The Scottish Terrier Dog Breed, or the Scottie as he is called, is undoubtedly an attractive-looking dog with his bearded face, upright tail, thick black coat, almond-shaped eyes, and funny expression on his face.
He is just an adorable little dog…
Puppies are in fashion these days, and it’s no surprise that the Scottish Terrier Puppy is so popular. He is somewhat similar to another cute dog from Scotland, the Dinmont Terrier. And like many adorable little dogs or toy dogs, he is wary of strangers until he gets to know them, but he loves his family. He is entirely devoted to his owners.
But…
This short-legged dog does have an attitude. He doesn’t like it when he feels disrespected in any way and tends to snap at the kids who pull his ears or try to mount him. Well, you know how kids are!
So it’s probably better to wait until your children are 6 or 7 years old before bringing a Scottish Terrier puppy home. This little guy responds well to well-behaved children.
This breed of dog is also well suited…
To be a family pet or companion dog for singles or young couples. He is a guaranteed conversation starter wherever he goes. People can’t have enough of this adorable little guy. That said, he’s also very particular about a few things. He doesn’t like cats and other small animals. He sees them as prey. As for other dogs, they are rivals. He wants your 100% attention. In return, he will be loyal to you for the rest of his life.
Of course…
Having a Scottie puppy at home can be a challenge sometimes. He is not easy to house train. He has this habit of breaking out of his dog crate. But you can get him to behave appropriately with love, patience, and firmness. But Scottie is a precious little dog and well worth it. Make him a part of everything you do at home. He will follow you everywhere and looks so cute when he does that.
Just be sure…
To buy him from experienced Scottish Terrier Dog Breeders. Reputable Dog Breeders don’t run puppy mills; they have an ethical breeding program where they put your interest on top.
You can read the rest of this article to learn more about this cute little dog breed.
Scottish Terrier Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Scotland, the UK
Original Purpose: Ratter, or small vermin hunter
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 18 to 22 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Terrier group
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
Origin of the Scottish Terrier Dog Breed
Scottish Terriers, or “Scotties,” are initially from Aberdeen, Scotland. This breed was once called the Aberdeen Terrier. Like all terriers, he was bred to hunt small games such as badgers and rabbits.
Now…
We don’t know when this breed was first developed, but the first historical reference to the Scottish Terrier dates back to the early 18th century. The first Scottish Terrier Club was formed in Scotland in 1882. We also know he was brought to the United States in 1883 by a businessman called John Naylor. Mr. Naylor showed the dog to the public and imported many more of them from Scotland.
He was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884. President Franklin Roosevelt was an admirer of this breed of dog. His favorite dog, Fala, was a Scottish Terrier. The Scottie remains popular in America today – but not as much as in the past. Other cute little dog breeds have overtaken him in the popularity charts.
Physical Characteristics
The Scottish Terrier is often described as a big dog with short legs. This short-legged dog has a robust body and is built low to the ground. He is about 10 inches in height at the shoulder level and weighs 18 to 21 pounds.
He is most easily identifiable by his long-bearded face, bushy eyebrows, and piercing almond-shaped eyes. He has a large muzzle, a deep chest, erect ears, and a black nose. His teeth are pretty sharp. His tail is about 7 inches tall and points straight up.
Scottish Terrier Coat
The Scottie has a thick double coat consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a complex, wiry topcoat. He does not shed as much as other soft-coated breeds.
His coat is usually of the color black. But it could also be wheaten, steel, brindle, or gray. He may have a white blaze on his chest.
Grooming
He is a high-maintenance pet, for sure. His coat requires regular brushing. You might have to take him to a professional for the grooming. Removing the dead hairs from his skin is not easy.
Scottish Terrier Temperament
As a puppy, the Scottish Terrier is playful and friendly. But as he gets older, he gets more serious, bold, and stable. He is a very independent-minded dog and knows exactly what he wants. This is why we should probably warn you that his stubbornness can make him hard to deal with at times, but you will get used to it. Training him is not easy. You have to be firm with him and use a mix of praise and food rewards.
But remember…
This is a sensitive dog. If he feels slighted or insulted in any way, he may give you the silent treatment and sulk in a corner! He is loyal to his owner(s) and reserved with strangers. He is not the sort of dog that gets excited and starts wagging its tail whenever a stranger pats it on its head. His suspicious nature makes him a good watchdog.
Potential Health Problems
Scottish Terriers are healthy for the most part. They have a decent life expectancy of 11 to 13 years. But like all dog breeds, they’re susceptible to specific health conditions.
- Scottie Cramp,
- Von Willebrand’s Disease,
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy,
- Patellar Luxation,
- Bladder Cancer.
Scottie Cramp is one disease that occurs repeatedly and is specific to the Scottish Terrier. For this reason, we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
