The guarded nature of the Scottish terrier makes it a very good watchdog but it also means that you’ll need to socialize your dog. Fortunately, Scotties are not too big or dangerous to others but a poorly socialized Scottie can still be a rather loud alarmist when he decides to be.
Table of Contents
Scottish Terriers as Watch Dogs?
This breeds does best with a fenced yard. Invisible fences do not deter this dog if he sees a squirrel he must have. Scottish Terrier puppies are active enough, but they continue to be an active breed as they mature, and they love to play outside. They need moderate amounts of exercise, and make ideal walking companions. They cannot swim, so if you have a pool – you will have to take care to keep your Scottie away from it. They make great watch dogs, and will be sure to announce an approaching stranger. They will also announce an approaching squirrel, or a passing bicycle. The Scottie is a good dog for apartment living, and is moderately active indoors, and will do well without a yard. They will require a daily walk, and indoor play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs. Scottie puppies and matured dogs love to lie on the back of the couch and stare out the window, occasionally barking at things that interest them.
Are Scottish Terriers Aggressive?
Scottish Terriers are not easy dogs to train at all, another reason they should be homed only with experienced owners. Training is difficult because of its stubborn and independent nature and because it takes a very firm and clear leader for it to be inclined to listen and obey. It is important to stay consistent but not to get aggressive, impatient or negative. Be in control yes but not to the point where you think smacking can help, this is a sensitive dog and it will not respond well to that.
Scottish Terriers Background
There is a lot of confusion regarding the Scottish Terrier’s background, as all terriers in Scotland are referred as Scotch or Scottish Terriers. Adding to the confusion is the fact that the modern Scottish Terrier was originally placed under the group of the Skye Terriers, denoting a family of terriers belonging to Scottish Isle of Skye.
Family and Bonding
What’s the Scottish Terrier like?The Scottish Terrier is nicknamed the “Diehard,” and that should give you some indication of his personality. He’s independent, feisty and not afraid to stand up for himself. He’s always ready to play and to chase. Remember that his preferred game is small animals, so keep the family hamster far away. The Scottish Terrier remembers harsh treatment, and this method won’t be affective during training. The Scottish Terrier would do better with a reward based system and a gentle voice. The Scottish Terrier has a long standing history as a working dog and will require exercise every day. Anything less could lead to obnoxious levels of barking. Try and find a Scottie whose personality matches your own, start by talking with the breeder. If you’ve found one with experience – and we hope you have – the breeder can help guide you to the perfect fit. Health:A disease known as “Scottie cramp” is a hereditary disorder which affects this breed. It’s caused by a brain defect and makes it difficult for the Scottish Terrier to walk. Scottish Terriers also seem to be at a higher risk of cancer than other purebreds.
Friendly
This book will teach you all about the Scottish Terrier temperament, the right animal companions for him, and everything else you need to know in order to keep your loyal friend happy, healthy, and by your side for as long as possible. You’ll also learn how this breed isn’t especially friendly with strangers, so with a Scottish Terrier in your life, you can feel safe knowing that your home is protected.
Scottish Terrier Nature
The Scottish Terrier originated in the highlands of Scotland. Although references to small, scrappy “earth” dogs appeared in several of the earliest books on dogs, there are few written records of early breed history. Scotties remained isolated by geography until the late 1870s, when Captain W. W. Mackie toured the highlands, buying Scottish Terriers and writing about them. Predators such as foxes, badgers, rats and other vermin competed with local hunters for scarce game. Scotties were bred to go underground and flush or kill any such creature that went to ground. At first, the breed was surrounded by controversy, with each proponent certain that he alone had the correct breed type. There was even controversy about the breed’s correct name. They were sometimes referred to as Aberdeen Terriers, Cairn Terriers, and Skye Terriers, but as their popularity grew, “Scottish Terrier” was the name that stuck. By the turn of the century, Scotties were appearing in show rings on both sides of the Atlantic. During the 1930s, Scotties were wildly popular. President Franklin Roosevelt’s Fala was the most well-known dog of his era. Today, the majority of Scotties are family companions, but the breed’s feisty character and instinct to dig and hunt are still intact.
Intelligence
The Scottie is lively, proud, intelligent, and has an extremely reliable temperament. He likes to dig, enjoys walks, loves to play ball, and is thoroughly sporty, home loving, and extremely affectionate with their family. Scottish Terrier puppies and matured dogs do very well with other animals, as long as they are raised with them. Scotties are independent thinkers, and don’t take naturally to obedience training. They enjoy a reputation of being stubborn. A very regal dog. If you ask them to do something, they will always want to know what’s in it for them. They excel at agility, and not just when they are puppies! Consistent obedience training is very important for this breed. If you do not establish yourself as the pack leader, your Scottie will. The Scottish Terrier puppy is harder to train than most other dog breeds. He learns new commands more slowly than most other breeds. You will need to be extra patient when training a Scottish Terrier puppy, but it is all worth it in the end, to have a gentle, loving, loyal, intelligent, dedicated, protective, sensitive companion. A dog who will watch TV with you, and sleep in your bed.
Love
Scottish Terriers as a Pack Animal
The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and substance. His head is long in proportion to his size. He has a hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. These characteristics, joined with his very special keen, piercing, varminty expression, and his erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. The Scottish Terrier’s bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package.
Physical Traits
One thing that you should know is that the Scottish terrier is not a capable swimmer and can drown easily. The short legs and disproportionate size of their head make them unbalanced and ill-equipped for aquatic activities. Closely watch your Scottie around pools, ponds, lakes, or other bodies of water.