The Scottish Terrier, also referred to as the Scottie and the Aberdeen Terrier, is a hardy, self-assured, and devoted dog breed. They are devoted and affectionate friends because of their vibrant personalities. Due to their tenacity, Scotties are also known as “the Diehards.” One of the five Scottish terrier breeds referred to as “Skye Terrier” in the 1800s was this dog breed. Â.
A Scottie’s undercoat is softer and denser than its medium-wiry outer coat. They are among the best watchdogs and need regular grooming sessions. Â.
Scotties, like other dog breeds, are prone to a number of health problems. But they are strong dogs with lots of energy and love for people.
The Scottish Terrier is a tiny breed with an unusually large and shaped body. Their personality is feisty, energetic, and vigilant. Â.
The typical Scottish Terrier measures about 10 inches tall. Scotties typically weigh between 19 and 22 pounds for males and 18 to 21 pounds for females. The average Scottish Terriers lifespan is 12 years.
The Scottish Terrier is a short-legged, powerful breed of dog that has distinctive features on its legs, lower body, and beard. The eyebrows enhance their sharp facial expressions.
Their coats can be wheaten yellow, black, or brindle. The overcoat usually has some white or silver hair. Bright eyes, upright ears, and an alert tail are the distinguishing features of Scotties when they detect danger.
The temperament of a Scottish Terrier can be characterized as friendly toward people but aggressive toward other dogs and animals. They are generally cordial and playful with everyone, and they are only slightly reticent around strangers.
Scotties have a high level of adaptability, making it simple to train them when they are young. They learn quickly and are very energetic. They also have a protective nature.
Scottish Terriers need regular grooming due to their dual coats. Scotties’ coats are frequently hand stripped when they are young puppies by dog owners. They become accustomed to it in this way as they get older.
Although monthly grooming is recommended once the coat has begun, weekly grooming is preferable.
If you are unable to groom your pet yourself, look for a reputable groomer who hand strips. If you cant find anyone, you can clipper the coat. Because of the rough, hard texture of the outercoat being removed by clipping, the undercoat will stand out more.
Care must be taken with clipped coats every six to eight weeks. Weekly brushing will help to keep the hair untangled and the skin healthy on your Scottie. Periodically bathing your dog with a moisturizing soap or shampoo is another option.
Scottish Terriers enjoy playing and going for walks. They must expend their energy in short bursts, perhaps by chasing and returning a ball. Â.
When playing tug with a toy, you can see their obstinacy because they are quite persistent. You will be the one giving up because they won’t let the toy go.
Although Scottish Terriers are playful and active, prolonged training sessions and repetitive exercise can quickly bore them. They function well during sessions that last no longer than 15 minutes. Â.
Scotties respond well to environmental changes because they are keen thinkers and observers. You cannot control this breed of dog through training. They prefer independence and dislike being told what to do.
You should allow your pet to believe that what they are doing is their idea as a pet owner. Scotties respond well to your voice tone because they can detect it. So, in training sessions, make an effort to be cordial and persistent with them and give them praise for appropriate behavior.
Scottish Terriers need a diet containing mid-20% protein. You could serve them a small amount of canned food. Â.
Examining your pet’s coat is the best way to tell if they are eating the right diet. You’re more likely to be feeding your Scottie the right foods if it appears healthy and even, without any dryness, flakiness, or allergies.
AKC Breed Category
The Scottie is an outgoing dog who forms strong relationships with family members, but he can be wary of strangers. The Scottish Terrier is known for his loyalty to family, despite the fact that he may be stoic when other terrier breeds are enthusiastic with their greetings. Like all terrier breeds, the Scottie can be aggressive or scrappy with other canines and may be reluctant to accept people or other animals who aren’t family.
Requirements
Although Scottish Terriers can adapt to most types of living arrangements, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to remain content. When bored, they may bark inconsiderately; neighbors who live in apartments might not like the noise.
This is an intelligent and strong-willed dog
Scottish terriers might be the breed for you if you want a dog that’s entertaining to interact with and that won’t just roll over at the drop of a hat. Although these dogs are very intelligent, they also have their own unique minds. Similar to cats, Scotties frequently have their own goals and will attempt to get you to do them before following your instructions in any situation.
Does this mean that they are untrainable?
Not at all. It simply means that you might need to provide your Scottie with a motivation other than your simple command to “Do X” ”.
Treats work wonderfully here, as do positive reinforcement. Obedience training early on in the pup’s life is also a must. All in all, you can have a lot of fun with a Scottish terrier but you can’t just expect such a dog to follow your every move and obey your every word by default.
Another positive of this “self-mindedness” is that Scotties suffer less often from separation anxiety compared to other breeds. They still need lots of attention and love but you can leave a Scottie alone for several hours without it losing its mind the way other breeds would.
Your dog should be able to wait for your return calmly and happily as long as you’ve given the Scottie some love, playtime, and pets before leaving and as long as there are enough fresh and interactive dog toys lying around.
FAQ
Are Scottish Terriers good for first time owners?
because of their independence, Scotties aren’t great first-time dogs. The ideal owner for him is someone who has experience with independent puppies. He might be small, but he is mighty in will. He is also a lot of fun thanks to his terrier tenacity, working energy, and love for his family.
Do Scottie dogs bark a lot?
Scottish Terriers are family-friendly and strong-willed, making them excellent watchdogs. They rarely bark and only when necessary.
What is the best terrier for a family?
In fact, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are among the best breeds for families with children despite their strength and muscular build. This breed, frequently referred to as the “Nanny Dog,” is energetic, sociable, and playful. They take pleasure in interacting with people and kids of all ages.
Do Scottish Terriers like to cuddle?
Similar to how people express affection, not all dogs do. According to the study, Scottish Terriers, Malamute puppies, and Cairn Terriers don’t like cuddles.