Description:
The Scottish Terrier is a sturdy, robust, small dog. Both sexes will measure 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 18 and 23 pounds. The Scottish Terrier is unmistakable with its short legs, long head, upright ears, and distinctive coat. The teeth are said to be as large as those possessed by a German Shepherd. The shaggy coat of this dog is usually black or brindle, but the lighter wheaten coat is also found. The Scottish Terrier has a beard and prominent ‘eyebrows’. The ears and tail are natural. This dog has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. It is also known as the Scottie or Aberdeen Terrier.
History:
Originally, the Scottish Terrier was developed in Scotland as a farm dog. It was used to hunt animals that would be considered vermin – badgers, foxes, rabbits, in their burrows. The short legs of the dog facilitated this. As the birthplace of this dog was near the town of Aberdeen, it derived the name Aberdeen Terrier from this. The Scottie was first brought to America in the 1890s, but did not enjoy popularity until quite a bit later. The Monopoly Game made one of its game pieces a Scottish Terrier since the dog was so popular at the time of the game’s creation.
Temperament:
The Scottish Terrier is a dog that bonds most strongly to one, possibly two, persons in a House hold. This dog is very loyal to this person and is protective of them. Because this is a dominant breed, it needs to be socialized at an early age to other people and animals. It is a breed that has a tendency to bite. The Scottish Terrier is much better with older children than with young ones unless raised with Children as puppies.They need to be praised frequently and they adapt with the moods of the Household.
Health Problems:
For such an attractive little dog, the Scottie unfortunately comes with a rather long list of health problems. One problem is Scottie Cramp, which affects the way the dog’s legs work. The dog was just fall over periodically. This breed can also suffer from Von Willebrand’s Disease, a form of hemophilia. The Scottish Terrier can experience problems with its jaw and several types of cancer.
>
Grooming -Care and Exercise:
Their coats need special care to maintain its appearance and texture. It is suggested that they should be subjected to professional grooming once or twice each year for their coats to stay wiry and firm. The fur needs to be combed a couple of times in each week and even needs occasional trimming. Scotties’ dead hairs should be plucked out through stripping. Using electric clippers will only make their coats dull and soft. The Scottish Terrier needs quite a bit of attention to its coat, even if the dog is not going to be shown. As the dog has a double coat consisting of a dense, fine undercoat and a hard, long overcoat, it is important to give this dog regular brushings to prevent tangles and mats. The undercoat must be stripped out twice a year, also, usually by an experienced dog groomer. Make sure the beard is clean of food debris after the dog has eaten.
Play with them. Hunting and squeaky balls and toys are their favorites. They should be on leash while walking in public places.
Living Conditions:
The Scottish Terrier adapts well to nearly all living conditions, and will be as happy in an apartment as in a house. The Scottie will want to be near its special person as much as possible, so it is best not to keep it outside. It cannot live outside in winter in any case. This dog will appreciate a walk every day, as well as a play session. It is best to keep the Scottie on a leash while being walked, as the dog’s prey drive will cause it to chase any animal it sees.
Origin
The origins of the breed are obscure. It was noted that forerunners of Scotties were sent to France’s Royal Highness by King James I of England during the 16th century. Later on, three different terriers were revealed as Scotch Terriers, which included the Westies, the Cairns, and the Scotties. The Dandie Dinmont variety had also been noted as closely-related to the above mentioned terriers but its apparent physical differences categorized itself as a separate breed.
Terrier dogs that were bred in Britain were developed to hunt vermin that ate grains, and pestered eggs and poultry farms. Most breeds grew as scrappy and courageous dogs and were trained to follow badgers or foxes into their dens. Their wiry coats and soft undercoats protected them against rugged terrains and harsh climates.
If you want to have a Scottie in your life, you should not be impulsive about the matter for animosity and lack of proper training will only harm and traumatize the dog. If properly taken cared of, this breed can even appoint itself as a guardian of the family. It can also be fiercely loyal, that is it can protect you even if it means endangering its own life.
To this effect, I guess you must agree that a Scottie is a dog that is second to none.
