Scottish Terrier

Though an ancient breed, the history of the Scottish Terrier remains somewhat unclear. Its origins trace back to a dog described by Pliny the Elder in 55 B.C., who noted small dogs that would pursue their quarry underground. The Romans called these dogs terrarri, meaning "workers of the earth." The Old Scotch Terrier, an extinct breed, is believed to be the ancestor of all modern terriers, known for its strength and courage.

By 1436, Don Leslie described a dog similar to the Scottish Terrier in his book A History of Scotland. In the 1800s, the Scottish Terrier and the English Terrier were recognized as separate breeds, with the Scottish Terrier distinguished by its rough coat. James I of England helped popularize the breed by gifting several to France, boosting its reputation.

1. A Scotch Terrier, published in 1859- Source: Wikipedia

The first Scottish Terriers were imported to the United States of America in 1883, and just two years later, the AKC registered its first Scottie, a male named Prince Charlie. By the late 1800s, Scottish Terriers were grouped under Skye Terriers, but by the 1870s, the breed's standard was established. By the century’s end, the Skye Terriers had been divided into four distinct breeds: the Scottish Terrier, the Skye Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Cairn Terrier.

The Scottish Terrier is known for being brave, lovable, alert, and tough, making them excellent watchdogs. Despite their small size, they have the confidence and demeanor of a much larger dog. They are sporty and enjoy playing ball games, showcasing their energetic and playful nature. Scotties are often very affectionate and loyal to their families, making them great companions, especially in households with children. However, children must be firm and consistent with the Scottie, as the breed thrives under clear guidance. The Scottish Terrier can be a wonderful and loving family pet when the home rules are established and followed.

• Potential Challenges

One of the main challenges with the Scottish Terriers is their stubbornness, which requires early and consistent training. If Scottie doesn’t understand the “pecking order” within the family, they may challenge family members, especially those who haven't established themselves as the authority figure. The breed is also prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome.

In this behavior, the dog believes it is in charge of the household, usually as a result of human indulgence or giving in to their demands. Scotties do not respond well to aggressive play such as wrestling or tug-of-war, as they can become overly dominant. All family members need to be firm and consistent in their interactions with Scottie to ensure the dog understands its place in the home.

The Scottish Terrier is a small dog with short legs, and its grooming can make it appear even shorter. It has a long head with almond-shaped eyes set wide apart. Its muzzle is about the same length as the skull, with a scissors bite where the teeth meet. The back is level, and the tail is thick at the base, tapering toward the end, covered in short, stiff hair, and typically carried straight. The front feet are usually larger than the back feet.

• Size

The Scottish Terrier is a small, short-legged dog with a compact and sturdy build. On average, they stand about 10 inches tall at the shoulder. In terms of weight, males typically range from 19 to 22 pounds, while females usually weigh between 18 and 21 pounds. Despite their small stature, Scotties are known for their strong, robust physique, which contributes to their confident and bold personality.

• Coat color

While many people associate the Scottish Terrier with a black coat, they can also come in other colors, including grey, steel, brindle, or wheaten. The wheaten-colored Scotties resemble the West Highland White Terrier, which is no coincidence due to their shared history. The Scottish Terrier has a double coat: the topcoat (overcoat) is hard and wiry, while the undercoat is soft and dense, protecting from the elements.

1. Black Scottish Terrier- Source: AKC
2. Wheaten Scottish Terrier- Source: Wikipedia
3. Brindle Scottish Terrier- Source: Wikipedia

The only difference between male and female Scottish Terriers is their size. Males typically weigh 19 to 22 pounds, while females weigh slightly less, ranging from 18 to 21 pounds. Despite this size difference, both genders share the same bold, confident temperament. Scottish Terriers are known for being independent, alert, and brave, often displaying a larger-than-life personality in their small frames. They are loyal, loving companions, but can be a bit stubborn at times, requiring firm and consistent training. Their spirited nature makes them wonderful watchdogs, always alert and ready to protect their family.

A Scottish Terrier typically requires 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day. However, the exact amount your adult dog needs will depend on factors such as size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Just like people, dogs are individuals and don't all require the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one. The quality of the dog food also plays a significant role; higher-quality food provides better nutrition, meaning you'll need to feed less to meet your dog’s needs.

Scottish Terriers are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain inherited diseases and conditions.

