The Scottish Terrier: a Stylish and Reserved Dog

The Scottish terriers, also known as Scotties, areCare and Exercise: •    Their coats need special
short-legged British terriers. They are one among othercare to maintain its appearance and texture. It is
go-to-ground and wire-coated terriers developed in thesuggested that they should be subjected to
highlands of Scotland. The Scotties are said to haveprofessional grooming once or twice each year for
jaunty attitude so they are often used to representtheir coats to stay wiry and firm. •    The fur
advertisements of the country to where theyneeds to be combed a couple of times in each week
originated.and even needs occasional trimming. •  
However, Scotties' nature is not in coherence with their Scotties' dead hairs should be plucked out through
public image or trademark. In fact, Scotties are like thestripping. Using electric clippers will only make their
citizens of his native land who are independent, stoic,coats dull and soft. •    Play with them. Hunting
and fiercely loyal to their masters. They also adhereand squeaky balls and toys are their favorites. •  
much to their own privacy. They should be on leash while walking in public
Scotties, Westies, and Cairns are very similar regardingplaces.
their appearance. The Westies and the Cairns are, inOrigin/History:
fact, closely-related. The Westie can be considered asThe origins of the breed are obscure. It was noted that
the white variety of the Cairn who has a coat of anyforerunners of Scotties were sent to France's Royal
color but white. Westies are hybrids of white dogsHighness by King James I of England during the 16th
crossed with Cairns of western Scotland. Scotties,century. Later on, three different terriers were
however, have longer heads and bodies, haverevealed as Scotch Terriers, which included the
generally dark coats and are aloof than the other two.Westies, the Cairns, and the Scotties. The Dandie
The following are some of the basic facts breedersDinmont variety had also been noted as closely-related
would really love to know about Scotties:to the abovementioned terriers but its apparent
Category: Terrierphysical differences categorized itself as a separate
Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor (mostlybreed.
preferred by breeders)Terrier dogs that were bred in Britain were developed
Coat: wiry, short (about 2 inches) and thick Colors: ironto hunt vermin that ate grains, and pestered eggs and
gray or steel, black, wheaten, or sandy; the coat maypoultry farms. Most breeds grew as scrappy and
also be brindled or grizzledcourageous dogs and were trained to follow badgers
Height: about 10 inchesor foxes into their dens. Their wiry coats and soft
Weight: between 18 and 20 poundsundercoats protected them against rugged terrains
Temperament: they need to be praised frequently andand harsh climates.
they adapt with the moods of the householdIf you want to have a Scottie in your life, you should
Breeders should note of the following health issues:not be impulsive about the matter for animosity and
•     Von Willibrand's disease (VWD), an inheritedlack of proper training will only harm and traumatize the
disorder •     Flea allergies and other skindog. If properly taken cared of, this breed can even
problems •     Epilepsy •     Jawboneappoint itself as a guardian of the family. It can also be
disorders •     Scottie cramp, a minor conditionfiercely loyal, that is it can protect you even if it means
that causes walking difficulties •     Cerebellarendangering its own life.
abiotrophy, a slow-to-progress and rare neurologicalTo this effect, I guess you must agree that a Scottie is
disease that causes loss of coordinationa dog that is second to none.