Originally from Scotland, the Scottish terrier is a small breed of dog that’s famous for being unusually hairy and turbulent. As fanciers put it, this breed is rather unique in physical profile and very typical as a terrier. Other nicknames for this breed are Aberdeen Terrier, Scottie if it’s a male, and Aggie or Abbie if it’s a female.
The Scottie, along with the Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White and Skye terriers, is one of the first and original terriers of Scotland. In 19th century, this breed has been fondly called the little die hard, in the instigation of the Earl of Dumbarton, which was said to own a pack of Scotties. This moniker gave way to the term Dumbarton Diehards in reference to the Scottish Royal Scouts.
Today, the Scottish terrier is ubiquitous as it is often seen in the arms of many people, famous and infamous alike. In appearance, this little breed shows off a small yet muscular and hardy body. It has a barrel of a chest and long head as opposed to its tiny frame.
This breed is also short-legged and has paws that are apt for digging. The eyes are small, almond-shaped and black or dark brown. The coat of this breed is wiry, shaggy, hangs low to the ground, and distinctly long at the beard, on the eyebrows, legs and lower body.
This breed is double-coated and that the outer coat is hard, long and wiry while the inner coat is soft and dense. It usually comes in color black, dark grey, or brindle. A wheaten Scottie also exists and it is mostly mistaken for a West Highland White terrier.
This breed can be potentially stubborn yet very loving and protective as well. Training it can be quite a handful because of the said stubbornness but patience is necessary as this dog needs firm and gentle reinforcement. Socializing it at an early age is also critical for its affability during adulthood as it has a tendency to become aloof and reserved towards other people and other dog breeds.
Tumultuous yet sensitive and aloof yet loyal are some of the contradicting but unique personalities of the Scottish terrier. It loves to attach itself to only one or two person within the household yet it makes a very good watchdog as it barks to warn everyone of an intruder. Moreover, this breed is quick, playful and vigilant, and needs regular activities to keep it healthy.
Originally, the Scottish terrier was developed to dig out and chase rats, rodents, and other vermin. It still has this natural urge to chase smaller animals that’s why when out on a walk or exercise, the Scottish terrier should be detained on a leash. During the reign of King James VI, the Scottish terrier gained popularity all over Europe and in 1890’s, it reached United States.
