Dog Breeds Originating From Scotland

Few countries have produced as many well-known dog breeds as Scotland. If the word "border" is in a breed's name, that means it originated from the border region that includes the south of Scotland and the north of England. Thirteen Scottish breeds are found in the American Kennel Club registry, with the majority in the herding and terrier groups. Scottish dogs were bred to perform a job. Perhaps that's why there are no Scots represented in the toy or non-working group.

  1. Herding Dogs

    • The word collie derives from Scottish, and no wonder. Some of the best examples of herding dogs come from that sheep-producing land. These include the breed actually known as the collie, the Lassie-type known as the ideal family dog and appearing in rough and smooth versions. The other Scottish collie types consist of the border collie, arguably the smartest and most hard-working of all canines; the hairy and active bearded collie, and the Shetland sheepdog, which resembles a smaller version of the collie.

    Terriers

    • The original purpose of the terrier was to kill vermin. Most modern terriers still possess those instincts, along with intelligence, energy and determination. Many of the world's best-known terrier breeds hail from Scotland, including the black or white Scottish terrier; the West Highland white terrier; the any-color-but white cairn terrier; the tough and grizzled border terrier; the long, low Dandie Dinmont terrier, named after a character in a Sir Walter Scott novel, and the rare but intensely loyal Skye terrier.

    Sporting Dogs

    • With the exception of the Labrador retriever -- a North American breed -- perhaps no sporting dog in the world is as well known and popular as the golden retriever. This breed excels in numerous canine activities, ranging from guide dog to field hunter. The black-and-tan Gordon setter is the heaviest of all setters, and like the golden retriever makes a good family dog. For hunters, the Gordon setter remains unparalleled as a one-man shooting dog, according to the AKC.

    Hound

    • While Scotland produced numerous herding and terrier types, only one member of the AKC hound group boasts Scottish heritage -- but what a hound it is. The Scottish deerhound, one of the largest canine breeds, matures at a minimum of 28 inches tall at the shoulders, with no maximum height limit. Scottish deerhounds weigh between 75 and 110 pounds, with males larger than females. One of the oldest dog breeds, Scottish deerhounds are usually various shades of gray, but fawn or red is acceptable.