The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is well known for its typical terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, West Highland White Terriers, Dandie Dinmont and Skye, Cairn.
The characteristics and personality and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its historic roots.You should compare characteristics with with the other top dog breeds, of which there are around 500.
The Scottish Terrier is often called by the nickname of “little diehard”. Originally coined in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, supposedly so valiant that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the stimulation for his Regiment name, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Scottish Terrier, but it was bred for clearing small rodents in Scotland for centuries. It may be the original breed of the five Scottish Terrier breeds , with some historical evidence dating back to the 16th Century.
The source of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra meaning “earth”. The Aberdeen Terrier was a hunter where these short legged, powerful dogs were designed and built for the function of killing small pest animals such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their tunnels.
Scottish Terriers appearance is characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The stiff coat exists in many colors, including black, brindle or wheaten of any shade. Scotties with ‘Wheaten’ (straw to nearly white) coats sometimes occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
Highland Terriers are sturdy, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Scottie has a long head relative to its body which averages about 10 or 11 inches high. The Scottish Terrier has rigid ears and tail. Aberdeen Terrierwere bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of burrows when they were stuck after tunnelling after vermin and voles.
Scottiehave small, intense almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Highland Terrier personality is one of independence and will power. Often people say a Scottie thinks he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the point that he is totally fearless that sometimes appears silly in the face of a larger dog, when he suddenly realises that he is only eleven inches high. Professional dog walkers, such as London Dog Walking love to walk them, they are never feel frightened by the larger dogs!
Height at withers for both sexes of the Scottish Terrier should be roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from shoulder to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh 8–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female from 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). Aberdeen Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Scottieare very attentive, jovial and sure in themselves. Scotties typically live about 11 years.
Scotties, whilst being very loving, can also be irritatingly inflexible. Because of this obstinate trait, a Scottie needs firm, but calm handling from a puppy or it will rule the home. Every new Scottie addition should have a clear puppy training plan.
The Scottish Terrier makes a great watchdog because it generally only barks when essential and usually only for strangers. Dog socialisation is crucial as it is a brave breed that can be antagonistic around other dogs unless trained and introduced to other dogs at an early age.
Because the Aberdeen Terrier were bred to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they like to dig and chase small pests, such as mice, rats and squirrels. For this reason it is recommended that they are kept on a leash.
Whilst Scotties are generally a robust breed they have a propensity of developing some cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified six cancers that Scotties are more likely to go down with ( when compared to other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract (more usual in older dogs and more frequently in females so watch for blood in the urine, problems to urinate and frequent urination – and get veterinary help); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.
To help prevent cancer in any dog, ensure that your dog has minimal contact to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; be prudent when treating dogs with some flea medications; give a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and regularly exercise.
The Scottie are also sensitive to von Willebrand disease (vWD) which is diagnosed with varying degrees of bleeding tendency, usually in the form of easy bruising, nosebleeds and gums that bleed.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); often known as lion’s jaw, that created major bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions normally stop growing after twelve months or so, and can regress. The solid swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and difficulty in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if major, could be difficult for the dog.
Because of these inherited diseases it is highly recommended to buy direct from a breeder, who can show he has not had a problem with these diseases.
Famous Scotties include Roosevelts – Fala and former President George W. Bushs’ Barney. Infact the Scottie is the only dog breed that has lived in the White House more than three times.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Highland Terrier include: Humphrey Bogart; Julie Andrews; E.B. White; Ronald Reagan; Dorothy Lamour; Tatum O’Neal owned a Aberdeen Terrier. She was said to be so saddened by her dog’s death to old age and cancer that she relapsed into drugs.
The Scottie is also a player token in the board game, Monopoly.
A Highland Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier are pictured on the Black & White whisky label. In Enid Blyton’s Mystery Series books, there is Buster a Scottish Terrier, who is often part of the mysteries.
So all in, a rightfully popular dog breed, particularly in character per weight, but you will need to train and be firm with your Aberdeen Terrier.