The Scottish Terrier

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Independent and self-reliant; a spirited companion

Introduction
"The Scottish Terrier’s unique appearance, cheerful attitude, and inseparable link to his Highland homeland have contributed to the breed’s popularity as adornment on clothing and personal accessories and his presence in advertisements of many products with a link to his country of origin.

Scotties in plaid or black are painted or sewn on barrettes and skirts, purses and greeting cards, sweaters and wrapping paper and dozens of items in between.

But the Scottie’s nature is not consistent with this public image as a stylish trademark; rather he is much like the dour folks who people his native land – a stoic, independent canine, armed with fierce loyalty to his master and stubborn adherence to privacy.

The Scottie is one of several go-to-ground terriers developed in the Scottish highlands and one of several British short-legged terriers. The origins of these terriers is obscure, but it is fairly certain that they all arose from the same basic stock – and admirers of the Scottie often insist that it is their breed from which the others were developed.

In the early days, several different terriers were exhibited as Scotch Terriers, including the Scottie, Cairn, Skye, Yorkshire and West Highland White terriers. The Dandie Dinmont had been included earlier, but this dog’s obviously different appearance gained it recognition as a separate breed.

Terriers developed in Britain to hunt vermin that plagued farmers by eating grain, eggs, and poultry. They were courageous, scrappy dogs, eager to follow fox or badger into the den, built to dig their way in if necessary.

The first import to Australia was Hemsby Werfa (Ch. Dundee x Ch. Tatters II), whelped 1887, bred by Mr. H. J. Ludlow of Bromsgrove, U.K. (to whom main credit is given for popularising the Scottish Terrier south of the Border and for establishing the first kennel of real importance in England), and imported by Mr. Thorne of Victoria.

Appearance and temperament

To the novice, Scotties, Cairns, and Westies are similar in appearance. The Cairn and the Westie are closely related; the Westie looks like a white version of the any-colour-but-white Cairn and indeed developed from white puppies born to a Cairn bitch in western Scotland.

However, a second glance proves that the similarities between these two breeds and the Scottie are superficial: the Scottie is longer in head and body, generally darker in colour, and always distinct in personality.

The Scottie standard describes the perfect breed specimen is compact, well muscled, and powerful, giving the impression of immense power in a small package. He is a determined and thoughtful dog, playful as pup and bold, dignified and independent as an adult. Loyal to his family, he can be scrappy with other dogs and a fierce-sounding watchdog.

Health
The Scottie is basically a healthy breed but is susceptible to von Willibrand’s disease (VWD), thyroid disease, skin problems and flea allergies, epilepsy, and some jawbone disorders. He is also prone to Scottie cramp, a minor condition that may cause difficulty in walking.

vWD is an inherited bleeding disorder; breeding stock should be tested before mating and puppy buyers should ask the breeder if vWD scores on the parents of a litter are available. VWD can be identified with a genetic screening test.

Training
Like all terriers, the Scottie has a mind of his own. Unlike his cousins, he is reserved, quite particular in his choice of people, and steadfastly loyal. He tolerates rowdy children and many adults quite well; he is wary of strangers and is likely to become a one-man or one-woman companion, sensitive to the moods of his chosen master. He barks a lot, and he loves to dig; no fence will hold him if he’s anxious to burrow his way out.

The Scottie’s scrappy attitude can make him difficult to train. The new Scottie owner should immediately find an obedience school, for this bundle of energy in a tough package can dominate a household with great skill if he is not taught that the master is the boss. The training must be firm and gentle to avoid breaking his spirit, for nothing so insults a Scottie as severe treatment.

A Scotties heart is not given lightly, it has to be earned and to those who have achieved this honor there is no more loyal, loving friend in the world.

This is a breed that collects lifetime fans. If you are fortunate enough to count a Scottie as one of your friends, the odds are very strong you will never be without one again.