Scottish Terrier

The Scottie is a playful puppy who grows into a dignified adult. He is likely to become attached to one person and lead a life of quiet dignity dedicated to that companion. Despite his sometime reserved nature, the Scottie remains a true terrier.

Scottish Terrier breed facts

The Scottish Terrier was bred in Scotland as a fierce hunter of foxes and badgers.

The first show to have a class for the Scottish Terrier was in 1860.

John Naylor is credited with being the first to introduce the Scottie to this country.

Information you should know before owning a Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is absolutely dependable and loyal, but may sometimes appear aloof and independent. He is not a docile pet.

Although he enjoys his independence and can have a hot temper, the Scottie is very sensitive and will make a good pet for someone who understands his fiesty nature.

The Scottish Terrier as we find it today has been bred in purity for many years. The first show to have a class for Scottish Terriers was at Birmingham, England, in 1860. Later, a number of other shows carried this classification, but the dogs shown in these classes were not Scottish Terriers, but Skyes, Dandie Dinmonts, and Yorkshires.

All the while, however, Scotsmen who saw these dogs winning as Scottish Terriers were indignant, and about 1877 they broke into print in the Live Stock Journal with a series of letters protesting the situation and discussing the points and character of the true Scottish Terrier. The discussion waxed so furious that the editors finally called a halt with the statement, "We see no use in prolonging this discussion unless each correspondent described the dog which he holds to be the true type." This challenge was taken up by Captain Gordon Murray, who in a letter to the Stock Keeper under the nom de plume of "Strathbogie," described in detail his conception of a proper Scottish Terrier. This quieted the warring factions and about 1880 J. B. Morrison was persuaded to draw up a standard. This was accepted by all parties.

The essentials of this standard have been retained in all the later standards, only minor changes having been introduced. In 1882 the Scottish Terrier Club was organized with joint officers for England and Scotland. Later, as interest in the breed grew, the two countries organized separate clubs, although they have always worked harmoniously together.

John Naylor is credited with being the first to introduce the Scottish Terrier to this country; his initial importation in 1883 was of a dog and a bitch, "Tam Glen" and "Bonnie Belle." He showed extensively and continued importing, among his later importations being his famous dogs "Glenlyon" and "Whinstone." The first Scottish Terrier registered in America was "Dake" (3688), a brindle dog whelped September 15, 1884, bred by 0. P. Chandler of Kokomo, Indiana. His sire was Naylor's Glenlyon. This was in the American Kennel Register, published by Forest and Stream, at about the time the American Kennel Club was being organized. In December 1887, a bitch "Lassie" was registered, bred by W. H. Todd of Vermilion, Ohio. Her sire was "Glencoe," by "Imp. Whinstone ex. Imp. Roxie." Here we find Whinstone figuring as a sire. Now Whinstone was by "Allister," which together with "Dundee" formed the two great fountainheads of the breed. Whinstone sired CH. Bellingham Baliff which was acquired by J. J. Litde, founder of the famous Newcastle Kennels. Whinstone therefore was the forerunner and progenitor of the Scottish Terrier in this country today.

Since those days there have been thousands of importations and many notable breeders have carried on the work. Probably none of the early blood is to be found today Nevertheless, these early dogs must take their place in history; and to that pioneer breeder and missionary of the breed, John Naylor, the great popularity of this staunch little breed today stands as an enduring monument.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Medium
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	1 hour a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Long
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Every day
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Small garden

	General Appearance Thick-set, of suitable size to go to ground, short-legged, alert in carriage and suggestive of great power and activity in small compass. Head gives impression of being long for size of dog. Very agile and active in spite of short legs.
	Characteristics Loyal and faithful. Dignified, independent and reserved, but courageous and highly intelligent.
	Temperament Bold, but never aggressive.
	Eyes Almond-shaped, dark brown, fairly wide apart, set deeply under eyebrows with keen, intelligent expression.
	Mouth Teeth large with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Muscular and of moderate length.
	Forequarters Head carried on muscular neck of moderate length showing quality, set into long sloping shoulders, brisket well in front of straight, well boned forelegs to straight pasterns. Chest fairly broad and hung between forelegs which must not be out at the elbow nor placed under body.
	Body Well rounded ribs flattening to deep chest and carried well back. Back proportionately short and very muscular. Topline of body straight and level, loin muscular and deep, powerfully coupling ribs to hindquarters.
	Hindquarters Remarkably powerful for size of dog. Big, wide buttocks, deep thighs and well bent stifles. Hocks short, strong, turning neither in nor out.
	Feet Good size, well padded, toes well arched and close-knit, forefeet slightly larger than hindfeet.
	Tail Moderate length giving general balance to dog, thick at root and tapering towards tip. Set on with upright carriage or slight bend.
	Gait / Movement Thick-set, of suitable size to go to ground, short-legged, alert in carriage and suggestive of great power and activity in small compass. Head gives impression of being long for size of dog. Very agile and active in spite of short legs.
	Coat Close-lying, double coat; undercoat short, dense and soft; outer coat harsh, dense and wiry, together making a weather-resisting covering.
	Colour Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade.
	Size Height at withers 25-28 cms (10-11 ins); weight 8.5-10.5 kgs (19-23 lbs).