Scottish terrier

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Here, you will find all the useful information about scottish terrier. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

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Overall description of the breed

Originating from the Scottish Highlands in Great Britain, the Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the "Scottie," made its first appearance in 1879. However, archaeological evidence suggests that its ancestors date back to a much earlier period. Archaeological excavations have unveiled a bronze statuette from the Roman era depicting a small hunting dog bearing a striking resemblance to the Scottish Terrier.

Notable British breeder Captain Gordon Murray played a pivotal role in the evolution of this breed. His aim was to develop a small, agile, and intelligent dog with a remarkable predatory instinct. Throughout his journeys in Scotland, he scoured various breeding establishments to select the finest specimens of short-legged terriers.

His objective was clear: to establish a purely Scottish breed of hunting dogs. He devoted two years to refining the genotype he envisioned. In 1882, Captain Murray founded the official Scottish Terrier Club, a year after their initial public appearance at exhibitions in the United Kingdom. The International Canine Federation ultimately recognized this breed on October 18, 1954, with the current standard being last revised on October 13, 2010.

The Scottish Terrier distinguishes itself with its compact stature, short and sturdy limbs. It's an animated and determined hunting companion, combining dynamism and willpower. Despite its morphological robustness, it maintains exceptional agility. Its body length exceeds its height at the withers, giving it a rectangular silhouette. The imposing head features a broad yet flat skull, along with a square muzzle adorned with an elegant mustache.

Its almond-shaped eyes, typically dark or even black, emit a lively sparkle, accentuated by thick eyebrows. Medium-sized triangular ears proudly stand atop its head, while its slightly curved tail positions itself perpendicular to its backline. The Scottish Terrier's coat is medium-length, dense, and airy, with a rough texture, complemented by a woolly and soft undercoat. The breed standard accepts black, wheaten, or brindle colors in all shades.

The Scottish Terrier primarily proves itself as a remarkable working companion, although in modern times, it is predominantly cherished as a delightful and pleasant companion dog. Despite its occasionally haughty appearance, which might make it seem reserved and aloof, the Scottie forms strong bonds with its owners and forges close relationships with members of its social circle.

Endowed with a protective and loyal temperament, it staunchly defends its territory with unwavering determination. Its inherent wariness makes it an exceptional guardian. Like many terriers, it can at times exhibit some stubbornness and a tendency to challenge established authority. A strict upbringing from a young age will be necessary to shape its obedience and sociability.

Faithful, loyal, and attuned to its environment, the Scottish Terrier excels as a working or show dog, in addition to its role as a companion, which it fulfills with excellence.

In adulthood, the Scottish Terrier weighs between 8.5 and 10.5 kg (18.7 to 23.1 lb) and stands at a withers height of 25 to 28 cm (9.8" to 11").

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Origins

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the "Scottish Terrier" or "Scottie", finds its origins in the Highlands of Scotland. This ancient breed was developed to hunt pests such as foxes and badgers. Its robustness and tenacity make it an efficient working dog. The first recorded terriers in Scotland date back to the 16th century, but the modern Scottish Terrier was standardized in the 19th century. It is now appreciated as a pet as much as for its hunting skills.

History

The history of the Scottish Terrier is rich and ancient. Developed in the Highlands of Scotland for hunting pests, it is known for its determination and courage. In the 19th century, Scottish breeders worked to standardize the breed, giving birth to the Scottie that we know today. It quickly became popular not only for its hunting skills but also for its distinctive personality. The Scottish Terrier has even been immortalized in popular culture and is often associated with an image of robustness and dignity.

Standard

The breed standard for the Scottish Terrier describes a small, well-proportioned and robust dog. It measures between 25 and 28 cm at the withers and weighs between 8.5 and 10.5 kg. Its head is long relative to its body, with a flat skull and a powerful muzzle. Its eyes are small, almond-shaped, and its ears are erect, adding to its lively and intelligent expression. The coat is double, with a soft undercoat and a hard, dense outer coat, available in black, brindle, or wheaten. Its tail is short, carried straight or slightly curved.

Physical characteristics

The Scottish Terrier has a distinctive silhouette with a low body and a compact stature. Its short and powerful legs give it great strength for digging. The Scottie's double coat, dense and harsh, protects it from the weather and rough terrain. Its bright eyes and pointed ears contribute to its alert and determined appearance. The most common coat colors are black, brindle, and wheaten. With its elegant and confident gait, the Scottish Terrier is immediately recognizable and admired for its presence.

Character

The Scottish Terrier is known for its independent, courageous and loyal nature. It is a very intelligent dog, sometimes stubborn, but also very affectionate with its family. It can be reserved with strangers, but is generally sociable with those he knows well. Its brave and tenacious nature makes it an excellent guardian. The Scottie enjoys participating in stimulating activities and requires firm but positive training. Despite its dignified appearance, it has a playful side and can be very lively when confident.

Life expectancy

The Scottish Terrier generally enjoys good health and has an average life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. Like all breeds, its longevity largely depends on the quality of care it receives throughout its life. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and periodic veterinary visits are essential to maintaining its health. Although robust, it may be subject to certain genetic conditions, so regular health checks and appropriate prevention can help detect and treat health problems early.

Exercise and activity needs

The Scottish Terrier, despite its small size, needs a moderate amount of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks, interactive games, and outdoor play sessions are essential to meet its activity needs. It also enjoys mental challenges, so intelligence games and tracking activities can be beneficial. Without adequate exercise, it can become bored and develop undesirable behaviors. The Scottie is ideal for active families who can offer varied and stimulating exercise opportunities.

