| The Scottish Terrier, most commonly known as the | | | | dog they require to know who the master is, they |
| Scottie, although sometimes it is called the Aberdeen | | | | must not be allowed to think they are in charge or this |
| Terrier, is a short and sturdy dog. With a height of 9 to | | | | could lead to endless problems in later life. When |
| 11 inches and weighing between 18 and 23 pounds, | | | | training or handling this dog any command given must |
| they are obviously fairly muscular for their size. | | | | be in a manner that shows you mean it, and you must |
| Because these dogs have naturally long hair, the | | | | mean it or the dog will know, and may just ignore you. |
| grooming can make it look as though they have even | | | | Whilst this is a very playful dog and loves nothing more |
| shorter legs than they actually do. The hair on their | | | | than to dash about; care must be taken not to play |
| face can grow quite long and when groomed looks | | | | particularly aggressive or combative games, such as |
| almost as though they have a large moustache, | | | | challenging the dog to rope tugging. However such |
| somewhat typical of the stereotyped 'what ho Biffo' | | | | games can be played with members of the family |
| World War II pilot (so often seen in comedy sketches), | | | | who are not his master, this is because the dog may |
| and their long eyebrows only exaggerate this | | | | see the contest as a leadership challenge, if conducted |
| perception. They have a coarse and compact coat | | | | by the person he sees as the pack leader. |
| which is quite wiry and firm, and can feel like hard | | | | Health issues. The Scottish Terrier can suffer from a |
| bristles. | | | | fairly unique illness called Scottie Cramp (which is a |
| History. The Scottish Terrier was, as you may expect, | | | | problem in movements). Also are prone to Von |
| first bred in Scotland, in the 1700s. Originally named | | | | Willebrand's disease, jaw problems, skin conditions, and |
| Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish city, this is a | | | | flea allergies. Their life expectancy is 12 to 15 years. |
| particularly old breed, and parts of its history are | | | | Grooming. The Scottish Terrier will require brushing |
| steeped in myth and legend, as there is little to no | | | | regularly, of their wiry coat, during moulting more care |
| supporting documentary evidence, although, a breed of | | | | should be taken and brushing to be more frequent. |
| dog whose description matched the Scottish Terrier | | | | Bathing can be conducted as necessary or dry |
| was written about in 1436. | | | | shampooing. Their hair will require being trimed |
| Temperament. The Scottish Terrier breed is generally | | | | professionally twice a year. Apart from when they are |
| lovable, hardy, and brave. Being full of character and | | | | moulting they tend to shed little hair, if any at all. |
| playful, they mature into dignified and charming adults. | | | | Living conditions. While the Scottish Terrier prefers |
| They make good watchdogs and will alert you to any | | | | cooler climates, it is very happy living in most homes. |
| problems they perceive. They train quite well, but can | | | | They are entertaining and get on very well with |
| be stubborn and have been known to dig their heels in. | | | | children, and as they are fairly small, they are unlikely to |
| They tend to be sensitive to criticism, and need to be | | | | knock people over. As long as they are adequately |
| handled in a gentle but firm fashion. As an intelligent | | | | exercised they will take well to living in an apartment. |