Is the Scottish Terrier a Good Choice?

The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is characterised for its classic terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.
The traits and individuality and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its historic roots.You should compare characteristics with with the other major dog breeds, of which there are many.
The Scottie is often given 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, reputedly so brave that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the idea for his Regiment name, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Scottish Terrier, but it was bred for killing small rodents in Scotland for many years. It may be the original breed of the five Scottish Terrier breeds , with some references back to the 16th Century.
The origin of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra meaning “earth”. The Highland Terrier was a hunter where these small legged, powerful dogs were designed and built for the purpose of rooting out small pest animals such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their burrows.
Scottish Terriers looks are characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The wiry coat can be found in many colors, including black, wheaten or brindle of any shade. Scotties with ‘Wheaten’ (straw to nearly white) coats sometimes occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
Scotties are robust, 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 Scottie has erect ears and tail. Scottish Terrierwere bred with strong tails so that could be pulled out of burrows when they were caught after tunnelling after vermin and voles.
Scottish Terrierhave small, intense almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Scottie personality is one of independence and spirit. People have said a Scottie imagines he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the extent that he is quite fearless that often appears stupid in the face of a much larger dog, when he realises that he is less than a foot in height. Professional dog walkers, such as London Dog Walking love to walk them, they are never feel frightened by the larger dogs!
Height at withers for both sexes of the Scottie 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). Scottish Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Scottieare very attentive, playful and confident. Scottish Terriers typically live about eleven years.
Scotties, whilst being very loving, can also be especially inflexible. Because of this inflexibility, a Highland Terrier needs firm, but gentle handling from a puppy or it will dominate the family. Every new Highland Terrier addition should have a clear puppy training plan.
The Aberdeen Terrier makes a great watchdog because it generally only barks when necessary and generally only for strangers. Dog socialisation is crucial as it is a courageous breed that is often antagonistic around other dogs unless presented and instructed to different dogs whilst a puppy or young.
Because the Aberdeen Terrier were used to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they are prone to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as mice, rats and squirrels. Yet another reason to recommend that Scotties are generally walked on a leash.
Whilst Highland Terriers are normally a robust breed they have a propensity of developing specific cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified six cancers that they are more likely to be at risk of (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 common in females so watch for blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequent urination – and get 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 little or no exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; use caution when treating dogs with some flea medications; provide a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and regularly exercise.
The Scottish Terrier are also sensitive to von Willebrand disease (vWD) which shows in varying degrees of bleeding tendency, usually in the form of easy bruising, nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); sometimes known as lion’s jaw, that created extensive bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions normally stop progressing after a year, and may regress. The solid swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and difficulty 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 Aberdeen Terrier is the only dog breed that has lived more than three times in the White House.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Scottish Terrier include: Bette Davis; Liza Minnelli; E.B. White; Ronald Reagan; Shirley Temple; Tatum O’Neal owned a Scottie. She was said to be so upset by her dog’s death to cancer and old age that she relapsed into drugs.
The Scottish Terrier is also a key part of the Monopoly board game, as the popular player token.
A Scottie and a West Highland White Terrier are pictured 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 character per kg, but you will need to train and be firm with your Scottie.