Recommended diet

A balanced diet is crucial for the health of the Scottish Terrier. It is recommended to feed high-quality kibble adapted to its size, age, and activity level. Meals should be high in animal proteins to support its musculature. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can also help maintain the health of its coat. Monitoring its weight and avoiding overfeeding are important, as Scotties can be prone to obesity. Regular visits to the veterinarian allow for adjustments to its diet based on its specific needs.

Training and obedience

Training and educating a Scottish Terrier requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. This intelligent and independent dog can sometimes be stubborn, so positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewards and praise, are most effective. Early socialization is crucial for adapting well to various situations, people, and other animals. They excel in activities such as agility and obedience, which stimulate their sharp minds. Firm but fair training will help channel their energy and reinforce desired behaviors.

Behavior with children

The Scottish Terrier is generally good with children, especially if socialized from a young age. They are affectionate and playful, but can also be a bit reserved and independent. It is important to supervise interactions between young children and the dog to avoid any unintentionally rough behavior. Scotties can become excellent playmates for older children who understand and respect the needs and limits of the dog. With proper education and socialization, the Scottish Terrier can live harmoniously with children in the family.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Scottish Terrier can coexist with other pets, especially if introduced to them at a young age. However, due to its hunting instinct, it may sometimes chase small animals. Early and ongoing socialization is essential to encourage positive relationships with other dogs and cats. With gradual introduction and proper supervision, a Scottie can get along with other household animals. Each dog is unique, so compatibility may vary depending on the individual dog's personality and the household dynamics.

Grooming needs

The Scottish Terrier requires regular grooming to maintain the health and appearance of its dense, hard coat. Weekly brushing is essential to prevent knots and remove dead hairs. A professional grooming every two to three months is recommended to maintain the specific breed cut. The ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections, and the teeth should be brushed frequently to avoid dental problems. Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming too long. Good maintenance contributes to the overall health and well-being of the dog.

Health

The Scottish Terrier is generally robust, but may be predisposed to certain genetic conditions and health problems. Common afflictions include skin allergies, skin problems, and hereditary diseases such as von Willebrand disease and hip dysplasia. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent veterinary visits are essential to prevent and detect these issues early. Regular health checks, including genetic tests, can help ensure that the Scottie remains healthy throughout its life.

Average price

The price of a Scottish Terrier puppy can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the breeding, the lineage of the parents, and the region. Generally, you can expect to pay between 1000 and 1500 euros for a puppy from a reputable breeder. In the United States, this price can range between 1200 and 2000 dollars. It is important to choose a responsible breeder who conducts health tests and ensures the well-being of the parents and puppies. Initial costs may seem high, but they often reflect the quality and care given to the breeding.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Scottish Terrier can vary, but typically include food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories. On average, it is necessary to budget around 700 to 1000 euros per year to cover these expenses in Europe. In the United States, these costs can range from 800 to 1200 dollars per year. These estimates include regular veterinary visits, vaccines, parasite treatments, quality food, and toys. Additional expenses may be necessary for health insurance, training classes, or pet sitting services.

Name ideas

Choosing a name for a Scottish Terrier can be a fun and meaningful task. For example, "Angus" is a traditional Scottish name evoking strength and nobility. "Bonnie" means "beautiful" in Scottish and suits a graceful female dog. "Fergus" is another classic Scottish name, meaning "man of strength". "Skye", inspired by the Isle of Skye, celebrates Scotland's wild beauty. "Thistle" refers to Scotland's national flower. "Mac" is short for a descendant, often used in Scotland. "Heather" evokes the Scottish moors. "Brave" highlights courage. "Whisky" recalls Scotland's iconic drink, and "Jock" is an affectionate Scottish nickname.

Legislation and regulation

In general, there is no specific legislation prohibiting the possession of Scottish Terriers in most countries. However, as with all dog breeds, it is important to comply with local laws regarding pets, especially in terms of vaccination, licensing, and public behavior. Some countries or regions may have specific regulations regarding working or hunting dogs. It is always recommended to check local laws and comply with requirements to ensure a harmonious and legal cohabitation with your pet.

Official recognition

The Scottish Terrier is recognized by various international cynological organizations, including the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard number 73. It is also recognized by breed clubs and national cynological registers in several countries, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (UK). These recognitions ensure the preservation of the breed and its standard worldwide. In its country of origin, Scotland, clubs dedicated to the Scottish Terrier actively work to promote and preserve the distinctive qualities of this breed.

Pedigrees

Scottish Terrier pedigrees can be obtained from breed clubs and recognized cynological organizations. A pedigree is an official document attesting to a dog's pure lineage, including several generations of ancestors. Responsible breeders generally provide this document when selling a puppy, thus guaranteeing the purity and quality of the breed. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and other national and international registers maintain databases of pedigrees, ensuring traceability and transparency in the breeding of Scottish Terriers.

Destination and usage

The Scottish Terrier is versatile and can be used in various roles, from a companion dog to a working dog. Historically used for hunting small game and as a farm dog, it also excels today in canine sports activities such as agility and obedience. Its alert and protective nature makes it a good guard dog for families. Due to its playful and affectionate character, it is also an excellent companion for children. Its versatility and intelligence allow it to adapt to various uses, both in households and in more active and competitive contexts.

Prohibitions

The Scottish Terrier is not subject to specific prohibitions in most countries. However, it is always prudent to check local and national regulations regarding the ownership and importation of dogs. Some countries may have general restrictions on terrier-type dogs or specific rules for importing certain breeds. It is essential to consult with local authorities and canine organizations to ensure that all rules and regulations are adhered to before acquiring a Scottish Terrier or traveling with one.

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