<C>Weight:</C> 19 to 22 pounds (male); 18 to 21 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Small.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Scottish Terrier was developed in Scotland in the 1700's. The breed was first called the Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish town of the same name. Like many other long, low dogs, the Scottie was used to hunt den animals, particularly otter, fox, badger and rabbit. Today this stylish breed is primarily a companion, though he still retains his hunting instincts.
<b>Description:</> The Scottie is a hardy, compact, energetic dog with short legs and a long, bearded head. The almond shaped eyes are shielded by bushy eyebrows. The small erect ears are pointed, the large nose is black and the tail points straight up. The outer coat is harsh and bristly, and the undercoat is soft. The Scottish Terrier comes in solid black, dark gray, wheaten, grizzle and brindle. There can be a little bit of white on the chest.
<b>Notes:</> The coat needs a lot of regular attention to keep it looking its best. In addition to twice-weekly brushing, the coat also needs quarterly stripping and shaping. Don't overfeed. Likes to dig. Some bloodlines are prone to Scottie cramp ( a movement problem), von Willebrand's disease, flea allergy, and skin and jaw problems.
<b>Personality:</> Lively, brave and alert. Protective, playful, hardy, lovable. Charming and full of character. This breed has unusually variable behavior and moods. Can be moody and snappish as an adult. Intelligent. Sensitive to and resentful of harsh treatment. Can be willful, but needs gentle persuasion. Often a one-family dog, indifferent with other people. Good with children. A fierce hunter. A big dog in a small dog's body.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Moderately protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Extensive grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Professional trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Very light.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Prefers cool climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> SCOTTISH TERRIER
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
