Scottish Terrier Breed Information

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier or “Scottie” has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Origin
The true origins of the Scottish Terrier are a mystery, although the breed can be traced back several hundred years, perhaps to the 1400s or 1500s. The Scottish Terrier is thought to be one of the five terrier breeds developed by Scottish farmers to help track down and kill vermin.

Size
The Scottish Terrier weighs 18 to 22 pounds and measures 10 to 11 inches.

Grooming Needs
The Scottish Terrier has a thick double coat consisting of a soft, heavy undercoat and a tough, wiry top coat. The Scottish Terrier’s grooming needs depend on whether they are being shown or not. The Scottish Terrier that is shown should be brushed and combed three to four times a week and hand stripped twice a year. The Scottish Terrier that is not shown only needs to be brushed and combed once a week. Whether a show dog or a housedog, the Scottish Terrier only needs the occasional bath.

Like all dogs, the Scottish Terrier also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.  

Character
The Scottish Terrier is serious, independent and brave. They are considered to be one of the most spirited terrier breeds.  

Temperament
The Scottish Terrier is gentle and loving, and makes a great companion. The Scottish Terrier does not share their affection with just anyone however, they tend to be choosy and bond more closely with one or two family members. Scottish Terriers need early socialization or they can be aloof and distant with new people. At times, they can even be cranky with their own family members.

Scottish Terriers tend to think very highly of themselves. They are fearless like many terriers and will not back down from a fight – even against a much larger dog.  

Training Needs
The Scottish Terrier has many of the common terrier traits that can make training them a challenge. The Scottish Terrier wants to be the alpha of the home and can be quite stubborn and willful. They also like to bark, dig and give chase to smaller animals.

At the same time, Scottish Terriers are very sensitive and should never be spoken to or treated harshly. Scottish Terriers need early socialization and do best with a consistent training regiment in addition to lots of praise and treats.

Activity Level
The Scottish Terrier is not a highly energetic or athletic dog. As puppies they are more playful, but tend to become more relaxed as they mature.

The Scottish Terrier needs a daily walk for their health and will enjoy some playtime in the backyard. Although they move quickly, Scottish Terriers are not designed to be jogging or hiking partners due to their short legs.
 

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