Dog Breeds - Scottish Terrier

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The affection that a breed exhibits towards family members or familiar individuals can vary greatly from one breed to another. Certain breeds may show a reserved demeanor displaying affection primarily towards their owner and remaining distant with others. Conversely, there are breeds that exude warmth and friendliness effectively treating anyone they recognize as their close companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as its overall suitability for a family setting, can range considerably among different types of dogs. Some breeds possess a gentle demeanor and a patient nature qualities that make them particularly compatible with lively, sometimes unpredictable children. These dogs may display a nurturing and protective attitude often becoming a child's loyal playmate.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The inherent sociability of a breed with other dogs can vary widely. Some breeds are known for their congenial nature often getting along with other canine companions harmoniously, whether in the home environment or during outings. These breeds are typically more adaptable able to join playgroups or interact with fellow dogs during walks with ease.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of shedding you can expect from a dog breed varies significantly and can impact how you manage your household in terms of cleaning and allergies. Breeds with heavier coats and those that have double layers tend to shed more especially during seasonal changes when they "blow" their coats — that is, when they shed their undercoats in large amounts.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
Reflect on how often a particular breed demands bathing, brushing, pruning, or other grooming procedures. As you assess the required grooming endeavors, balance your time availability, patience threshold and budget. It's important to note that trimming nails is a universal necessity across all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
Consider the drool factor of different breeds. If keeping things pristine is your thing, you might want to steer clear of dogs that are likely to anoint your arm with slobber or gift your clothes with large damp spots.
COAT TYPE +
Wiry, Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Reflect on how receptive a breed tends to be towards new acquaintances. While some breeds remain guarded or circumspect around strangers irrespective of the setting, others exhibit boundless enthusiasm at the chance to make a human friend.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Certain breeds possess a zest for play that extends well beyond their puppy years. These dogs maintain a strong desire to engage in games like tug-of-war or fetch as they mature into adulthood. On the other hand, there are breeds that, as they grow older prefer to spend much of their time simply lounging on the sofa alongside their owners.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have an innate inclination to notify their owners when unfamiliar faces are nearby. These dogs often respond with vigilance to any perceived danger which could range from the routine appearance of the postal worker to the sight of a squirrel darting past the window. Such breeds typically grow to welcome new individuals who visit the home, once they recognize them as guests embraced by their family members.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to change is an important trait to consider. This encompasses how well a breed can adjust to different living environments, tolerate noise, cope with varied weather patterns and adapt to fluctuations in the daily routine along with other everyday life changes.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The trainability of a dog breed reflects how receptive and willing the breed is to learn new commands and behaviors. Some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and are known for their ease of training. These dogs often learn new tasks quickly and enjoy the process of training as it involves interaction with their humans and mental stimulation.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires often differs markedly. High energy breeds are on perpetual standby for action and are enthusiastic about embarking on their next escapade. They'll typically pass their days with vigorous running, leaping and playing. Conversely, breeds with lower energy resemble couch potatoes, content to lie back and doze off for extended periods.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed uses its voice, be it through barks or howls can vary widely. Certain breeds may express their vocal tendencies by barking at every new person who walks by or at every bird that flits past the window while others tend to reserve their barks for specific scenarios. Meanwhile, there are breeds known to be barkless, yet they are not silent they may use a range of other sounds to communicate their emotions and responses.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The level of mental enrichment necessary to maintain a breed's contentment and health can differ significantly. Dogs bred for specific roles may need tasks that challenge their capacity for decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. If they aren't provided with the mental workouts they crave, they might just take matters into their own paws. This often leads to them devising their own "assignments," which, more often than not, might not align with the kind of activities you'd prefer they engage in.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The affection that a breed exhibits towards family members or familiar individuals can vary greatly from one breed to another. Certain breeds may show a reserved demeanor displaying affection primarily towards their owner and remaining distant with others. Conversely, there are breeds that exude warmth and friendliness effectively treating anyone they recognize as their close companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

