My Dog Scottie, The Scottish Terrier

Why did Scottie growl at this one person? Well, some years ago, a man named Gary came to our door looking to do yard work. He lived a few blocks away and so I hired him to cut down some brush etc. as it was something we could not do at the time. Gary wanted to be paid before he did the work as he was desperate for money. He was not totally reliable and had left a large amount of limbs and brush on our street right outside our fence. The real problem was he left it for days and the city didn't like it and we got a visit from the city parking enforcement guy. We gave him Gary's phone number and it took Gary awhile to get it hauled off and I'm not sure where he hauled it but you get the picture. What has this got to do with Scottie? Well, like I said, Scottie likes people. One day I was in the back yard with Scottie and bent down adjusting his collar and leash when he started growling. I looked up and it was Gary (who was still doing yard work for us). He is the only person that Scottie ever growled at and he proved to be unreliable and of shady character. At that point I knew Scottie sensed something I wish that I had known before I hired Gary. If your dog loves people and he/she growls at someone... pay attention...they are sensing something. That being said; I want to also say that just because your dog doesn't growl at someone doesn't mean you should automatically trust them. Use your best judgement. Scottie will be and has been a good "people weather vane" for us.

We got Scottie when he was almost 3 years old. He is a purebred scottishterrier but we actually did'nt pay for him. The story is that his owners were in the military and were going to be stationed in Italy so they could not take him with them. They had their parents take Scottie in the beginning but these people already had dogs and he was not raised with dogs so he was not dog friendly. So the parents would not keep him. A friend of the couple was asked to take him and find a good home for him. We didn't have a dog, we just had two cats (and they are a whole other lens, which if I ever get this lens finished, our cats are next!). The friend worked with my husband and she told him she needed to find him a good home. Since we both are partial to terriers of all kinds, we ended up taking him home with us. That was in 2001 and he has been with us ever since.
Well appearantly the couple that had Scottie from a pup used to let him sleep on their bed because Scottie jumped right on our bed to make himself at home. No offense to those of you that sleep with your dogs but that just isn't our thing. He has his nice little spot that is cozy and warm for him at night in our home.
Scottie also likes to travel in the car so he must have done that before with his previous family. When Scottie wants food, he will sit up on his hind legs and his bottom with his front paws folded nicely. It is so cute and hard to refuse. The most appealing and funny thing that he does when he is in that sitting position is stick his little pink tongue out and bring it right back in when I say in a high pitched voice, "SCOTTIE". So I was checking to see if he was doing it in relationship to hearing me say that so I would pause at varried intervals and continue on. Sure enough, out the little tongue would go and right back in. Against his solid black fur and his dark brown eyes, all you see then is his little tongue. Ofcourse I would then have to give him a treat. I would love to capture that on video and then download it on youtube or even here if I could ever figure out how to do that. I am learning as I go along. We think of Scottie as our cheap entertainment. The next time I talk about Scottie I will tell of his reputation at the groomers.Stay tuned!

History

A Scottish Terrier, published in 1859The Scottie is often thought to be the oldest of the Highland terriers, although this contention has not been proved. Initial grouping of several of the highland terriers (including the Scottie) under the generic name Skye terriers caused some confusion in the breed's lineage. There is much disagreement over whether the Skye terriers mentioned in early 16th century records actually descended from forerunners of the Scottie or vice versa. It is certain, however, that Scotties and West Highland White Terriers are closely related - both their forefathers originating from the Blackmount region of Perthshire and the Moor of Rannoch. Scotties were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms and to hunt badgers and foxes in the Highlands of Scotland. Scotties are natural "diggers," like other terriers, whose name derives from the same root as "terre," French for "earth." They were bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of holes when they would dig after vermin and voles.

The actual origin of a breed as old as the Scottish Terrier is somewhat obscure and undocumented.The first written records about a dog of similar description to the Scottish Terrier dates from 1436, when Don Leslie described them in his book "The History of Scotland 1436-1561". Two hundred years later, Sir Joshua Reynolds painted a portrait of a young girl caressing a dog remarkably similar to a Scottie. King James VI of Scotland was an important historical figure featuring in the Scottish Terrier's history. In the 17th century, when King James VI became James I of England, he sent six terriers - thought to be forerunners of the Scottish terrier - to a French monarch as a gift.His love and adoration for the breed increased their popularity throughout the world.

