The Scottish Terrier breed
Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terrier: the little gentleman of the Highlands
The Scottish Terrier (Scottie) is a small Scottish terrier with a distinctive silhouette, short legs and a wiry coat. Proud, courageous and deeply attached to its family, it is a companion full of personality.
Origins
Native to the Scottish Highlands, where it hunted badger, fox and otter in burrows. Fixed in the 19th century, popularised by Queen Victoria and President Roosevelt (his dog Fala). FCI-recognised.
Temperament and personality
- Pride and independent mind
- Outstanding courage (hunting terrier)
- Deep but discreet loyalty
- Reserve with strangers
Dignified, funny, deeply endearing.
Training and socialization
Intelligent but stubborn, needs firm, kind training without harshness. Repetition bores it: vary exercises. Early socialization essential.
Health and care
- von Willebrand disease (clotting disorder)
- Cancers (melanoma, lymphoma)
- Scottie cramp (rare)
- Pulmonary stenosis
Its wiry coat needs weekly brushing and quarterly stripping.
In the family
Ideal for adults or families with respectful children. Good tolerance of reasonable solitude. Caution with other small animals (terrier instinct).
đ Summary
Proud, courageous and full of character, the Scottish Terrier is a little gentleman with a heart of gold for those who enjoy a strong personality.