Scottish Terrier Dogs Information

Written by: Debbie Moore

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Scottie Dog

Common Misspellings:  Scottish-Terrier, Scottish Terrior, Scotie, Scottiedog, Scotish Terrier, Scotland Terrier, Scotch Terrier

Learn all about Scottish Terrier Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Scottish Terrier dog breed. You'll find solid information about Scottish Terrier dog history, Scottish Terrier life expectancy Scottish Terrier dog appearance, Scottish Terrier temperament and personality, Scottish Terrier health problems, Scottish Terrier puppy care, training Scottish Terrier puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Scottish Terrier dog breeder.

One of the most recognizable of the terrier dog breeds, the Scottish Terrier is a handsome and spirited dog with a mind of it's own and a lot of spunk to back it up. Despite it's glamorous looks, the Scottie is a terrier, developed and bred to hunt rats, rodents and other vermin. That initial purpose is still very much a part of the Scottish Terrier personality, lending tenacity and fearlessness to this unique and endearing breed of terrier.

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Scottish Terrier Facts

The Scottish Terrier Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Scottish Terrier Height: 10 inches at the shoulder

Scottish Terrier Weight: 18 to 22 poundss

Scottish Terrier Color Variations: Grey Scottie
Black Scottie
Brindle Scottie
Wheaten Scottie

Scottish Terrier Size Variations:

Scottish Terrier Exercise Needs: Moderate

Scottish Terrier Grooming Demands: Demanding

Scottish Terrier Trainability:

Scottish Terrier Life Expectancy:

Average Scottish Terrier Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children:

Good With Other Pets:

Breed Group: Terrier

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Scottish Terrier Dog History

Affectionately known as the "Scottie", the Scottish Terrier is a working terrier that hails from the Scottish Highlands, and was once a member of the "Scotch Terrier Group", which included a variety of terrier types. This group underwent renaming in the mid 1800's by British dog fanciers in an attempt to differentiate between the various breeds, and the Scottie was given the name "Hard-Haired Scotch Terrier". Two years later, the breed was renamed the Scottish Terrier and continues to carry that name today.

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Scottish Terrier Dog Appearance

The Scottie is a sturdy, low-set terrier that stands about 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs from 18 to 22 pounds. It's outer coat is hard and wiry with a dense, softer undercoat. The coat comes in colors of are grey, brindle, black or wheaten.

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Scottish Terrier Grooming

To keep the trim, "Scottie" look, regular grooming is required, although many owners prefer to clipper their Scotties to soften the hard-textured coat and reduce grooming time and expense.

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Scottish Terrier Exercise Needs

Scotties love the great outdoors, and should be given at least one brisk walk each day. Like all terriers, Scotties should not be let off leash (unless you have an entire day to spend on a wild goose (or should we say Scottie) chase.

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Scottish Terrier Temperament

Playful, lovable and very loyal, the Scottie makes and excellent house dog and family pet. He also makes a great watchdog, and will eagerly alert his owners to the presence of intruders. Scotties can be aggressive with other dogs, so special care should be taken to avoid "canine disagreements".

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Scottish Terrier Training

Scottish Terriers, like the terriers they are, are stubborn and difficult to train. They require early and consistent obedience training and need to be constantly reminded that they are not in charge.

It's best to start the process of teaching a Scottie who's boss from early puppyhood, and take special efforts not to let him get the upper hand. Any attempts to usurp your status as alpha dog should be dealt with immediately and consistently.

With consistent training and a firm hand, a Scottie makes a great companion.

Scottish Terrier Health

As with any purebred breed of dog, the Scottie is not without health issues that can be a concern. Anyone considering a Scottish Terrier as their breed of choice should be knowledgeable about health conditions that can be prevalent in the breed, and take extra efforts to find a highly reputable breeder who carefully screens their dogs for health issues prior to breeding. A responsible breeder will be very knowledgeable about the Scottie breed, and will be able to advise you about the pros - and the cons of owning this special breed of dog. A reputable breeder will place the health and longevity of her dogs and puppies first and foremost.

There are three main health concerns that can occur in the Scottish Terrier breed. These are:

VonWillebrands Disease
Scottie Cramp
Cranio-mandibular Osteopathy

For more indepth information about these canine disorders, please visit the following site: Scottie Health and Grooming

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Is the Scottish Terrier Right For You?

Scotties are well-suited to almost any accommodations, whether country or city, apartment or acreage, provided that regular daily walks are offered.

Scottish Terriers, like almost any terrier breed, are probably not the best choice for families with small children or small dogs, cats or other pets.

If you're not keen on having a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming, then a Scottie is not a great choice either.

However, if you are looking for a spunky dog with plenty of character, rugged good looks and a rich history, then a Scottish Terrier could be your dream dog.

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Scottish Terrier Prices

Average Scottish Terrier Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Scottish Terrier dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Scottish Terrier puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Scottish Terrier dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Scottish Terrier puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Scottish Terrier breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Scottish Terrier prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Scottish Terrier puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Scottish Terrier Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Scottish Terrier puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Scottish Terrier Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Scottish Terrier breeders. We actively screen Scottish Terrier breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Scottish Terrier breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Scottish Terrier puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Scottish Terrier puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Scottish Terrier dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Scottish Terrier Resources:

• Scottish Terrier Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Scottish Terrier Breed Profile
• Scottish Terrier Pictures
• Scottish Terrier Videos

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