# Scottish Terrier

Also known as: Scottie, Aberdeen Terrier, Diehard, Abhag Albannach
- **Group:** Terrier (FCI group 3)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** Scotland
- **Height:** 25–28 cm
- **Weight:** 8.5–10.5 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 11–13 years
- **Temperament:** Independent, Feisty, Loyal, Confident, Alert

A short-legged, wiry-coated Highland terrier with a big personality: bold, independent and fiercely loyal, and instantly recognisable by its beard and sturdy outline.

## Overview

The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is one of five terrier breeds from Scotland. Originally bred to hunt vermin on farms and to go after badgers and foxes, it is a rugged little dog with a wiry outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat.

It is dignified, territorial and a good watchdog. Scotties have appeared widely in popular culture, from a President's famous companion to a Monopoly token.

## History

Highland terriers were once grouped under the broad name Skye Terriers, which clouds the breed's early lineage. The Scottie shares roots with the West Highland White Terrier in the Perthshire region. Written descriptions of similar dogs go back centuries.

Systematic breeding began in the late 1870s with dog shows, and the first written standard appeared in 1880. The breed was long called the Aberdeen Terrier. A revised standard in 1930 refined its shape, and the breed later won Best in Show at Westminster in 2010.

## Appearance

A small, low-set, sturdy dog with a long head, erect ears, a prominent beard and eyebrows, and a short, strong body on short legs. Adults stand about 25 to 28 cm tall and weigh roughly 8.5 to 10.5 kg.

The weather-resistant double coat is hard and wiry on top with a soft undercoat beneath.

## Temperament

Scotties are independent, determined and a bit feisty. They are intensely loyal to their family and often reserved with strangers, making alert watchdogs.

They can be stubborn and may not tolerate rough handling by small children or live easily with other dogs. Calm, consistent training works best.

## Care and exercise

Daily walks and some play are enough for most Scotties, though they enjoy digging and chasing, so a secure fence is wise. They are not generally happy being left alone for long.

The wiry coat needs regular brushing and professional stripping or trimming a few times a year to keep its shape.

## Health

The breed is more prone to bleeding disorders, joint problems, autoimmune diseases, allergies and cancer than many dogs. Scotty cramp is a condition named after the breed.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 4
- Shedding: 2
- Trainability: 3
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 2
- Good with other dogs: 2

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/scottish-terrier
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Terrier · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39035
Photo: Elise Carroll (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scottish_Terrier_Photo_of_Face.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.