Discover Everything About Scottish terriers
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
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.
| Height | 25 - 28 cm (Female), 25 - 28 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 8 - 10 kg (Female), 8 - 10 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Independent, loyal, brave |
| Coat | Wiry, dense, undercoat present |
| Coat Color | Black, Brindle, Wheat |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € € |
History
The history of the Scottish Terrier is closely linked to the rugged and wild landscape of Scotland. There it was originally used to hunt rats, foxes and other small game. It was prized for its ability to boldly venture into narrow caves and pursue its prey. The exact origins of the Scottish Terrier are unknown as many terrier breeds were developed in Scotland and there was some interbreeding in the past. The first written mention of the Scottish Terrier dates back to 1436. However, the modern breed as we know it today only began to emerge in the 19th century. In 1879 the first breed standard was established and in 1881 the first Scottish Terrier Club was founded. The Scottish Terrier has been recognized as an independent breed by the FCI since 1885.
The Scottish Terrier was bred to hunt foxes and badgers, known for its courage and determination.
Scotland
1800
Character & Temperament
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.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that there is a Monopoly game piece of the Scottish Terrier?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Scottish Terrier is considered an independent, hunting-motivated dog. He is territorial and often less tolerant of other dogs.
Housing & 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.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
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 & Care
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.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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