The dignified Scottish Terrier has been around for a long time and is one of the descendants of the old Scotch Terrier. The Dandie Dinmont, Cairn and West Highland White are all related in their distant pasts. The Scottish Terrier was originally known as the Aberdeen Terrier after the town of Aberdeen. The early crofters needed a dog to hunt vermin: a compact, strong dog, low to the ground to enter the dens of prey and wiry of coat. Thus they bred for toughness and courage. (His nickname is the "Diehard"). Foxes, badgers, weasels, rabbits, wild cats and rats were all taken on by these hardy little dogs. Their short legs and strength made the Scottish Terrier ideal for tackling animals in their dens.
Most people would recognize the squareness of the Scottish Terrier with his beard and the long "skirt" of hair which virtually hides his short, short legs.
By 1890 the breed was established as the adaptable dog we recognize today. Nowadays, he serves mainly as a companion dog but retains his hunting instincts. Spirited and determined, he is devoted and loyal, although not always demonstrative. He can be aggressive with other dogs although if socialized early, and introduced carefully, he is quite happy to share his household with other small pets. They are normally exceptionally good natured with children while still making an excellent watchdog.
The general appearance is of a short-legged, sturdy dog of substantial bone. The head is long compared to his size and his thick-set body is supported by short, heavy legs. He has a piercing expression, erect ears and tail and a hard, wiry coat which resists cold and rain. The body is thick with the height being around 10 inches and the weight 18 to 22 pounds depending on sex and age. They have a life span of 10-14 years and suit families as well as older people. Don't allow children to tease your Scottie (or any dog).
The long head is slightly domed with the wide-set eyes set well in under the brow. The dark brown or black, almond-shaped eyes are bright, piercing and small. The large muzzle has a slight taper to the nose, which should be black. The jaw is square and powerful. Small prick ears, covered with velvety hair, add to the keen, alert expression.
The neck is strong and thick, but not too short and the chest broad and deep. The body is moderately short and the hindquarters extremely muscular. The broad, strong back has a firm, level topline with the tail set high, carried erect and about 7 inches in length, thick at the base and tapering to a point.
The forelegs have very heavy bone with elbows close to the body. The round forefeet are larger than the hind feet; compact and with strong nails. Forefeet pointing slightly out is acceptable. For a small dog, the hindquarters are very muscular and powerful.
The double coat has a hard, wiry topcoat with a soft, dense undercoat. Black, wheaten or brindle are the only acceptable colours. A small amount of white on the chest or chin is the only white permissible.
The action is peculiar to the Scottish Terrier with the forelegs inclining slighting inward, because of the broad chest. The gait is free and agile with a good reach in front and a powerful drive behind while the back remains steady and level.
The Scottish Terrier is an active breed and needs plenty of walking, on a leash please, as it may be unable to resist pursuing anything that runs from it. Its grooming needs are mostly covered by a thorough going over with a pin brush and combing twice a week. Show dogs will require more in the way of trimming and grooming.
For its own safety, ensure the yard is securely fenced and provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation or it may become destructive. They are happy in a suburban backyard provided they are exercised sufficiently. Be sure they know their place in the household hierarchy with sensible, consistent training and discipline.
Health-wise, the blood-clotting disease, von Willebrand's disease, will affect some and can be detected by a DNA test. "Scottie cramp" exclusively affects the odd Scottish Terrier, where the dog seems to cramp up, then will roll over and be back on its feet. Because of their stocky build and the large heads of puppies, Cesarean births are relatively common. A few develop skin and jaw problems and they prefer cooler climates.
Scotties have had their share of the limelight over the years. Presidents Roosevelt, Reagan and George W Bush have both had several Scotties, "Jock" appears as a retired captain in "Lady and the Tramp" and a Scottish Terrier and West Highland White Terrier appear on the Black & White Whisky label.
When the board game, Monopoly, was first created in the 1930s, Scotties were very popular in the United States and a Scottie was chosen as one of the tokens of the game. A person could do much worse than choose a Scottish Terrier for his companion.
Sources:
ww.dogbreedinfo.com
www.burkesbackyard.com.au
www.akc.org
en.wiki.org
www.pedigree.com.au