by Debbie Baughman

Created on: December 04, 2009   Last Updated: December 05, 2009

The Scottish Terrier is one of the most recognizable dogs in the United States. A small model of the dog is used in the monopoly board game as a token piece and it is the only breed to live in the United States White House three times. Its profile suggests that the dog is distinguished and dignified, but that is not the case. They are feisty, playful, and assertive.

The Scottish Terrier is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier and is sometimes called the Scottie. It is nicknamed the "little diehard," due to its rugged nature and endless determination.

The Scottie may be the most ancient of the Highland Terriers of Scotland, but confusion exists about the exact linage. It has been well documented that the Scottie was bred to hunt and kill den animals, such as rabbits, foxes, and badgers in Scotland to protect farms from the ravages of vermin.

In the late 1800's, the Scottish Terrier was known by many different names, such as the Highland, the Cairn, Diehard, and the Aberdeen Terrier; however, at the end of the 19th century, the Scottish Terrier was developed into a specific breed.

Scotties were introduced to America in the late 1800's, but did not become popular until after World War I. The Scottish Terrier become one of the most popular breeds in the United States during the middle 1930's. They are still popular today.

Scottie's are small in stature, only 9 to 11 inches high and weigh approximately 19 to 22 pounds. They have a muscular body and neck with a short, but sturdy build. Scottish Terriers have a hard, wiry, long weather -resistant outer coat and a soft, dense under coat. Coat colors are black, wheaten, or brindle. Scottie's beard, eyebrows, legs, and lower body hair is left long and shaggy. This dog breed sheds little; however, its coat needs regular brushing.

Self-assured, confident, and assertive describes the Scottie. They are intelligent, playful, and feisty. Scotties can be stubborn, so they need a firm but gentle hand. Sometimes they appear aloof and bond with one or two people. Some Scottish Terriers are known to be territorial.

Scotties typically live from 11 to 13 years. Health issues that are concerns for Scotties are cancer, Scottie camp, von Willebrand's disease, craniomandibular osteopathy, and patellar luxation.

The Scottish Terrier is a contradiction. The Scottish Terrier is one of the most recognizable dogs that projects a composed and elegant appearance, but the dog is actually rugged and feisty.

Sources:

www.akc.org/breeds/scottish_terrier/index.cfm

www.dogbreedinfo.com/scottishterrier.htm

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