A breed's tolerance and patience with children's behavior, as well as its overall suitability for a family setting, can range considerably among different types of dogs. Some breeds possess a gentle demeanor and a patient nature qualities that make them particularly compatible with lively, sometimes unpredictable children. These dogs may display a nurturing and protective attitude often becoming a child's loyal playmate.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The inherent sociability of a breed with other dogs can vary widely. Some breeds are known for their congenial nature often getting along with other canine companions harmoniously, whether in the home environment or during outings. These breeds are typically more adaptable able to join playgroups or interact with fellow dogs during walks with ease.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of shedding you can expect from a dog breed varies significantly and can impact how you manage your household in terms of cleaning and allergies. Breeds with heavier coats and those that have double layers tend to shed more especially during seasonal changes when they "blow" their coats — that is, when they shed their undercoats in large amounts.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

Reflect on how often a particular breed demands bathing, brushing, pruning, or other grooming procedures. As you assess the required grooming endeavors, balance your time availability, patience threshold and budget. It's important to note that trimming nails is a universal necessity across all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

Consider the drool factor of different breeds. If keeping things pristine is your thing, you might want to steer clear of dogs that are likely to anoint your arm with slobber or gift your clothes with large damp spots.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Wiry, Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Reflect on how receptive a breed tends to be towards new acquaintances. While some breeds remain guarded or circumspect around strangers irrespective of the setting, others exhibit boundless enthusiasm at the chance to make a human friend.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Certain breeds possess a zest for play that extends well beyond their puppy years. These dogs maintain a strong desire to engage in games like tug-of-war or fetch as they mature into adulthood. On the other hand, there are breeds that, as they grow older prefer to spend much of their time simply lounging on the sofa alongside their owners.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Certain breeds have an innate inclination to notify their owners when unfamiliar faces are nearby. These dogs often respond with vigilance to any perceived danger which could range from the routine appearance of the postal worker to the sight of a squirrel darting past the window. Such breeds typically grow to welcome new individuals who visit the home, once they recognize them as guests embraced by their family members.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to change is an important trait to consider. This encompasses how well a breed can adjust to different living environments, tolerate noise, cope with varied weather patterns and adapt to fluctuations in the daily routine along with other everyday life changes.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The trainability of a dog breed reflects how receptive and willing the breed is to learn new commands and behaviors. Some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and are known for their ease of training. These dogs often learn new tasks quickly and enjoy the process of training as it involves interaction with their humans and mental stimulation.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The level of physical activity and mental engagement a breed requires often differs markedly. High energy breeds are on perpetual standby for action and are enthusiastic about embarking on their next escapade. They'll typically pass their days with vigorous running, leaping and playing. Conversely, breeds with lower energy resemble couch potatoes, content to lie back and doze off for extended periods.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Likes To Be Vocal

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The level of mental enrichment necessary to maintain a breed's contentment and health can differ significantly. Dogs bred for specific roles may need tasks that challenge their capacity for decision-making, problem-solving and concentration. If they aren't provided with the mental workouts they crave, they might just take matters into their own paws. This often leads to them devising their own "assignments," which, more often than not, might not align with the kind of activities you'd prefer they engage in.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Black	007
Black Brindle	279
Brindle	057
Red Brindle	148
Silver Brindle	303
Wheaten	224

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Scottish terrier is a charismatic breed with a compact build and a vibrant personality. Known for its independence and self-assurance this companion is spirited and lively. With an air of noble dignity that seems almost human-like the Scottie is fondly termed 'the Diehard' due to its tenacious terrier spirit. Its iconic profile features short sturdy legs and distinctive facial and lower body hair known as 'furnishings', giving it a distinguished beard and skirt. The coarse outer coat and plush undercoat come in hues of black wheat-yellow, or brindle patterns. With sharp, bright eyes, upright ears and tail the Scottish terrier embodies the vigilant essence typical of Britain's terrier breeds. Efficiency marks the Scottie's work ethic and its natural reserve with newcomers makes it an exemplary watchdog. Their prey drive remains potent potentially stirring issues for neighborhood felines and their interactions with other canines can be somewhat testy. This bold bright Scotsman savors energetic strolls and lively playtime.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A SCOTTISH TERRIER

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Scottish Terrier: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The official breed organization the Scottish Terrier Club of America offers extensive insights into health matters pertaining to the breed on their website. A reputable breeder will be transparent about any health conditions that have appeared in their breeding lines. Additionally, there are significant research efforts underway many of which are backed by the club, aimed at empowering breeders. These resources assist in the identification of health issues and facilitate informed breeding choices. The result is the improved well-being of subsequent Scottish terrier generations. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Patella Evaluation Von Willebrand’s Disease III (Scottish Terrier) (VWDIII) - DNA Test

