Scotties - the Breed

As the name suggests, the Scottish Terrier is a compact terrier from Scotland. Older breed names were ‘Scotch Terrier’, ‘Aberdeen Terrier’ or ‘Diehard Terrier’. It is closely related to the West Highland White Terrier, the Skye Terrier and the Cairn Terrier. The development of the breed took place in the 19th century in Scotland, probably in the area around Loch Rannoch. However, short-legged terriers had already existed in Scotland for many centuries. They were originally used to hunt foxes, badgers and other animals underground..

A Scottish Terrier is a big dog on short legs, with lots of charm, personality and humour! If you want to train him successfully, you have to motivate him so that he also wants what you want him to do. If you have built up a trusting relationship and know how to motivate the Scottie with positive reinforcement, he is a great working dog who can move mountains with his will-power. The advantage of having a mind of his own is that he is very persistent when he wants something. As the Scottie originates from hunting dogs, independent thinking and problem solving were encouraged through selective breeding, not primarily ‘wanting to please people’. Most Scotties tend to be rather or even highly reactive. This means that they react more quickly to stimuli and would rather go forwards than retreat even when feeling uncertain.

The average life expectancy of Scotties is around 12 years. This could most probably be improved by extending the gene pool (see below). As with all dogs, cancer is a big issue. Scotties have an 18 times higher risk of developing TCC (transitional cell carcinoma) in the bladder. There is evidence that feeding certain vegetables has a protective effect and that herbicides should not be used on the lawn. Scotties also tend to have elevated liver values (serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), but these do not necessarily have to be a problem. It makes sense to examine a dog annually from the age of 8 (blood check, ultrasound) in order to be able detect and treat problems at an early stage. If your dog has an anaesthetic, always have a blood test carried out as well - for reference and as a check and, if possible, get the teeth cleaned.