Many dog writers from the early 1800s on seem to agree that there were two varieties of terrier existing in Britain at the time - a rough haired Scotch Terrier and a smooth haired English Terrier.Thomas Brown, in his Biological Sketches and Authentic Anecdotes of Dogs (1829), states that "the Scotch terrier is certainly the purest in point of breed and the (smooth) English seems to have been produced by a cross from him". Brown went on to describe the Scotch Terrier as "low in stature, with a strong muscular body, short stout legs, a head large in proportion to the body" and was "generally of a sandy colour or black" with a "long, matted and hard" coat. Although the Scotch Terrier described here is more generic than specific to a breed, it asserts the existence of a small, hard, rough-coated terrier developed for hunting small game in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1800s; a description that shares essential characteristics with what was once known as the Aberdeen Terrier and is today known as the Scottish Terrier. In addition the paintings of Sir Edwin Landseer and an 1835 lithograph, entitled "Scottish Terriers at Work on a Cairn in the West Highlands", both depict Scottie type terriers very similar to those described in the first Scottish Terrier Standard.

In the 1800s, the Highlands of Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, were abundant with terriers originally known by the generic term "short-haired" or "little Skye terriers."Towards the end of the 19th century, it was decided to separate these Scottish terriers and develop pure bloodlines and specific breeds. Originally, the breeds were separated into two categories - Dandie Dinmont terriers and Skye terriers (not the Skye terrier known today, but a generic name for a large group of terriers with differing traits all said to originate from the Isle of Skye). The Birmingham England dog show of 1860 was the first to offer classes for these groups of terriers.They continued to be exhibited in generic groups for several years and these groups included the ancestors of today's Scottish Terrier. Recorded history, and the initial development of the breed started in the late 1870's with the growth of dog shows. The exhibiting of dogs required that they be compared to a standard for the breed and the appearance and temperament of the Scottie was written down for the first time. Eventually, the Skye terriers were further divided into what are known today as the Scottish terrier, Skye Terrier, West Highland white terrier and Cairn terrier.

While identification of the breed was being sought through the late 1800s, the Scottish terrier was known by many different names: the Highland, the Cairn, Diehard, and most often, the Aberdeen Terrier - named because of the dogs abundancy in the area and because a J.A. Adamson of Aberdeen had a lot of success exhibiting his dogs during the 1870s. Roger Rough, owned by Adamson, Tartan, owned by Mr Paynton Piggott, Bon Accord, owned by Messrs Ludlow and Bromfield and Splinter II, owned by Mr Ludlow, were early winners and are the four dogs from which all Scottish Terrier pedigrees ultimately began. It is often said that all present day Scotties stem from a single dame, Splinter II, and two sires. In her heavily researched book, The New Scottish Terrier, Cindy Cooke refers to Splinter II as the "foundation matron of the modern Scottish Terrier." Cooke goes on to say "For whatever reason, early breeders linebred on this bitch to the virtual exclusion of all others. Mated to Tartan, she produced Worry, the dam of four champions. Rambler, her son by Bonaccord, sired the two founding sires of the breed, Ch. Dundee (out of Worry) and Ch. Alistair (out of a Dundee daughter)" (The New Scottish Terrier, 1996). From Splinter and her sires are descended all the show champions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Captain Gordon Murray and S.E. Shirley were responsible for setting the type in 1879. Shortly afterwards, in 1879, Scotties were for the first time exhibited at Alexander Palace in England, while the following year they began to be classified in much the same way as is done today. The first written standard of the breed was drafted by J.B. Morrison and D.J. Thomson Gray and appeared in Vero Shaw's Illustrated Book of The Dog, published in 1880, and ultimately was extremely influential in setting both breed type and the Scottish terrier name. The standard gave the dog colouring as "Grey, Grizzle or Brindle", as the typically Black colouring of Scotties was not fashionable or favoured until the 1900s.

Scottish Terrier circa 1915In 1881 the "Scottish Terrier Club of England" was founded, being the first club dedicated to the breed. The club secretary, H.J. Ludlow, is responsible for greatly popularising the breed in the southern parts of Great Britain. The "Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland" wasn't founded until 1888, seven years after the English club. Following the formation of the English and Scottish clubs there followed several years of differences and arguments with regards to what should be deemed as the correct and official standard of the breed. Things were finally settled by a revised standard in 1930, which was based on four prepotent dogs. The dogs were Robert and James Chapman's Heather Necessity, Albourne Barty, bred by AG Cowley, Albourne Annie Laurie, bred by Miss Wijk and Miss Wijk's Marksman of Docken (the litter brother of Annie Laurie). These four dogs and their offspring modified the look of the Scottie, particularly the length of the head, closeness to the ground and the squareness of body. Their subsequent success in the show ring led to them becoming highly sought after by the British public and breeders. As such, the modified standard completely revolutionized the breed. This new standard was subsequently recognised by the Kennel Club UK circa 1930.

