Scottish Terrier
In addition to being independent and stubborn, the Scottish Terrier breed is also quite sensitive to praise and criticism. A true terrier, they're independent, intelligent, and hilarious in their dignified seriousness, making them excellent watchdogs.
Breed Profile
Height
4-10
Inches
Weight
18-22
Pounds
Life Span
11-13
Years
Health
health
Patellar Luxation
What is it?
When the dog’s kneecap moves out of place. Also known as a trick-knee, this can cause pain and discomfort.
Clinical Signs
Limping
Inability to bend the knee
Refusal to jump
Inability to run
Hunched lower back
Bowlegged stance in the hindlimb
Treatment
A luxating patella can usually be treated medically or surgically, as with many orthopedic conditions in dogs. An anti-inflammatory medication and temporary exercise restriction are some common treatments for luxating patellae in dogs. The surgery for a luxating patella in dogs can be significantly more complex. Medical treatment may not be effective in some severe cases, so pet parents may opt for surgery. There are some risks and possible complications associated with any surgery.
Eligible vet bill
$800
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Intelligent
Like the lonely moors of their homeland, the Scottish Terrier's character and personality are similar.
Playful
Scottish Terriers are most lively and playful around their families
Affectionate
Scottish Terriers are very affectionate with their people
Lifetime Care
Coat
There are two coats on the Scottish Terrier. Their overcoats are hard and wiry while their undercoats are soft and dense.
Colors
It is possible to find Scottish Terriers with coat colors in gray, steel, brindle, or wheaten colors.
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Grooming
Scottish Terriers need a great deal of grooming. Scottish Terriers should be brushed with a stiff brush, a hound glove, a wide-toothed comb, and groomed regularly.
Training
As puppies, these dogs must be trained consistently with love and affection.
Jock, a Scottish Terrier, evoked an image of loyalty and protectiveness when he told the Tramp to take a walk without the Lady without a gruff friend, the animated cocker spaniel. They were originally bred to hunt badgers and foxes, so they have developed into a self-directed and opinionated companion. Despite the Scottie's independence and intelligence, some find their aloofness less than endearing. In general, they do not trust strangers, and can take their sweet time figuring out situations and people. However, if they decide to befriend you, it will be for life. In addition to being smart, the Scottie is also brave and loyal.
If you live in an apartment, they need short walks every day. They love family companionship, are gentle and playful with children, and is considerate of the elderly. Despite their love of youngsters, they are not suitable for homes with babies and toddlers because Scotties tend to stand up for themselves when prodded or pulled. The Scottie enjoys digging holes in your backyard and does not comprehend that you might not like it. Scottish Terriers are not known for being yappy as many other terriers are, but they bark loudly to alert others. Scotties can distinguish between steps made by a friend and those made by a stranger, only alerting if the latter is made.
Since Scottish Terriers were bred to work independently of their owners, they can be difficult to train. A Scottie won't ask you what to do next but will do it on their own. Their temperament is more suited to working independently from their owners, as they often set their own course rather than being untrainable. Because they have a kind heart, they do not do well with aggressive training. When they receive positive reinforcement, they can thrive.
Scottish Terrier: Introduction to the Breed
The decision to add a new pet to your family is a big one. Before purchasing a puppy, you should consider which will be the most beneficial to your family and lifestyle. Choose carefully which characteristics you would like in a dog and which you would prefer them not to have. There are a few things you should know about the Scottish Terrier breed.
Scottish Terriers are generally:
Good with Families
Playful
Intelligent
Aloof of Strangers
Affectionate
Suspicious
Scottish Terriers can be hardheaded, serious, energetic, and introverted - and some are sweet, playful, placid, and tolerant of everyone. They are loved, respected, and adored for their idiosyncrasies by all in the dog world, no matter how brave and jaunty they are. Dogs that are more of a partner than a servant can be wonderful experiences - but they're not for everyone. Consider living with a Scottish Terrier if you prefer a dog that is eager to please.
From the time your Scottie is a puppy, you should take them to socialization classes. When they're young, invite friends and family over or take them to busy places to help reduce their distrust of strangers. As a result, if left unchecked, that can lead to aggression as the dog grows - so begin training your Scottie puppy as soon as you bring them home.
What are the Origins of the Scottish Terrier?
Scottish Terriers have a somewhat obscure and undocumented history despite being an old breed. The Scottie is thought to have originated from a dog described by Pliny, the Elder in 55 B.C. In 55 B.C., the Romans discovered small dogs that followed their quarry to the ground. The Romans found small dogs that followed their quarry to the ground. The Romans called these dogs terrarii, which means "workers of the earth." As a hunter, the Scottish Terrier still hunts instinctively today.
Known as the foundation dog for all today's terrier breeds, the Old Scotch Terrier is one of the oldest breeds in Scotland. Extinct today, the breed was described as a strong, courageous, and stamina-filled worker who could breach the rocky dens of his quarry. Known for its long hair and small, half-prick ears, the breed was black or sandy-colored, low in stature, and strong.
We find a description of a dog similar in form to the Scottish Terrier in Don Leslie's book A History of Scotland, written in 1436. Over the next three centuries, the breed's popularity rose due to the king's love for it. There were many terriers in Scotland during the 1800s. By the end of the century, the terriers had been divided into two groups: Dandie Dinmont Terriers and Skye Terriers. Up until the 1870s, the Scottish Terrier was shown under the Skye Terriers class in the show ring. By the end of the nineteenth century, the Skye Terriers had been divided into four breeds: the Scottish Terrier, Skye Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, and Cairn Terrier.
What are the Risks for the Scottish Terrier Dog Breed?
Scottish Terriers, like all breeds, are susceptible to developing health conditions in their lifetimes. Research is being conducted to help breeders identify health conditions and make better decisions when choosing to breed, much of which is funded by the club.
Some common Scottish Terrier health problems may include:
Patellar Luxation
Scottie Cramp
Von Willebrand's Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Fortunately, many other threats to these dogs can be avoided. Preventing illness in the puppy as early as possible will help save you a lot of time, effort, and trouble in the long run. Furthermore, proactive and preventive care can help prevent your dog from suffering a great deal of pain.
When bored and under-exercised, the Scottie can become destructive. Walking is one of their favorite activities, but running probably isn't on their agenda. For walks, they must be leashed since they are natural hunters. A bad conflict can arise from their love of water and inability to swim. Due to their short legs and heavy body, they could sink like a stone. Scotties and uncovered swimming pools are disasters waiting to happen, which is why Scottie Rescue groups try to avoid placing them in homes with pools.
Your Scottie may be able to accept confinement if they need to be boarded or hospitalized, if crate training is done at a young age. It is not a good idea to keep your Scottie in a crate all day. Scotties are people dogs, not kennel or crate dogs.
Unfortunately, even if you do everything you can to keep your Scottish Terrier healthy, they can still get sick. Because of this, it's essential to be prepared for the things you cannot control. At Spot Pet Insurance, our number one priority is helping you give your dog the long, happy, and healthy life they deserve. Reach out today and request a free pet insurance quote to learn more about our range of well-rounded plan options for your Scottish Terrier.