The Scottish Terrier was originally bred in Scotland to hunt badgers and foxes. Remember Jock from Disney’s The Lady and The Tramp, or have you ever wondered what the kind of dog the monopoly dog is? Well, they were little Scottie dogs.
Scottish Terrier Traits at a Glance
Best Trait – Fun
Worst Trait – Barking
Do Scottish Terriers shed much?
They have double coats, with the outer coat being hair, not fur, making them hypoallergenic, they will need maintenance, so either invest in a good brush and scissors or have a good local pooch parlour.
Are Scottish Terriers easy to train?
They rank at no65 for intelligence, but that terrier stubbornness is strong with them, so they are ok to train. Start early and work hard with them for the best reward.
How much exercise do Scottish Terriers Need?
They have short legs but still need lots of playtimes and at least two daily walks to keep them happy.
What temperament do Scottish Terriers Have?
They are independent, bold, playful and confident terriers. This could be the perfect breed for you if you are looking for an active addition to your family or household.
More on Scottish Terriers
They need plenty of exercise. You must be able to play outdoors and take them on a good daily walk. They will never be a good jogging companion with those short legs, but they will love to hike with you. They can cope quite well with apartment/flat living as long as all their exercise needs are met and given plenty of playtimes. Remember, a bored dog will usually become mischievous, whether it be nuisance barking, chewing or digging. Try to ensure they are occupied with jobs, playtime or plenty of exercise to keep them out of trouble.
They love their families and being with people. They are unsuitable for families with young children as they have their limits to being pulled around. They are very playful, so older children and those used to being around dogs will play endless games running around the garden with them.
They make for great watchdogs. In fact, one of the best breeds, they will alert to everything little thing going on. They can be a little barky, so you must train them to be quiet on command. They are a little un-trusting of strangers, and you must ensure they are socialised early on to combat this.
They should be fine with other dogs and cats if brought up with them. They are hunters, so the instinctive need to chase neighbours’ cats and small animals is probably too strong to control. Ensure your outside area is well enclosed and they can’t escape when giving chase.
They are intelligent dogs but can be very headstrong. You will need to discover their motivation reward early on to get the best out of them. You will need to use consistency and assert yourself as a top dog early on to get them to listen to you. Then you will have a lovely well-trained companion for life. Training these guys is very challenging. Keep training playful and fun for the best result.
The Scottie is a double-coated dog with an outer coat that is actually hair, unlike the fur found on other breeds. They shed fairly lightly all year round, especially during Spring and Autumn. Weekly brushing will keep the hairs under control.
Scottish Terrier Stats
The Scottish Terrier is one of the descendants of the old Scotch Terrier, along with the Dandie Dinmont, the Cairn, and the West Highland White Terrier. The breed’s exact origin is obscure, but a dog of its general description dates back to some of the earliest records. The low stature and wiry coat have always been important characteristics relating to the breed’s original purpose, which was to hunt and kill the various species of wildlife such as the fox, badger, weasel, and rat that made life hard for the early Scottish farmers and crofters.
- Weight -8kg –11kg
- Size – 25cm – 28cm
- They live for 10-12 years