The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is reknowned for its characteristic terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.
The traits and individuality and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its historic roots.You should compare characteristics with with the other major dog breeds, of which there are many.
The Scottie is often given 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 courageous that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the idea for his Regiment name, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Aberdeen Terrier, but it was bred for killing small rodents in Scotland for centuries. It could be the oldest of the five Scottish Terrier breeds and there are some historical evidence dating back to the 16th Century.
The origin of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra denoting “earth”. The Scottie was a hunter where these petite legged, sturdy dogs were bred for the reason of rooting out small rodents such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their burrows.
Scottish Terriers looks are characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The stiff coat exists in many colors, including black, wheaten or brindle 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 robust, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Scottish Terrier has a long head in proportion to its body which averages just under a foot high. The Aberdeen Terrier has erect ears and tail. Scottiewere bred with strong tails so that could be pulled out of burrows when they were caught after tunnelling after vermin and voles.
Aberdeen Terrierhave small, bright 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 often appears idiotic in the face of a larger dog, when he suddenly realises that he is less than a foot in height. Dog walkers love to walk them, they are never intimated by the bigger dogs!
Scottie have similar height and weight for both sexes, 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). Scottish Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Scottish Terrierare very alert, playful and sure in themselves. Highland Terriers typically live roughly 12 years.
Highland Terriers, whilst being very loving, can also be particularly immovable. Because of this stubbornness, a Aberdeen Terrier needs firm, but kind handling from a puppy or it will rule the home. Every new Highland Terrier addition needs to have a clear puppy training plan.
The Scottie makes a great guard dog because it generally only barks when necessary and normally only for strangers. Dog socialisation is imperative as it is a courageous breed that may be antagonistic around other dogs unless educated and introduced to other dogs whilst a puppy or young.
Because the Aberdeen Terrier were bred to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they love to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as Squirrels, rats, and mice. Yet another reason to recommend that Scotties are kept on a leash.
Whilst Aberdeen Terriers are generally a robust breed they have a propensity of going down with specific cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified six cancers that Scottish Terriers 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 normal in more mature dogs and more frequently in females so keep an eye on blood in the urine, problems to urinate and frequent urination – and get veterinary assistance); 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 exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; use caution when treating dogs with some flea medications; provide a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and plenty of exercise.
The Aberdeen Terrier are also sensitive to von Willebrand disease (vWD) which shows in varying degrees of bleeding tendency, usually in the form of easy bruising, nosebleeds and bleeding gums.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); sometimes known as lion’s jaw, that created extensive bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions stop progressing after twelve months or so, and can regress. The solid swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and problems in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if extensive, could be difficult for the dog.
Due to these inherited diseases it is advisable to buy directly from a breeder, who can show he has no problems with these diseases.
Famous Scotties include Roosevelts – Fala and former President George W. Bushs’ Barney. Infact the Aberdeen Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House more than three times.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Scottish Terrier include: Bette Davis; Julie Andrews; Queen Victoria; Ronald Reagan; Shirley Temple; Tatum O’Neal owned a Scottish Terrier. She was said to be so upset by her dog’s death to old age and cancer that she relapsed into drugs.
The Highland Terrier is also a key part of the Monopoly board game, as the popular player token.
A Scottish 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 personality per weight, but you will need to train and be firm with your Highland Terrier.
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