X
How.com.vn is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 2,404 times.
The Scottish Terrier, thought to be the oldest of the Highland terrier breeds, was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and rats on the Scottish Highlands.[1] A member of the terrier group,[2] the Scottish Terrier has similarities with many other terrier breeds. Fortunately, this How.com.vn will help you recognize the Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, breed by identifying its key traits.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Looking at the Structure
Consider the size of the dog. Scottish Terriers are fairly small dogs. They have a height of around 10 inches (25 cm) and weigh only 18–22 pounds (8.2–10.0 kg).[3]
Notice the dog's head shape. Scotties have long heads that are medium in width. They are slightly domed but appear flat in profile, and the head is long in proportion to the dog's overall size and length. The head and muzzle appear as two parallel planes.[4]
Check the ears. The ears of a Scottish Terrier are small and pricked erect, being set well up on the skull. They are pointed, with the outer edge forming a straight line up from the side of the skull, and help give the dog an expression of intelligence and alertness.[5]
Examine the eyes. A Scottie's eyes are small, almond-shaped, and bright. They are dark brown, nearly black, in color and are set wide apart and well in under the brows.[6]
View the muzzle. Scottish Terriers have muzzles that are equal to the head in length and slightly taper toward the nose. The muzzle should be able to fill the hand of the average man. It is well-filled under the eye without snippiness, with a square jaw, black nose, and either a scissors or level bite.[7]
Inspect the paws. Scotties have thick, round, compact paws with strong nails, the forefeet being larger than the hind feet. The front feet point ahead, though they may "toe out" slightly.[8]
Look at the tail. The tail of a Scottie is high-set and carried erect, not over the back but either straightly or with a slight curve forward. It is about 7 inches (18 cm) in length and never cut. The thick base gradually tapers to a point.[9]
Take the dog's overall build into account. Scottish Terriers appear as sturdy, compact dogs with short legs. They are of good substance and bone, appearing to have a cobby, thick-set body. Scotties have moderately short necks, laid-back shoulders, muscular thighs, and chests that are neither flat nor concave. They walk with a powerfully driven gait, where the forelegs do not move in a parallel manner.[10]Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Taking the Coat Into Account
Look for a broken coat. Scottish Terriers have broken coats, which are hard and wiry on the outside with a soft, dense undercoat. The coat is never soft or curly.[11]
Check the coat color. Scotties may be seen sporting coats that are solid black, wheaten (a pale yellow or fawn color resembling wheat),[12] or brindle of any color. White or silver hairs may be sprinkled about on black or brindle dogs, and white may be seen in small amounts on the dog's chest or chin.[13]
Consider how the coat is trimmed. Not every Scottish Terrier will have a specially trimmed coat, but one common trim seen in Scotties showcases longer fur on the muzzle/beard, legs, and lower body, which may be slightly softer than the rest of the coat. The dog may have a sufficient coat with a determinable texture and density.[14]Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Recognizing Temperament
See if the dog is stubborn. Many terrier breeds have the reputation of being stubborn and strong-willed, and the Scottish Terrier is no exception. Their toughness suits them well for hunting vermin but can complicate training.[15]
Expect independence. Scotties are fairly playful and friendly as puppies, but as they mature, they become more independent. They may act dominant and need consistent training to understand that they are not in charge.[16]
Be wary of aggressive dogs. Scottish Terriers are prone to animal aggression. They may act aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex, and due to their background, have strong instincts to chase smaller animals.[17]
Take note of how the dog acts around strangers. Scotties are standoffish toward strangers, requiring much socialization from an early age to become more comfortable around them. Without this exposure early on, they may become suspicious toward strangers, which may lead to biting.[18]
Look for loyalty. Despite their behavior toward unfamiliar people. Scottish Terriers are steadfastly loyal to their owners. Their combined loyalty, fearlessness, and sharpness toward strangers make them intimidating watchdogs.[19]Did you know? Scotties are popularly loyal, and three U.S. Presidents have owned Scottish Terriers. Reportedly, Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish Terrier named Fala received more fan mail than many presidents.[20]
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
Tips
- Consider DNA testing if you want to know your dog's breed. This will confirm if your dog is a Scottish Terrier.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/about/glossary/
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
- ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
- ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
- ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
- ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
- ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/14-favorite-presidents-and-their-pups/
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
