Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

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Scottish Terriers are a breed of dog best known for their distinctive profile, their fierce loyalty, and their die-hard spirit. The Scottish Terrier (also known as the Aberdeen Terrier), popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog best known for its distinctive profile, black color, and typical terrier personality.

The Scottish Terrier is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland. The other four are Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers. Its nickname is “little diehard”, given to it in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. The Earl had a famous pack of Scottish Terriers, so brave that they were named “Diehards”. They were supposed to have inspired the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.

Scotties, like most terriers, are alert, quick and feisty perhaps even more so than other terrier breeds. The breed is known to be independent and self-assured, playful, intelligent and has been nicknamed the ‘Diehard’ because of its rugged nature and endless determination.

Scotties, while being very loving, can also be particularly stubborn. Because the breed is inclined to be stubborn, it needs firm, gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household. They are sometimes seen as an aloof breed, although it is actually very loyal to its family and they are known to attach themselves to one or two people in their pack. The breed has been described as tempestuous, but also quite sensitive.

The Scottish terrier makes a good watchdog due to its tendency to bark only when necessary and because it is typically reserved with strangers although this is not always the case and it is important to remember that all dogs differ. It is a fearless breed that may be aggressive around other dogs unless introduced at an early age.

Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers. Therefore, the Scottie is prone to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as Squirrels, rats, mice and foxes. For this reason it is recommended that they are walked on a leash.

Appearance: A Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a small but resilient terrier. Scotties are fast and have a muscular body, often appearing to be barrel chested. Its traditional grooming is shaggy-to-the-ground. The usual coat color ranges from dark gray to jet black. 

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.

History: They were originally bred in Scotland (their first name was the Aberdeen Terrier) in about the 1700s, but had achieved their final size and shape by 1890. Scotties are natural “diggers,” like other terriers, whose name derives from the same root as “terre,” French for “earth.” Scotties were originally bred to hunt badgers in the Highlands of Scotland. 

They were also bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of holes when they would dig after vermin and voles. Their nickname is “little diehard” from James Francis Edward Stuart, the King descended from the Scottish line.

Famous Scotties:

  • Barney and Miss Beazley, pets of the President of the United States, George W. Bush, and his family.
  • Fala, pet of F.D.R.
  • Meggie, another Scottie belonging to Roosevelt.
  • Jock from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp
  • Digger MacTtavish Leslie Kuva’s Scottish Terrier** from the movie “Oh such Vanity”
  • The dog mascot for Chum dog food is also a Scottish Terrier
  • A Scottie is also one of the playing pieces in the board game, Monopoly (game).

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