Scottish Terrier: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Meet the Scottish Terrier: A Guide to the Spirited and Dignified Scottie

When you picture a Scottish Terrier, a few distinct features probably come to mind – perky pointed ears, a long beard and eyebrows, and a compact, sturdy body covered in a wiry black, brindle or wheaten coat. But did you know Scottish Terriers also come in white? Though not as well-known as their dark-coated counterparts, white Scottish Terriers share all the spunk, smarts and spirit that make Scotties such beloved companions. Let‘s dig in and learn all about this delightful breed, with a special spotlight on the unique white Scottie.

A Terrier with a Prestigious History

Scottish Terriers, or Aberdeen Terriers as they were originally called, have a long and storied history in the Scottish Highlands where they were prized for their ratting, fox bolting and watchdog capabilities. Scotties as we know them today were developed in the 19th century, but they are believed to descend from a group of hardy earth dogs that existed long before, perhaps as far back as the 15th century.

One oft-told tale is that a Scottish Terrier stood guard over the body of Mary Queen of Scots after her execution. King James VI of Scotland was a known fan of the breed in the 1600s. In more modern times, many US presidents have owned Scotties, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and George W. Bush. Roosevelt‘s Scottie Fala was so popular that he received his own fan mail! The breed has also been favored by celebrities like Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, and Rudyard Kipling. With their distinguished history and VIP fans, it‘s no wonder Scotties have an air of dignity about them.

Breed Characteristics of the Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a small yet substantial dog with adults typically weighing 18-22 pounds and standing 10 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a compact, powerful build that exudes strength and sturdiness. Their striking beard, eyebrows and furnishings frame dark, keen, and intelligent almond-shaped eyes. Ears are small, pointed and erect. The Scottie‘s weatherproof outer coat is wiry and around 2 inches long while the undercoat is soft and dense.

Coat colors recognized by the AKC are black, wheaten and brindle. The wheaten shade ranges from a light sandy to a deep reddish tone. Brindle coats have dark striping over a lighter base color. And though not a standard color, the enchanting white Scottish Terrier also pops up occasionally due to a recessive gene. When two dogs carrying the gene are bred, some puppies in the litter may inherit white coats.

The Captivating White Scottish Terrier

White Scottish Terriers are rare and some breeders consider them a fault, but fans find their snowy coats irresistible. They share the same winning personality and characteristics of all Scotties. The only difference is coat color. Like wheaten Scottish Terriers, white Scotties usually have black noses, lips, and dark eyes, creating an adorably artistic contrast.

The origins of white Scotties are a bit of a mystery. Some believe they may have been bred specifically to serve as beacons during hunts in the Scottish moors. The white coat would stand out against the dark landscape, allowing hunters to easily spot their dog. Others think the white coloring showed up accidentally due to a recessive gene and was then perpetuated by breeders who appreciated the look. Whatever the case, this beautiful and unique variety adds an extra dash of panache to an already charismatic breed.

Scottie Personality and Temperament

Scotties are known for three defining traits: independence, intelligence and loyalty. Bred to work solo chasing prey down narrow burrows, they had to rely on their own judgement and wits. This history translates to a dog with an independent spirit who likes to think for himself. But Scotties are also incredibly smart, sensitive, and devoted to their families.

While their serious demeanor might fool you, Scottish Terriers have a playful and mischievous side too. They are dignified but not above a bout of silliness, especially as puppies. Scotties are alert watchdogs who tend to be reserved with strangers. Early training and socialization is important to prevent any suspiciousness from developing into shyness or aggression.

With their big dog attitude packed into a compact body, Scotties won‘t back down from a challenge and may even try to boss around much larger dogs. A securely fenced yard is a must for this prey-driven breed, as is keeping them leashed on walks. When it comes to other pets, Scotties are best as the solo dog in the household unless raised alongside another canine from puppyhood. Their strong prey drive means cats and other small furries likely won‘t be safe sharing a home with a Scottie.

Caring for Your Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers may be small in stature but they have moderate to high energy levels and big personalities that need an outlet. Daily walks plus plenty of playtime and brain-stimulating activities are a must to keep Scotties happy and out of trouble. Puzzle toys and scent work games are great for exercising their keen minds. These earth dogs also love to dig and will make quick work of your garden if left to their own devices. Having a dedicated digging spot or sandbox where they are allowed to express this instinct can help spare your flowerbeds.

