DESCRIPTION
The Scottish Terrier is one of the descendants of the Old Scotch Terrier, along with the Dandie Dinmont, Cairn, and West Highland White Terriers. The exact origins of the breed are obscure, but a dog of the general description dates back to some of the earliest treatises on dogs in Britain. The low stature and wiry coat have always been important characteristics to the original purpose of the breed, which was to hunt and kill the various species of wildlife that made life hard for the Scottish farmer and crofter. These species included fox, badger, wildcat, weasel, otter, and the ubiquitous rat. Losing one or two lambs could mean the difference between eating well that winter and starving to the poor farmer, and so a dog was developed that had exceptional strength and courage, in a compact, tough package. These traits are still the hallmark of the breed today.
TEMPERAMENT
This active breed is known to be independent and self-assured. It has been called the Diehard because of its rugged nature and endless determination. Sometimes seen as an aloof breed, it is actually very loyal to its family. It can have a temper, but is also quite sensitive. The Scottish terrier makes a great watchdog due to its tendency to bark and its reserved manner with strangers. It is a fearless breed that may be aggressive around other dogs unless introduced at an early age. The Scottie is prone to dig.
HISTORY
The Scottish Terrier seemed to appear from the mists of the moors. Until 1859, no mention of the breed was recorded and, yet, that year Scot-ties were exhibited as a pure breed. For a time, they were dubbed the Aberdeen, due to the central locus of the breed in that area. It is certain the West Highland White and Scottish Terriers are closely related, the ancestors of both centralizing in the Blackmount region of Perthshire and the Moor of Rannoch. Although the hunters of the era, like the shepherds, were more interested in ability than purity, certain families had a pride in developing and retaining their own pure strain—and this is where the various types blossomed into specific breeds.
Those that favor the "Scottie" prefer to believe that the hairy beast described by Caius was the old version of the Scottish Terrier. Un-trimmed, he would, indeed, be covered with hair. Another very old type—perhaps a prototype of the Scottie and the Cairn—crossed with a shipwrecked Maltese, created the more glamorous Skye that we now know. Wire-coated terriers could have all come originally from the Far North where their foundation Nordic breeds lived.
In 1881, a standard was drawn and shortly after, a club was organized. One scant year later, the Scottish Terrier landed in Canada, where the breed is now firmly entrenched. The first Scot-tie registered in the USA was Canadian bred. After the breed's initial introduction, it became a common sight.
True terrier temperament is apparent to the extreme in the Scottie, causing him to be alert, quick and feisty. These qualities make him an ideal watchdog and varmint controller. Unfortunately, this "killer" tendency sometimes extends to the neighbor's cat or an unwary bird. Without proper firmness, he can become a bossy brat and even a biter, but consistent discipline allows his great character and loyalty to shine.
It is startling to some that Scotties are not always black. That image has been perpetuated through Franklin Roosevelt's Scottie, "Fala," as well as the famous Black and White™ Scotch advertising. Early specimens were often red with a black mask, and today a wide variety of colors can and do occur.
The prominent eyebrows and mustaches draw attention to the elongated head and give him a scowling appearance. Stripping takes care of the show dog coat, with pets usually being clipped. Owners should be aware, however, that clipping softens terrier coats and lightens colors, so if they change their minds and decide to show their companion, a lengthy process of coat repair is involved. The Scottish Terrier is a frequent winner in shows throughout the world.
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