Appearance & Care
The Scottish terrier is a short legged, small sized dog but active, agile and very strongly built. He has a compact wiry coat with a soft undercoat that sheds less than most other short haired breeds. Colors: iron gray or steel, black, wheaten, or sandy; the coat may also be brindled or grizzled. Their ears are sharply pricked and give them a somewhat thoughtful look. A large nose, large teeth (in fact bigger than expected for his size), and almond-shaped dark eyes are other characteristics of the breed. The medium-length tail can be slightly curved or carried straight.
|
Temperament: Originally bred to hunt vermin that ate grains, and pestered eggs and poultry farms, Scottish terriers developed a strong, highly independent personality. They have a strong mind of their own, inclined to stubborness, that requires gentle but firm handling at an early age. They need to be praised frequently as they are quite sensitive to criticism. They are territorial, thus making good watchdogs that will announce visitors repeatedly and loudly. |
 |
Also they are extremely loyal to their owners. Due to their hunting background, they tend to be aggressive towards dogs of the same sex and fleeing animals like cats, birds and squirrels. Obedience training and socialization is fundamental to control negative behaviors.
Height: 10 - 11 inches ( 25 to 28 cm.)
Weight: 19 - 23 pounds ( 8½ to 10½ kg.)
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Living Environment: either outdoor or indoor (easily adapted for apartment living)
Exercise: Scotties are active dogs that need a daily walk, and moderate exercise. Hunting and playing with squeaky balls and toys are their favorites. It is recommended that they be on leash while walking in public places. If not given their exercise needs they are more likely to display behavior problems.
Grooming & Skin Care: Their coats need special care to maintain its appearance and texture. They require regular brushing for removal of dead hairs, and professional trimming at least four times a year, for their coats to stay wiry and firm.
Special care must be taken when bathing as their skin dries out too easily. Things such as nail clipping, tooth brushing, and anal gland care can easily be done at home, and clipping isn't hard, either. Scottish terriers are relatively sensible to flea allergies, so it's important to take care of the problem with appropriate measures.