Grooming is another important consideration with this breed. Scotties have a wiry topcoat and soft, dense undercoat that requires regular brushing, combing, and stripping or clipping to look tidy and prevent matting. Expect to brush your Scottie at least a few times a week and schedule a full grooming session with bath every 4-6 weeks. The breed‘s beard and leggy furnishings need extra attention to keep them clean and free of debris. Scotties shed minimally but all that thick hair has to go somewhere. Frequent brushing and the occasional haircut will keep loose hair and dander under control.

Proper socialization and training from an early age is critical for Scottish Terriers. These independent thinkers can be stubborn and aren‘t pushovers to train. A firm and consistent approach rooted in positive reinforcement is most effective. Harsh corrections will likely be met with resentment or shutdown in these sensitive dogs. Short, upbeat training sessions focused on rewarding desired behaviors will yield the best results. Take care not to coddle or baby your Scottie. They are sturdy, proud dogs and any teasing, rough-housing or unwanted touching may trigger snippy behavior.

With a lifespan of 12-15 years, Scottish Terriers are generally a hardy breed but there are some inherited health issues to be aware of including:

Von Willebrand‘s disease (a blood clotting disorder)
Craniomandibular osteopathy (a bone disease affecting the skull)
Scottie cramp (a neurological condition causing spasms)
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps)
Bladder cancer
Cushing‘s disease

Choosing a responsible breeder who health tests breeding dogs can reduce the risk of genetic conditions. Keeping your Scottie at a healthy weight, up to date on preventive care, and providing breed-appropriate exercise and mental stimulation also goes a long way towards promoting overall health and longevity.

Are Scottish Terriers Good Family Pets?

Scottish Terriers can make loyal, loving, and entertaining companions for the right households. Their portable size and moderate exercise needs make them adaptable to different lifestyles from city apartments to suburban homes. They are affectionate and protective of their families and do especially well with gentle, respectful children. Babies and toddlers should always be supervised around Scotties and taught to interact with them appropriately to avoid any snappiness or rough play injuries.

Because of their independent nature, Scotties are best suited for experienced dog owners or those willing to put in the necessary training and socialization work. First time dog parents may find them challenging. Being a terrier through and through, Scotties are feisty, tenacious, and full of chase instincts. A securely fenced yard, on-leash adventures, and solo pet status are recommended for their safety and well-being. Potential owners should also consider if they can keep up with the Scottie‘s regular grooming needs. If you are looking for a loyal, smart, and plucky companion and can provide firm yet loving training and leadership, a Scottie may be your perfect match.

Fascinating Scottish Terrier Facts

A Scottish Terrier named Smoky is credited with starting the U.S. War Dog program during WWII after she was accidentally adopted by an Air Force squadron in New Guinea and traveled with them on combat flights for two years.
Scotties are one of only three breeds to have lived in the White House under three different presidents. Barney and Miss Beazley lived with George W. Bush, Fala was FDR‘s faithful companion, and Jock and Piper were residents during the Eisenhower years.
The Scottish Terrier is one of five terrier breeds native to Scotland along with the Cairn, Skye, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers.
Despite their small size, Scotties were originally bred to hunt badgers and foxes, demonstrating their strength and tenacity.
Illustrator Clarence Gray based the design of Bucky the Beaver from the Get Fuzzy comic strip on his two Scottish Terriers.
The top winning show dog of the 1990s was a Scottish Terrier named Ch. Gaelforce Postscript, aka "Peggy Sue." She won Best in Show 86 times and over 200 specialty awards during her career.

Conclusion

From their bold bearded faces to their confident swagger, Scottish Terriers are undeniably captivating canines. Loyal, intelligent, and full of personality, Scotties make charming companions for active homes willing to dedicate time to their training and grooming needs. The rare white Scottish Terrier may be even harder to come by, but their beautiful light coats are sure to steal hearts. Whether black, brindle, wheaten or white, a well-raised Scottie is a friend like no other – steadfast, spirited, and brimming with smarts and sass.