The Scottish Terrier is one of the most famous and recognizable British breeds. Its history is closely tied to the rugged mountainous regions of Scotland, where these dogs had a specific and important task – the elimination of rodents, badgers and foxes on farms and in inaccessible hunting grounds. With a strong body, strong legs and a determined character, the Scots bred a dog that could climb into burrows, dig up prey and work autonomously.
The breed was officially recognized in the XIX century, and since then it has remained virtually unchanged. Its representatives appeared in movies, on coats of arms and even in the White House – one of the most famous owners of the Scottish terrier was U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt. But despite its popularity, it is not just a “stylish dog with a beard”, but a serious and independent hunter with his own opinions. That is why the Scottish is chosen not for fashion, but for character.
The character of the Scottish terrier
The Scottish Terrier has his own outlook on life. He is self-sufficient and often acts on his own inner conviction. It combines stubbornness, intelligence, quiet dignity and the ability to instantly move into action if the situation calls for it. It is loyal, but without being obsessive. It is not a companion in the classic sense – it is a partner that does not require constant attention.
Scots choose one or two people in the family, to whom they show deep affection. To outsiders treat with caution, but without aggression. Due to their high intelligence, they learn easily if they understand the logic of tasks. However, making them follow commands “because it is necessary” is not a simple task. They do not tolerate coercion and have a well-established internal code – if the owner respects the dog, he will get no less in return.
The appearance of the Scottish terrier
This breed has an expressive appearance that is difficult to confuse with another breed: short paws, massive body, elongated muzzle with a thick “mustache” and “beard”, as well as a stiff, wire-like coat that requires special care. Its height usually does not exceed 28 cm, and its weight is up to 10 kg. These dimensions make the Scottish convenient for keeping even in a small apartment, but care of the coat requires attention.
The coat of the Scottish Terrier has two layers: soft undercoat and hard top coat. Without regular grooming, it quickly falls off, loses its shape and begins to collect dirt. Therefore, periodic shearing, and trimming or strimming is mandatory. This is the manual removal of old hair to maintain the coat’s natural texture and skin health. For show dogs, trimming is the rule; for domestic dogs, it is a choice but necessary.
Scottish Terrier grooming is an element of health. A standard Scottish Terrier haircut with an expressive beard, long eyebrows and trimmed paws emphasizes body shape and makes grooming easier. It is desirable to perform a full grooming every 1.5-2 months, and between treatments – to maintain tidiness with regular combing. It is also important to keep the ears in order, as the breed is prone to inflammation due to the closed structure of the ear canal.
Health
The Scottish Terrier lives an average of 11-13 years and is considered a fairly hardy breed. But there are a few vulnerable points that require attention. First, because of its short legs and compact body, it should not be allowed to be overweight – obesity puts additional strain on the joints and heart. Secondly, the breed is prone to certain genetic problems: allergies, skin diseases, liver disease, as well as the so-called “Scottie cramp” – muscle spasms with excessive excitement or exercise.
The Scottie does not need hour-long walks, but he should be able to move actively on a daily basis. He should not be carried in your arms or restricted from socializing with his surroundings – this is a dog that wants to explore the territory. Doesn’t like rain and humidity, but with good motivation is ready to go outside in any weather. Regular walks, quality nutrition and control over the condition of his coat and skin are the main things you need to keep him active and in good health.