Grooming

	Scottish Terriers call for a consistent grooming routine due to their double-layered coat which features a coarse wiry topcoat and a soft thick undercoat. Hand stripping is the ideal grooming method for maintaining their coat's texture and it's best to initiate this practice when they are young pups to acclimate them early on. Routine hand stripping once a month is advisable after the coat growth is well underway though weekly maintenance can also be beneficial. For pet owners who may not be able to hand strip themselves, or if finding a professional who offers hand stripping is challenging, clipping the coat is a viable alternative. However it's worth noting that over time, clipping will alter the coat's natural texture as the softer undercoat grows more prominent with each cut. If you opt for clipping the schedule can typically extend to every six to eight weeks. Alongside these grooming techniques a weekly brush and comb through the Scottish terrier’s coat is essential to prevent matting and ensure skin health. The occasional bath complements the grooming ritual and can be done as needed using a high-quality moisturizing shampoo to maintain the coat's condition.

Exercise

	Scottish Terriers thrive on a blend of solid walks and engaging play. Their energetic nature demands outlets for short intense periods of activity. A game of fetch with a beloved ball or toy suits them perfectly, allowing them to chase and expend their energy bursts. Living up to their 'diehard' moniker a round of tug-of-war will show their relentless spirit as they won't call it quits or release their grip until you do. This vigor when channeled into regular activity ensures their physical well-being and positive demeanor. Their adaptability and moderate exercise needs also render them excellent companions for those residing in smaller dwellings such as apartments or compact homes.

Training

	Scottish Terriers respond best to concise and varied training sessions limited to about 15 minutes at a time as their independent nature and intelligent mind require stimulation to remain engaged. Consistency in training methods might lead to disinterest so maintaining creativity and unpredictability in training exercises is crucial. This breed comes from a lineage of working dogs that were valued for their problem-solving skills often operating independently from direct human guidance traits that have persisted in their nature. When training a Scottish terrier preparedness for some level of testing boundaries is essential due to their independent streak. Training can be most effective when they are led to believe that the task at hand was their own idea. They are particularly responsive to vocal cues and can discern your pleasure or displeasure through your tone of voice. Patience and perseverance are key alongside positive reinforcement to encourage and reward good behavior. This balance of firm yet positive training aligns well with the Scottish terrier’s character and can lead to successful outcomes in obedience and behavior.

Nutrition

	Should you find that a Scottish terrier sports a lustrous, uniformly growing coat without any signs of dry, flaky patches or irritation and its eyes are clear and vibrant, exhibiting none of the tendencies towards scratching or gnawing, it's likely that the pup's diet is on point? Many seasoned breeders have observed that terriers thrive on a diet that's moderate in protein think in the ballpark of the mid-20s percentage-wise with a small bonus like some canned food mixed in for good measure.

Historiography

Originating from the rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish Terrier holds the prestigious title as potentially the most ancient amongst the Highland terriers. One esteemed expert even refers to this breed as 'the most venerable of native British canines.' The breed's heritage, rich and sometimes subject to debate sparked numerous discussions among dog enthusiasts throughout the 1800s about the true nature of a Scottish Terrier versus any terrier breeds that happened to originate from Scotland. Despite its roots as a modest farm dog, the Scottie caught the eye of aristocracy. In the 1600s, King James I of England himself Scottish-born took such a liking to these dogs that he gifted them to others.

The United States welcomed its first Scottie immigrants in 1883 and the American Kennel Club acknowledged the first stateside Scottie, a male named Prince Charlie in 1885. The breed enjoyed a particularly dazzling era in the 1930s and '40s, bewitching high-profile celebrities like Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis with their unique allure. During the turmoil of the Great Depression, the distinctive outline of the Scottie became an icon adorning various novelties and advertisements, a trend that continues to resonate with fabric designers today who appreciate a touch of nostalgic whimsy.

One cannot speak of this breed without mentioning the most celebrated of them all Fala who was by President Franklin Roosevelt's side throughout World War II, gaining renown as an endearing presidential companion.