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As a show dog, the Scottish Terrier dates from about 1877. One of today's most popular and extensively owned variety of the dog, the Scottish Terrier was popular right from the beginning. In 1879, there was a question of the Scottish Terrier even existed, until a reporter from the "Livestock Journal" actually traveled to a kennel to verify the breed.

Although there are many varieties of terrier such as the Highland, Cairn, Aberdeen and Scotch, it is thought all originated from one breed; cross-breeding over the years has produced the different assortment one can find today. Scottish Terriers known as Aberdeen Terriers is an error. A breeder in Aberdeen selling a lot of terriers is what brought about the name, not that a different variety of terrier was produced.

Formed in 1882, the Scottish Terrier Club offered these traits for the perfect Scottish Terrier:

Skull: Covered with short, hard hair measuring inches long or less, the skull should appear proportionately long and slightly domed. There should be a stop or drop between the eyes.

Muzzle: Gradually tapering to the nose, which should always be black and of good size, the muzzle appears powerful. Level jaws with square teeth, the nose should project a bit over the mouth, which gives the impression of an overbite.

Eyes: Small, piercing, very bright and rather sunken, of a dark brown or hazel color.

Ears: Sharply pointed and very small, the ears should be free of fringe at the top. The hair appears short, but velvety, ears standing at half-prick, although preferably at full prick.

Neck: Short, thick and muscular, strongly set on sloping shoulders.

Feet and legs: Strong, small feet, covered thickly in hair with the fore feet larger than the hind feet. Forelegs and hind legs should be very heavy in bone and well set on under the body.

Chest: Proportionally deep and broad in comparison to the size of the dog.

Body: Exceedingly strong in the hindquarters, the body should be well- ribbed up and rather flat-sided.

Intensely wired and hard in texture, the hair is short. Colors can include wheaten; sandy; black; grey, black or brown brindle; steel and iron grey. White markings are not favorable and are only marginally allowable on the chest. 18 lb. is considered the best weight for a dog, but the weight standard is between 19 and 22 lb.

A bright and active dog, the Scottish Terrier is regarded as one of the best companion dogs. He can be aggressive with other dogs, but is a great house dog, sheds little, and is very affectionate. With a nickname of "Diehard", this charming and intelligent dog makes a very capable watch dog and loving comrade.

Learn more about this author, Annetta Ribken.
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