About Scottish Terriers

The Scottish terrier is a popular small pure breed of dog that originated in the Highlands of Scotland many centuries ago. In 1436, Don Leslie, a famous Scottish writer, described the animal in a book on the history of Scotland, but it wasn't until 200 years later that the first image--a portrait created by Sir Joshua Reynolds of a young girl caressing a dog that looks similar to the Scottie as we know it today--was realized. The popularity of the Scottish terrier in the United States grew rapidly after World War II, and the dog has remained a popular pet and show dog ever since. The Scottie is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House on three separate occasions.

  1. Identification

    • Also called the Aberdeen terrier, the Scottish terrier is one of five terrier breeds that came from the region and is characterized by its speed, resilience and sturdy build. Scottish terriers have short legs but are still very quick. The coat of a Scottish terrier is typically hard and rather wiry in texture, straw and white (wheaten) or black and brown (brindle) in color, and the breed is known for its long beard and shaggy undercoat. Characteristic features of a Scottish terrier are their large paws, erect ears, small, dark and almond-shape eyes, and a short and erect tail. Male Scottish terriers are often called "Scotties," while females are often nicknamed "Abbey."

    Features

    • Some distinguishing characteristics of the Scottish terrier are in their temperament and build. Scotties are small dogs with short legs, yet they are known for their strength and speed. The Scottish terrier was nicknamed the "diehard" because of its stubborn nature, which accounts for its determination. Scotties are both loving and feisty. Like most dogs, they are endlessly devoted to their owners, but Scottish terriers are also very independent and intelligent as well.

    History

    • Scottish terriers are thought to have originated in the Highlands of Scotland around the 16th century. While their history is confused by the grouping record of terriers--terrier breeds in Scotland were initially lumped together into one breed, called Skye Terriers--it is fairly certain that they are closely related to West Highland White Terriers. Originally bred as hunting dogs for killing vermin, badgers and foxes, they were also used on farms for protecting the livestock from these creatures. In the 19th century, the Scottish terrier was given the nickname "little diehard" by George the Fourth, Earl of Dumbarton. It is a common belief that his pack of Scottish terriers inspired the name of his regiment, the Royal Scots. In 1881, the Scottish Terrier Club of England was founded. Eight years later, the Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland was founded. Both clubs brought about a massive popularization of the breed, but it wasn't until 1930 that the breed was modified to the standard characteristics we see today.

    Size

    • Though Scottish terriers can vary in height, length, width and weight, the average size is similar for both sexes. The height, which is measured from paw to withers, is between 11 and 14 inches. A four-legged animal's withers is the point between its shoulder blades. The length, which is measured from the withers to tail, should be about 11 inches. The ideal weight for a mature, full-grown male Scottish terrier is between 19 and 22 pounds, while a female's average weight measures just a pound under that, between 18 and 21 pounds. Scotties have muscular bodies, with wide chests and thick necks that average 14 inches in circumference.

    Considerations

    • Scottish terriers are more susceptible to certain cancers than other breeds of dog. According to the Veterinary Medical Data Program (see Resources), Scottish terriers are at risk of developing six common cancers, which include a dangerous bladder cancer called transitional cell carcinomas. Scotties are 20 times more likely to develop this cancer than any other dog. Squamous cell carcinoma, nasal carcinoma, malignant melanoma and lymphosarcoma are other common cancers that have been known to develop in this breed. Scotties run a higher risk of developing mast cell sarcoma and hemangiosarcoma as well. Because of these risks, it is recommended that Scottish terrier owners consider having DNA testing done on their dogs to head off certain cancers and begin treatment before the diseases get out of control. With proper care, Scottish terriers live between 12 and 15 years. See the Resources section for more information on the diseases.