Scotties were introduced to America in the early 1890's but it was not until the years between World War I and World War II that the breed became popular. A club was formed in 1900 and a standard written in 1925. The Scottish Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1934.By 1936, Scotties were the third most popular breed in the United States. Although they did not permanently stay in fashion, they continue to enjoy a steady popularity with a large segment of the dog-owning public across the world.

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Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a sturdy little dog with short legs and the way they are groomed can make them look even shorter. The head is long in proportion to the rest of the dog. The skull is long, slightly domed and medium in width. The almond shaped eyes are small, set well apart. The erect, pointed ears are pricked, set well up on the head. The muzzle is about the same length as the skull with a small stop, tapering slightly to the nose. Teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The topline of the back is level. The tail is thicker at the base, medium in length and covered with short, hard hair, carried straight or slightly curved. The front feet are larger than the back feet and round in shape. Dewclaws may be removed. The compact, course, wiry coat is as hard as bristles with a soft protective undercoat. The coat has a distinctive profile with longer hair on the beard, eyebrows, legs and lower part of the body. Colors come in black, wheaten, or brindle. There may be a little bit of white on the chest.

Temperament
Brave and alert, the Scottie is hardy and lovable. They are charming and full of character. Playful and friendly as a puppy, he matures into a dignified adult. The Scottish Terrier makes a very good watchdog. It is inclined to be stubborn, however, and needs firm, but gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household. Socialize well. This breed is sensitive to correction, therefore if you are firm and confident, the dog should respond to you. However, if you do not mean it when you tell him, "No" he will know it, and will not listen. Obedience training must be consistent but persuasive. Never hit a dog and do not play aggressive games with a terrier such as the Scottie, like wrestling and tug-of-war. He can challenge family members who have not established leadership over him. Lively, proud, and intelligent, it has a reliable temperament. Likes to dig, enjoys walks, loves to play ball games, and is thoroughly sporty, home loving and independent. It has been described as the dog that can go anywhere and do anything - a big dog in a small dog's body. It is very sensitive to criticism and praise and therefore should be trained gently. These dogs make good house pets. Do not allow this dog to developed Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This will cause varying degrees of behavior issues including, but not limited to, moody, snappish, stubborn, protectiveness and obsessive barking. These are not Scottie traits, but traits brought on by the way the human treats the dog. Children need to be taught how to display leadership over the dog or the dog will not be good with them. They are usually not recommended for homes with younger children simply because most owners do not display enough authority over them, and the dogs take over the home. All of the negative behaviors can be reversed if the human changes the way they deal with the dog. The dog needs to clearly know the rules of the home. They need all members of the family to be firm, confident, and consistent in their approach. The dogs need to be provided with a daily pack walk to reinforce leadership and burn both mental and physical energy.

Height, weight
Height: 10-11 inches (25-28 kg.)
Weight: 19-23 pounds (8½-10½kg.)
Health Problems
Some are prone to Scottie Cramp (a movement problem), Von Willebrand's disease, flea allergy, skin, and jaw problems. These dogs are difficult welpers.
Living Conditions
This dog is good for apartment living. It is moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. Prefers cool climates.
Exercise
These are active little dogs, who need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.
Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Grooming
Regular brushing of the harsh wiry coat is important and extra care should be taken when the dog is shedding. Bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. The dog should be professionally trimmed twice a year. The hair on the body is left long, like a skirt, while the hair on the face is lightly trimmed and brushed forward. This breed sheds little to no hair.
Origin
The Scottish Terrier was developed in Scotland in the 1700s. The breed was first called the Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish town of Aberdeen. George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the dogs "little diehard" in the 19th century. Scotties first arrived in the USA in the 1890's. Scotties were used to hunt den animals, such as rabbit, otter, fox, and badger. The Scottish Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1885.

Group
Terrier, AKC Terrier
Recognition
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CET, CCR, APRI, ACR, DRA

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