Scottish Terriers – or Scotties – are canine icons. From the popular Scottie monopoly piece to a White House resident as companion to George W Bush, these small, distinctive terriers have won over many a human heart. A claim to fame is that they are the only breed to have lived in the White House three times.
The Scottish Terrier was initially grouped with other Highland breeds of terrier originating in Scotland, bred to go to ground after fox, badger and other vermin. It used to be known as the Aberdeen Terrier, due to being particularly prevalent around this north-eastern city. But by 1879, it became officially known as the Scottish Terrier, thanks to Capt Gordon Murray who set up a breeding programme.
This compact little dog is an independent and confident companion with a spirited personality. They typically have a tenacious, courageous side, leading them to be nicknamed “Diehard” by the Earl of Dumbarton. While they remain an instinctive hunting dog, they also make excellent watchdogs due to being naturally suspicious of strangers, and loyal to their human family.
Looks-wise, the Scottie’s thick-set silhouette is unmistakable, with little pricked ears, short legs, a wiry top coat and a certain hirsuteness around the belly, beard and legs.
A wheaten Scottish Terrier
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)
Scottish Terrier: fact file
Kennel Club breed group: terrier
Size: small
Daily exercise: an hour a day
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Coat: long; shedding
Colours: black, black brindle, brindle, wheaten. Dark brown, almond-shaped eyes.
Lifespan: more than 10 years
Bark: Scotties tend to bark when they should – like when a stranger comes to the door, rather than excessively. Their bark is loud and impressive for a dog of such small stature, which makes them excellent little watchdogs. They may take offence at the postman or delivery man so check out these tips if the bark develops into being a nuisance.
Distinctive features: erect, pointy ears; furnishing around the lower body, legs and beard. Rather a long head for their diminutive size.
Temperament: intelligent, bold and confident, but not aggressive
Things to consider: Scotties are not natural swimmers. Their shape – being dense with short legs and a heavy head – does not make it easy for them to move through water.
Scotties are independent characters, so make sure your garden is securely fenced, both from escaping under or over the boundary. With their heritage in going go ground, they aren’t averse to trying to dig their way out, so check out these tips for how to stop your dog digging.
While they aren’t high maintenance, their long hair does need appropriate grooming beyond regular brushing with a good dog brush. Professional grooming may be required to strip or clip their fur, but it’s worth learning how to do the grooming basics at home.
Training: make training sessions short and sweet. They are intelligent dogs who pick things up quickly and do not thrive on long, repetitive sessions.
They love long walks, exercise and play. But think fetch, rather than retrieve – he may not be so keen to bring the ball back to you.
Complete Guide to Scottish Terriers Using interviews with several top breeders, author Tracey Squaire has created an in-depth look at what it takes to successfully live with, raise, and train a Scottish Terrier.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
