Learn More About Scottish terriers

Summary

The Scottish Terrier, also affectionately known as “Scottie”. called, is a small but powerful and well-muscled dog. Its build is compact and powerful, with short legs and a deep chest. Its head is long and narrow, with alert eyes and pricked ears, giving it a lively and intelligent expression. Its thick, wiry coat with plenty of undercoat offers it protection from the harsh weather conditions of its Scottish homeland. The Scottish Terrier belongs to FCI Group 3, the Terriers, and here to Section 2, the Low-Ranged Terriers. It is valued both as a working dog, particularly as a rat catcher and fox digger, and as a companion dog. When breeding, no explicit distinction is made between working and show lines, but there can be differences in appearance and temperament.

Character

The Scottish Terrier is a dog with a strong character. He is known for his independence and courage. Despite his small size, he is a fearless and determined dog who does not shy away from taking on bigger challenges. These character traits make him an excellent guard dog, defending his territory and his family with determination. On the other hand, the Scottie is a very loyal and affectionate dog. He has a close bond with his caregiver and enjoys their company. However, he is not a dog that is constantly looking for attention or always needs to be the center of attention. He is happy when he can just be with you and appreciates quiet moments and cozy cuddles. Scotties are very intelligent and capable of learning, but they can also be stubborn and headstrong. They are not always easy to train and need consistent and loving leadership. However, with patience and understanding, they can become obedient and well-behaved dogs. In general, the Scottish Terrier is an active dog that requires regular exercise. He loves walks and games, and although he's not a big sport, he enjoys activities that challenge his body and mind. The Scottish Terrier is a rather calm dog that is not prone to hyperactive behavior. However, he has a strong hunting instinct and tends to go after small animals. It is important to keep him in a safe environment and teach him to walk well on a leash. The Scottish Terrier can sometimes be a bit reserved around other dogs and animals. He is not necessarily a dog that makes friends easily with everyone. However, with proper socialization and training, he can learn to get along with other dogs and animals. Some Scotties can learn to stay alone, although this can be challenging and requires a lot of patience and training. They are happier and more balanced when they have regular company and are not left alone for long periods of time. Although the Scottish Terrier has a strong personality and can be challenging at times, he is a loving and loyal companion. With his courageous and independent nature, coupled with his loyalty and affection, the Scottish Terrier is a wonderful dog that can enrich the life of any family.

What to Expect

The Scottish Terrier is considered an independent, hunting-motivated dog. He is territorial and often less tolerant of other dogs.

Care

The Scottish Terrier is a flexible dog that gets along well in both the city and the country. He is small enough to live in an apartment but needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Despite its small size, the Scottie is a brave and alert dog that will guard its home and family well. The Scottish Terrier is patient and gentle when dealing with children, although interactions between dogs and small children should always be supervised to ensure that both parties treat each other with respect. Other pets, including cats, may be accepted, especially if the Scottie is raised with them from an early age.

Training & Education

Raising a Scottish Terrier can be challenging as these dogs can be intelligent, independent and sometimes stubborn. They respond best to positive reinforcement and to training that is varied and interesting. Early socialization and training are important to ensure your Scottie grows into a well-adjusted and well-behaved dog. Scotties are active and curious dogs that need physical and mental stimulation. You can enjoy activities like agility training, obedience training, tracking, and even dog sports like flyball. Since they have a strong hunting instinct, impulse control training and good leash walking can be helpful. It's important that you teach your Scottie how to deal with frustration and control his impulses. Training should always be patient, consistent, and respect your dog's natural instincts and personality. Over-busyness should be avoided as it can lead to stress and over-excitement.

Nutrition & Grooming

A Scottish Terrier's diet should be balanced and nutritious. As with most dogs, their food should contain a high proportion of high-quality animal protein, supplemented with healthy carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Because some Scottish Terriers tend to be overweight, it is important to control the amount of food they eat and ensure regular exercise. Grooming the Scottish Terrier's coat requires some effort. Its thick, wiry coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and keep its skin healthy. The coat should be trimmed by a professional once a year. The Scottish Terrier has an undercoat that helps it cope with the German climate. He doesn't shed excessively, but regular brushing will help remove loose hair and reduce the amount of hair in your home.