Scottish Terrier

Size: Small to Medium
Other Names: Scottie, Aberdeen Terrier, Abbey, Aggie, Little Diehard
Country of Origin: Scotland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Terrier
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Terriers
United Kennel Club (UKC): Terrier
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Terriers
The Kennel Club (KC): Terrier
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Terrier
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Terrier

Height:

Male: 10 inches; Female: 10 inches

Weight:

Male: 18.7-22 pounds; Female: 17.6-21 pounds

Color(s):

Black (dark gray to jet black), brindle (mix of black and brown), wheaten (straw to nearly white)

Coat:

Double; hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer coat; soft, dense undercoat

Description:

The Scottish Terrier is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, along with the Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers.  Scotties were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms, and to hunt badgers and foxes in the Highlands of Scotland.  Like other terriers, Scotties are natural diggers.  They were bred with strong tails, so their owners could pull them out of holes when they would dig after vermin.  The Scottish Terrier was given the nickname "Little Diehard", by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton, in the 19th century.  The Earl had a famous pack of Scottish Terriers, so brave that they were named "Diehards".  They were supposed to have inspired the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, "Dumbarton’s Diehards".

Temperament:

The Scottish Terrier is alert, quick and feisty, independent and self-assured, playful, intelligent, and has a rugged nature and endless determination.  Scotties can be very affectionate, and can be particularly stubborn.  He is sometimes seen as aloof, but is very loyal to his family, and is known to attach himself to one or two people in his pack.  The Scottish Terrier is reserved with strangers, and makes a good watchdog.  Most Scotties bark only when necessary.  Unless introduced at an early age, the Scottie may be aggressive around other dogs.

Training:

Because the Scottie is inclined to be stubborn, he needs firm, gentle handling from an early age to keep him from attempting to dominate the household.  Since he is a fearless breed that may be aggressive around other dogs, early socialization is recommended.

Care & Grooming:

Originally bred to hunt and fight badgers, the Scottie is prone to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as squirrels, rats, and mice.  For this reason it is recommended that they are walked on a leash.  The coat is typically trimmed and blended, with a longer coat on the beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body - traditionally shaggy-to-the-ground.  The head, ears, tail and back are traditionally trimmed short.

Shedding:

Low; the wiry coat sheds less when it is stripped.

Health:

Scottish Terriers may develop craniomandibular osteopathy, von Willebrand disease, and a higher-than-average rate of some cancers.  Ask breeders about health testing in the line.

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Litter Size:

3–5 puppies