• Scottie Cramp: This is a common condition in Scottish Terriers, characterized by temporary symptoms that occur when the dog is stressed or overstimulated, such as during exercise or play. The dog may show an arched spine, overflexed rear legs, a goose-stepping gait, or even lose the ability to walk or run temporarily. Since Scottie cramp is not a progressive disease, it doesn’t usually require treatment. However, managing your dog’s stress levels and avoiding overstimulation during physical activities can help minimize occurrences.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease VWD: It is an inherited blood disorder that affects the blood’s ability to clot, leading to excessive bleeding after injury or surgery, as well as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or internal bleeding. DNA testing is a reliable way to diagnose this. Though there is no cure, blood transfusions from healthy dogs are the primary treatment. Early testing for Von Willebrand’s disease can be done when your dog is a puppy, and dogs with this condition should not be bred to avoid passing it on to future generations.
• Craniomandibular Osteopathy CMO: It causes irregular enlargement of skull bones in puppies, typically appearing between four and eight months of age. This leads to jaw and gland swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, drooling, and fluctuating fever. There is no cure for this condition, but early diagnosis and proper nutrition can help manage the symptoms. Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers can provide relief, and in severe cases, a feeding tube may be needed until the condition resolves around one year of age.
• Patellar Luxation: It is a condition where the patella (kneecap) dislocates from its normal position, causing pain and possible difficulty walking, especially in the hind legs. This issue is common in small dogs like Scottish Terriers and can be debilitating. If patellar luxation is suspected, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if surgery is needed. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring your dog’s mobility can help catch this condition early, allowing for more effective treatment.

The Scottish Terrier is an active breed that can become destructive if not properly exercised or mentally stimulated. He enjoys walks but should always be leashed due to his hunting instincts. Swimming is not safe for him because of his short legs and heavy body, and access to uncovered pools can be dangerous. Scotties require moderate exercise; daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and healthy. However, they do not require intense exercise, as running is not part of their routine.

Crate training is beneficial for preventing accidents and giving your Scottie a place to retreat, but it should not be used for long periods. Begin crate training early to help him adjust to confinement if needed later.

Although some consider Scotties low-maintenance, they require regular grooming. Brushing should be done weekly for pets and daily for show dogs. Tools like a stiff brush, a hound glove, and a wide-toothed comb are necessary. Hand stripping is used for show dogs to remove loose hair, ensuring the coat remains in breed-standard condition.

For short coats, clip your Scottie every two months, but avoid clipping for show dogs, as it softens the coat and dulls the color. Scotties can develop issues like chewing due to fleas, so regular brushing and flea combing are essential.

Regularly trim your dog’s nails and brush his teeth to prevent dental issues. Training sessions should incorporate positive reinforcement for grooming, starting when he's young. A fenced yard is ideal for exercise and play, and regular grooming allows you to spot health problems early.

Scottish Terrier rescue groups work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome Scottish Terriers in need. They provide a safe haven for abandoned or surrendered dogs, ensuring they receive the proper care, medical attention, and training before being matched with a loving family. These organizations are invaluable in preserving the breed and offering a second chance to Scotties who may not have had the best start in life.

Scottish Terrier Rescue of Florida

Scottish Terrier Club of Greater NY Rescue

The price of a Scottish Terrier typically ranges from $1,400 to $3,500, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, pedigree, and location.

When purchasing a Scottish Terrier, it's important to buy from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health, temperament, and well-being of the dogs. Responsible breeders ensure that puppies are raised in a loving environment, with proper socialization and health screenings for common breed-specific issues. 

AKC Marketplace

Greenfield Puppies

• "The Simpsons" – In this animated sitcom, the character Mr. Burns owns a Scottish Terrier named Bobo.

1. Bobo in Simpsons-Source: Simpsons Wiki- Fandom

• President Franklin D. Roosevelt – His beloved Fala was one of the most famous Scottish Terriers in history. Fala was often seen by his side during his presidency, and she even had a place in history with her own spot at his memorial.

1. Roosevelt with Fala - Source: Wikipedia

• They have been featured in Dog shows such as Breed Judging Show 2024.

The Scottish Terrier dog breed is best suited for individuals or families who can provide them with consistent training, mental stimulation, and daily exercise. They thrive in homes where they are treated as a valued family member, with a firm leader who can set boundaries. This breed is ideal for those who enjoy companionship, but are prepared for grooming needs and occasional stubbornness.