Description: The Scottish Terrier is believed to be the oldest highland terrier and parent to many other terrier dogs including: west highland, cairn and dandie dinmot. Its origin belongs to the highlands of Scotland. It was here that predators such as foxes, badgers, rats and other vermin caused many problems for Scottish farmers. Scottish Terriers were bred to work on farms to hunt and kill these animals.

There are two names which have attached themselves to the dog we now know as the Scottie. In the 1860’s, in the very early days of dog shows and preceding the development of breed standards, the name “Aberdeen Terrier” was used to describe the Scottie “type” and it may be that the breed came out of the Highlands through the town of Aberdeen. The other name associated with the Scottie is the “Diehard”. George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton, had a famous pack of Scottish Terriers, so brave that they were named “Diehards”.

The Scottish Terrier was developed in Scotland in 1700, but the dog with the size and shape we know today dates from 1890. The breed was first called the Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish town of the same name. Like many other long-low breeds, the Scottie was used to hunt den animals, particularly otter, fox, badger and rabbit. Today this stylish breed is primarily a companion, though he still retains his hunting instincts.

This sturdy little dog has short legs and the way it is groomed makes them look even shorter. Even so, it is a strong, active animal and surprisingly agile. The coat is compact, course, and hard as bristles with a soft undercoat that protects it thoroughly from bad weather. It comes in black, wheaten, or brindle of any color. Sharply pricked ears give the Scottish Terrier a thoughtful look. It has a large nose and large teeth, and there is a stop between the skull and the muzzle. Its dark eyes are almond-shaped, and its neck is muscular. Its tail is medium-length, carried straight or slightly curved.

Thick-set, of suitable size to go to ground, short-legged, alert in carriage and suggestive of great power and activity in small compass.  Head gives impresssion of being long for size of dog.  Very agile and active in spite of short legs.

Utilization: Terrier
 

Behavior/Temperament: Brave and alert, the Scottie is protective, hardy and lovable. They are charming and full of character. Playful and friendly as a puppy, he matures into a dignified adult. This breed has unusual variable behavior and moods. It can get moody and snappish as an adult. The Scottish Terrier makes a very good watchdog. It is inclined to be stubborn, however, and needs firm, gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household. This breed is sensitive to correction. Obedience training must be consistent but persuasive. Do not push this breed too far; never hit a terrier and do not play aggressive games like wrestling and tug-of-war. He can challenge family members who have not established leadership over him. Lively, proud, and intelligent, it has a reliable temperament, but does not welcome interlopers and has no interest in anyone outside its own human family. He will attach himself to one or two people and live for them. Likes to bark and dig, enjoys walks, loves to play ball games, and is thoroughly sporty, home loving and independent. The breed does best with older considerate child. It has been described as the dog that can go anywhere and do anything - a big dog in a small dog's body. It is very sensitive to criticism and praise and therefore should be trained gently. These dogs make good house pets.

Despite their size, this breed is very strong and think that they are a much larger dog. They are active, assertive, loving and loyal but can be quite stubborn at times. Therefore owners need time and patience when training a Scottie because they can become the dominant one of the household. Scotties make excellent family pets and watchdogs who will eagerly alert their owners to the presence of intruders. They are not suitable with young children as they will not tolerate a childs rough and tumble play. They will get along well with other household animals as long as they have been socialised well as a puppy.

The breed is intelligent and will not hastily make friends. The Scottie does have an independent streak and can be difficult to handle around rabbits, squirrels, and some cats, due to their natural hunting instinct.

The Scottish Terrier must be socialized early in life other wise they will not accept other dogs or cats and can become aggressive toward other animals.

This dog does well in any living environment but will need room to run. The Scottie does not tolerate overly active young children. Scottish Terriers make great watchdogs as they are concerned mainly with their family's safety and don't tend to bark with out cause.
 

Coat: Close-lying, double coat ; undercoat short, dense and soft ; outer coat harsh, dense and wiry, together making a weather-resisting covering. They have a hard and wire-haired outer coat with a soft dense undercoat and prominent eyebrows and moustaches.

Colour: Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade. Colours include: grey, grizzled black, very dark brindle and wheaten.

Height: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Weight: 19-23 pounds (8½-10½kg.) 

Health: Some are prone to Scottie Cramp (a movement problem), Von Willebrand's disease, flea allergy, skin, and jaw problems. These dogs are difficult welpers.

Scottie Cramp: is the most wide-spread hereditary disorder in the breed. Affected dogs are normal at rest and exhibit normal ability to walk until they are stressed. As the dog's level of stress increases, his gait begins to change. The forelegs move out to the side and forward rather than straight forward, called winging. The Scottie's muscles are not cramping and he is not experiencing pain. He has just temporarily lost the ability to coordinate his movements. Once the stress levels decrease symptoms stop. Affected dogs soon learn to anticipate the onset of cramping and abruptly stop running or playing. Nearly all dogs affected with Scottie Cramp make perfectly wonderful companions, able to share virtually all activities with their families.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): is an inherited disorder characterized by an abnormal growth of the bone of the lower jaw. CMO usually appears between four and seven months. CMO is nearly always treatable.

Hypothyroidism, an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to seek out warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.

Epilepsy: is a seizure disorder which has been found in this breed. Seizures vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your pet falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs. Seizures usually appear suddenly and end spontaneously, and can last from seconds to minutes. The disorder has no known cause, however it is important for your veterinarian to determine your pets general health and make sure there is no underlying disease that may be causing the seizures. Treatment can include anticonvulsant medications. Always ask your vet for advice.

Life Expectancy: About 12-15 years.

Grooming: Regular brushing of the harsh wiry coat is important and extra care should be taken when the dog is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The dog should be professionally trimmed twice a year. The hair on the body is left long, like a skirt, while the hair on the face is lightly trimmed and brushed forward. This breed sheds little to no hair.

They need regular brushing and trimming to avoid matting. The beard is a particular trouble spot for matting with this breed due to food, to avoid this the beard should brushed daily.