooming

A Scottish Terrier's coat is one of their most distinctive features. Their double coat is made up of a wiry, rough outer coat and a loftier, softer undercoat.

The coat color of a Scottish Terrier can be a bit misleading - many people assume they're always black, but they actually come in a range of colors including solid and color combinations of brindle, red, silver, and wheaten.

Their coat requires regular attention every 4-6 weeks with a good brushing or hand stripping several times a week. This helps keep their coat looking tidy and prevents matting.

Scottish Terriers are not heavy shedders, but they do blow their coats twice a year to prepare for seasonal changes. Hand stripping and trimming are preferred methods of keeping their coat looking neat.

Here are the breed standard colors for a Scottish Terrier:

  • Black
  • Black Brindle
  • Brindle
  • Wheaten

Their wiry coats benefit from hand stripping, which involves removing dead hairs from their coats and ears with hands, starting at a young age to get them used to being handled.

Personality and Temperament

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Scottish Terriers are serious dogs, not particularly jolly, and they value dignity and reserve.

They're opinionated, independent, and smart, which can make them a bit stubborn at times.

A Scottie's devotion to their family is legendary, but they can be slow to accept anyone outside the family.

In fact, they tend to be aloof towards strangers, especially if they're not socialized properly from an early age.

Socialization classes are crucial for Scottish Terrier puppies to help them become confident and calm in new situations.

A Scottie's background as a true terrier means they can be feisty and fearless, especially if they're not properly introduced to other dogs and animals.

They're also sensitive to praise and anger, so it's essential to provide a stable and calm environment.

If you're looking for a cuddly snuggle buddy, a Scottish Terrier might not be the best fit, as they tend to enjoy spending time with people but don't like to cuddle as much.

Despite their aloof nature, Scottish Terriers are loyal and affectionate towards their owners, making them great family dogs.

They're natural watchdogs, thanks to their bold and determined personality, which makes them excellent at protecting their family and home.

Here's an interesting read: Scottiepoo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best breeder of Scottish Terriers?

For top-quality Scottish Terriers, consider Southern Scotties, a renowned breeder delivering purebred CKC puppies worldwide. Their beautiful puppies come in a range of stunning colors.

What is the lifespan of a Scottie dog?

A Scottish Terrier's average lifespan is 12-15 years, making them a long-lived breed with a relatively healthy life expectancy.

Do Scottie dogs bark a lot?

Scottie dogs are generally not yappy, but they will bark loudly to alert their owners to strangers. With proper training, they can learn to bark on command and remain calm.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.

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