Scottish Terrier - Dog Breed Information

May 25, 2016

The Scottish Terrier is one of the Terrier Breeds that has its native from Scotland, United Kingdom. They are also referred to as the "Aberdeen Terrier" and are commonly known as "Scottie." They are independent and friendly companion to the people.

The Scottish Terrier - Facts and Characteristics

The Scottie has a mixed characteristic nature which can be both admired and condemned. The Scottish Terrier has a good place in present culture as many celebrities own this dog.

The Scottish terrier is originally bred to hunt small animals, so they can keep your house and yard free from rodents.
They are good working dogs and they love to dig holes. The owners should take care of that instinct and provide the pet necessary place to dig.
They are not suitable for the family with small children as the children may tease the pet which makes the pet to react.
As they are short legged canines Scotties are not recommended for jogging and they can be a good companion in daily walks.
They need consistent training with innovative ideas because it is little difficult to train them.
The Scotties need proper socialization to interact with other pets like cats and small animals.
They are not so friendly with other or strange dogs and they need some time to interact with them.
The Scottish Terrier dog breed is hypoallergenic in nature.
The price of the Scottie is about $700 to $900 USD on an average.

Appearance

The Scottie is a short-legged canine with well-built bone structure and sturdy body. They have prolonged skull with erect ears up on it, the eyes are slightly oval shaped and slightly curved tail. They are double coated with thick, soft under coat and rough, wiry over coat. They come in various coat colours namely black or grey, brindle and wheaten colours.

The coat on the face is little dense and soft. This breed measures about 10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 cm) tall and weighs about 19 to 23 lbs (8 ½ to 10 ½ kg). The male and female dogs may slightly differ in terms of weight.

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Behaviour

The Scottish terrier dogs are protective, intelligent, bold and agile in nature. They are quick, independent and sometimes stubborn in nature. They show utmost loyalty to the owner once they believe in them and these are also prone to unfriendliness sometimes. They are confident, self-assured and independent and do things in their own way.

They are reserved towards strangers and warn the owners at the sight of strangers. They are very alert and are good watch dogs. This can be a good working dog breed if it is properly trained to do. They maintain good relation with the family they belong and make a good companion dog. The Scottie loves to hunt small animals like badger, squirrel etc.

Health Issues

This breed is prone to certain common and genetic health problems. The most common genetic problems found in this breed are Craniomandibular Osteopathy commonly known as “Scott Jaw”, Scottie Cramp and von Willebrand’s disease.

The common health problems like eye problems on aging, patellar luxation and cancer sometimes found in this breed. In case of any serious problems consult a vet for treatment of the pet.

Scottish Terrier Diet

Healthy nourishment keeps the pet healthy; a high quality feed that contains meat, milk, drinking water and dog food like biscuits would be preferable. Do not over feed the pet as it may result in over weight problem. A Scottie may need about one and a half cup of meal per day and it may vary based on the size, age and activity.

Scottish Terrier Habitat

The Scottish terrier is one breed that can adapt to any type of living condition. They can adapt well to the apartment living if they are properly exercised. They are active enough in the apartments but they need to go for exercise.

As like any other dog they like to play in the yard but make sure it is a fenced yard. The Scottie prefers cooler climate to warmer climate. Though they can do well in both weather conditions cooler weather fits it perfect. Extreme conditions of any type of weather make it sensitive.

Life Style

The Scotties are energetic, determined and sometimes stubborn too. They are good hunters and chase the small animals in spite of of any dangerous conditions. They need moderate physical exercise if they live in apartments.

Daily walk is compulsory for any pet to keep the pet healthy and fit. The play in the yard is more than enough than physical exercises. A daily walk to the dog parks is also preferable.

Life Cycle

On an average the Scottish Terrier gives birth to 1 to 6 puppies in one litter. The puppies are very tiny in size so proper care must be taken while handling them. A vet’s observation will be good for both pet’s and puppies’ health.

Predators

As they are terrier breed they may get in to fights if any other dogs drive them in to. So it is necessary to leash them on daily walks. They may chase the animals without noticing any danger, so they have to be restricted in only fenced areas. Bigger animals and dog thieves may attack them if left alone in unprotected areas.

Breeding

Though the pet gets maturity within one year breeding should be done at a proper age and in healthy state. Professional breeding would be advisable as it is a healthy process to choose a correct pet for crossing.

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Life Span

The Scottish Terrier lives about 11 to 13 years on an average. A healthy pet in a healthy environment lives about 15 years or even longer.

Scottish Terrier Grooming

It is little difficult process for grooming the Scottish Terrier. Brush the harsh outer coat regularly by using some specific tools. Unnecessary bathes should be avoided as the skin of the Scotties dries very quickly. Remove the dead hair and loose hair by using stripping tools. Trim the coat twice a year mostly the hair on the face.

Trim the nails if they grown; clean the ears and prevent formation of wax inside the ears. Clean the area around the eyes and brush the teeth at least twice in a week to avoid gum diseases and for removing the tartar. Clipping the coat may reduce coat’s texture but sometimes it may be useful.

Shedding

The Scotties sheds very little that is the Scottie sheds from very low to no hair. Regular and proper grooming is mandatory for this breed as the hair grows very quickly. To maintain the coat’s texture and tidiness grooming is necessary which prevents shedding.