The Loveable Scottie
The qualities desirable in those who set out to breed Scottish Terriers successfully are patience, perseverance, tireless energy, undying enthusiasm, a real love of the breed and the optimistic temperament of never-ending hope.” Dorothy Caspersz, 1956
Temperament​​
The Scottish Terrier is absolutely dependable and loyal, but may sometimes appear aloof and independent. He is not a docile pet.
Although he enjoys his independence and can have a hot temper, the Scottie is very sensitive and will make a good pet for someone who understands his feisty nature.
The Scottish Terrier's character and personality reflect the bleak and lonely moors of his origin. He is no hail-fellow well met. Life to him is serious, to be met with dignity, reserve and stout heart. He is by nature aloof, accepting few friends outside the family circle, but to the accepted few his devotion is deep and life-long. A secure place in his home, the understanding and companionship of his folks are essential to his happiness. Banish him to outdoor loneliness and his temperament and health will surely suffer. He is extremely sensitive to praise and blame and adapts to your moods, quiet when the household is quiet, ready for activity when that is the program.
Properly trained, he is a gentleman on the street, tolerant of admiring strangers, but indifferent to their blandishments, heedless of yappy street dogs unless attacked, when he will fight to his last breath regardless of the odds against him.
Brought up with children who respect his independent nature and his rights as a living personality, he will adjust to their activities and even appoint himself their guardian. However, his dignity makes him tend to shun rough and tumble games. He likes a purpose in all he does. He is not given to the aimless gamboling of more light-hearted breeds.
His favorite games are those which appeal to his hunting instincts; the ball to be pursued, the squeak toy to be demolished, rambles to be enjoyed in fields or even on city streets. The Scottie is no doormat of a dog. His independent spirit may try your patience at times, yet his strong desire for approval will win compliance with your wishes where harsh words and punishment will fail. To those who appreciate his unique character, the Scottish Terrier is a friend and companion, second to none.
Breed Standard
The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and substance. His head is long in proportion to his size. He has a hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. These characteristics, joined with his very special keen, piercing, "varminty" expression, and his erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. The Scottish Terrier's bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package.
Click the link and logo below to the AKC Breed Standard to learn more!
American Kennel Club – Official Standard of the Scottish Terrier
Health
There are many health issues facing the Scottish Terrier. There are several on- going studies with regard to Bladder Cancer, A-typical Cushings and Elevated Liver Enzymes which owners should be aware of for continuing education which impacts the future health of our breed. For more information and other Scottie related health issues please check the STCA website
Scottish Terrier Club of America
Introduction to Scottie Health​
History of the Breed
The Scottish Terrier originated in the highlands of Scotland. Many historians feel that the Scottish Terrier is one of the oldest breeds in Scotland and one of the original terrier breeds. This is difficult to prove but what we do know is that the first written mention of terriers occurs in a book called ―The Natural History‖ by Pliny the Elder. He came with the Romans when they invaded Britain in 55 B.C. and he recorded the following; "they found much to their surprise, small dogs that would follow their quarry to the ground." The Romans called these ―terrarii or "workers in the earth", from the Latin for earth, terra. Terriers have appeared in written records sporadically from that point until the 1800’s when we start to see more frequent references to them.
They are indigenous to the British Isles. In those far off days, hunters kept packs of small terriers to rid the land of vermin. Dogs were selected for their gameness and hunting ability. Appearance mattered little to the practical Scotsman. All he required was that his dogs be fearless enough to attack any prey, small enough to enter a den, sturdy enough to fight their way back out, and hardy enough to withstand a rough life and a harsh Scottish climate. These were the attributes deemed essential in the early hunting terriers and they are still the attributes we look for today.
For hundreds of years they were Scotland's own terriers. Sometime in the late 1800's enough foundation stock had been brought south of the border to warrant a breed name and distinct classes for them at English shows. The first Standard by which they were judged was drawn up in England in 1880, and the first breed club devoted to their interests was the Scottish Terrier Club of England, founded in 1883. However, the first AKC standard, which was drawn up in 1900, was based on the standard of the Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland which was adopted in 1888. Scotties were imported to the United States in the early 1890's but it was not until the years between World War I and World War II that the breed saw any significant popularity. Scotties have fluctuated in popularity but have maintained a significant following since that time.
Used by Permission from the STCA “Illustrated Guide to the Scottish Terrier”.
All Rights Reserved