GROUP 2 - TERRIERS

History

The exact origin of the Scottish Terrier is unknown. All that is known is that a Terrier on short legs with a rough coat existed in the Western Highlands of Scotland and the Islands of the Hebrides. This Terrier evolved into the Scottish Terrier, the Skye Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the Cairn Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. In 1879 the Scottish Terrier was officially recognised as a separate breed and the first Scottish Terriers were imported into Australia in 1889.

The breed was used to control farm and estate vermin such as badgers and foxes and was selected by farmers for its gameness and hunting ability. Scotties are often referred to as ‘diehard’.

Characteristics

The Scottish Terrier was bred for independent hunting. When it went down the burrow to face a badger, there were no humans to give directions so the breed had to be intelligent. This independence can be mistaken for being reserved and stubborn, but the Scottish Terrier is extremely loyal, faithful, courageous and highly intelligent. The Scottish Terrier is thick set with short legs, not conducive to speed. However, it is very agile and active.

The Scottish Terrier’s long eyebrows and beard protect it when underground and often, when vermin attack, they got a mouthful of hair instead of inflicting a wound on the dog.

Temperament

The Scottish Terrier is alert and active. As a Terrier, it will pounce on anything that makes a sudden movement, whether it is a mouse or a ball. In past times, it has been described as the ‘Dour Scot’. Careful breeding has developed the Scottish Terrier into a fun-loving, friendly, loyal and loving companion.

Maintenance

The breed’s coat is a double one: outer is harsh, dense and wiry; undercoat short and soft. It can be black, wheaten, brindle of a mixture of black, brown and wheaten hair. The average coat grows profusely and requires regular brushing with a hard bristle brush and comb through the coat to the skin.

Pet Scottish Terriers should be trimmed using clippers and scissors about four times a year. Show dogs’ coats are hand stripped to maintain the harsh double coat, and this is usually required two or three times a year.

Health

The Scottish Terrier is fortunate to have few serious genetic problems. Some shared genetic problems seen occasionally are Von Willebrand’s Disease, a common bleeding disorder now being carefully managed by genetic testing, Cushing’s Disease, and the rarely seen Scottie Crap – the loss of muscle control and coordination when the dog becomes over excited. Once rested, the breed recovers quickly. The most common health issue is being overweight due to over eating and too little exercise!  

Suitability

The Scottish Terrier is a hardy, adaptable, small dog suitable for both house and apartment living. It is not an overactive dog and requires minimal exercise – a half-hour walk a few times a week is quite enough.

While generally dependable with very young children, the breed probably suits an older family. It can be very protective, making it an ideal companion. Since the breed is highly intelligent, it requires consistent training or else it will try to become the boss.

Words: Jules Mayne, Della Elliot, Ian Southwick and Karen Fergusson on behalf of the Scottish Terrier Club Inc

Image: Michael Trafford Photography 

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Scottish Terrier, you may think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Scottish Terrier and its needs, and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.