Scottish terrier : Smart and sporty breed

The Scottish terrier also known as Scottie or Aberdeen Terrier; is well known for its distinctive appearance, black in color, short legged, and has a long wiry, saggy hair. They have weather resistant outer coat and a soft dense under coat, that is why they can withstand climate changes in Europe and particularly enjoys cool climate. Although it is small in nature, the Scottish terrier is a very strong and agile dog. It is resilient in nature, fast runner, it has keen senses, has a very strong neck and muscular body, its tail is also so strong that owners can actually pull then out of ditches that they dug because they are breed to be that way. This is also the reason why these dogs are used for hunting foxes, badgers, rats, vermin and rabbits. They are a ferocious hunters and natural diggers hence the name “Terre” French for earth. The Scotties usual colors are dark grey to jet black. Sometimes brindle or a mix of black and brown occurs and the wheaten or those that are nearly white or straw.

Due to its long hair terriers should be groomed and bathe regularly with regular dog shampoo. Coat trimming should be done at least twice a year. Scottish terrier sheds its coat twice a year or non at all. Regular brushing is required to keep the coat clean and healthy. Another worthy to take note is the genetic medical condition of pure breed terriers. Scotties are prone to flea infestation, skin allergy, Scottie cramp, craniomandibular osteopathy or jaw problems and cancer especially the bladder to name some common diseases of pure breed terriers. Therefore it is very important to provide a healthy diet that is vitamin-rich diet, low in carbohydrates and high in vegetables. They’re life expectancy is from 12 to 15 years.

The actual origin of the Scottish terrier is somewhat obscure and unknown until the late 1436 by Don Leslie whose first description of Scottie is the breed we usually see today. It is said that the terrier we have now is the same pure breed dog’s lineage since those times. In the 17th century King James VI gave a French monarch 6 terriers as a gift. With his love and fondness for this breed its popularity spread worldwide. Terriers are playful, feisty, independent, quick and alert and intelligent.  As pets they are adorable and loyal to the pack meaning the family. They are aloof to strangers and therefore a good watch and guard dog because they bark only when necessary. They should be taught how to behave and obey commands, if not Scotties will dominate the household and because of its stubbornness in nature, teaching these dogs should be firm and handled gently. Scottish terriers love to hunt and dig holes, it’s their nature. So owners of these breed should regularly exercise the dog. Scottish terriers are ideal for a family which has small living spaces or with spacious yard; the most important part is that, it needs to be walked everyday and that they are constantly with a member of a family to keep him company. Terriers do not want to be left alone for a long time; they enjoy the company of its owner. These breed makes an excellent house pets it is very dependable, sporty, playful and smart and loyal to its owners.