Scottish Terrier - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin

Scottish Terriers were developed in Scottish Aberdeen and at first, they were named as Aberdeen Terriers. The first mention about this breed is from the book History of Scotland from 1436 to 1561 where a dog of low height similar to Scottish Terrier is described.

2) Purpose

They are terriers, so it is not that hard to guess, what was their original purpose. Scottish terriers were bred to chase and hunt foxes, badgers, rabbits, rats and other small game. They were bred to burrow and go to the ground. They chased the animals living in the dnes.

3) Scottie Cramp

Sometimes, when the Scottish Terrier is too excited, they have problems with walking. They exhibit a goose stepping gait and sometimes they even fall down. This is called the Scottie Cramp and it it neurological disorder causes the muscles to tense up. We dont know it for sure, but it is believed, that it is not painful for the dogs and it most of the time disappear in few minutes.

4) Splinter II.

Splinter II. Was a female scottish terrier who was owned by mrs Ludlow – the creator of the Scottish Terrier club of england. Splinter II. Is often times called as the mother of the Scottish Terrier breed. It is because majority of the nowadays Scottish Terriers can trace their origin back to her.

5) Royalty

Scottish Terriers were loved by royalty. The King James the sixth was a big lover of Scottish Terriers and he definitely made them popular outside the Scotland. Another ruler who owned a Scottish Terrier was a Queen Victoria. And they appeared in White house as well, the presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George W. Bush owned a Scottish Terrier in the White House.

6) Digging

Since Scottish terriers were bred to chase small animals that live in underground dens, it is now wonder that they have tendencies to dig. They are just natural diggers. Even if your Scottie is not a hunter, they might dig for comfort or out of boredom. If you want to prevent your Scottish Terrier from Digging it is important to provide them A LOT of physical and mental stimulation.

7) Living with

If you are thinking about getting a Scottie, you should be prepared for a independent dog, that will be affectionate towards you, but he will be very suspicious towards strangers and he will probably not be the biggest friend with other dogs. You should also have high fence which is burried underground, because Scottish Terriers have tendencies to run away after squirrels, cats or birds. And be prepared for barking, as all terriers, Scotties are vocal dogs.

8) Westminster Dog Show

Scottish Terrier is the second most succesfull competittor at the famous Westminster Dog Show. The only breed that has more wins is the Wire Fox Terrier. The Scottish Terriers have incredible 8 awards.

9) Size

The Scotties are low to the ground long dogs with distinctive beard, long eyebrows and wiry coat. The average height of Scottish Terrier should be between 10-11 inches which is 25-28 cm and their weight should be between 18-22 pounds which is 8-10 kgs.
10) Von Willebrand’s disease

Scottish Terriers are not unhealthy dogs, but they are prone to the Von Willebrands disease, which is a hereditary bleeding disorder. They are prone to some other health issues, including the cataracts, patellar luxation or allergies.