Scottish Terrier Puppies For Sale

Short, sturdy and stocky, the Scottish Terrier was originally listed under the generic name of "Skye Terrier," a grouping of Highland Terrier breeds that had their origins in Scotland. Besides the Scottie, the other four were the Cairn Terrier, the Skye Terrier, the Dandie Dinmont, and the West Highland White Terrier.

Small and with a distinctive shape, the Scottie is the only breed of dog to have had residence in the White House three times. President Roosevelt, President Eisenhower, and President George W. Bush all owned Scottish Terriers.

Although originally bred to hunt and kill badgers, fox and small vermin, today the Scottie is a beloved family pet that is lively and playful as a puppy, but dignified and highly independent, even stubborn, as an adult. This breed has earned the nickname "Diehard" because of its rugged determination, feistiness and fearlessness. That said, these dogs are also very sensitive and intelligent, and can be completely devoted and loving with family – and even obedient, given proper direction and instruction. As with most Terrier breeds, though, a very firm (albeit gentle) hand is required at all times so that this very independent and stubborn little dog does not free rein with its own desires.

History
Although today's Scottish Terrier has been bred via pure lines for many years, the actual origins are obscure simply because the breed is so old. Undocumented and ambiguous for many years, the first records indicating a dog of similar description to the Scottie dates back to 1436, with mention in Don Leslie's book, The History of Scotland, 1436-1561. The modern-day Scottie first made its "apparent" appearance in Sir Joshua Reynolds' painting of a young girl petting a dog that looked very similar to the Scottie. King James VI of Scotland also has an important role in the development of the Scottish Terrier. He became King James I of England in the 17th century and sent six Terriers thought to be ancestors of the Scottish Terrier to a French monarch as gifts. Because he so loved the breed, it became more popular worldwide.

In the 19th century, most who wrote about dogs seemed to be in agreement that two varieties of Terrier existed in Britain at that time. The rough haired "Scotch" Terrier, and the smooth haired "English" Terrier. In 1829, Thomas Brown wrote that "the Scotch Terrier is certainly the purest in point of breed and the (smooth) English seems to have been produced by a cross from him," and described the Scotch as "low in stature, with a strong muscular body, short stout legs, a head large in proportion to the body… generally of a sandy colour or black" and with " a "long, matted and hard" outer coat. While this does not necessarily denote the Scottie per se, a rough coated breed that was small and Terrier-like specifically used for hunting small game existed at that time and could have been the Aberdeen Terrier, which is today the Scottish Terrier.

In 1881, the Scottish Terrier Club of England was founded, the first club of its kind dedicated to the Scottie. The club's secretary, H.J. Ludlow, greatly spread the popularity of the breed throughout Great Britain. Interestingly, the Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland wasn't founded until seven years after Great Britain's club, in 1888. It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as part of the Terrier group. The breed became popular in the United States during the years between World Wars I and II. They were the third most popular breed in the US in 1936, and although they have not held this position throughout the years, they maintain their good standing among pet owners and are still a popular breed even today currently ranking within the top 60 dogs registered to the AKC among some nearly 200 overall.

Appearance
Small, short-legged, compact and muscular, the Scottie is a Terrier that is most definitely built to be a working dog. With a wiry, hard, weather-resistant outer coat over a downy soft, dense undercoat which is perfect for long hours in inclement weather, and a thick body that hangs down between short, heavy legs, the Scottie's keen, piercing expression clearly broadcasts its true nature as an excellent vermin hunter. Confident, bold, and dignified, this little dog is a beloved family pet – but a truly powerful one that can do the job it's meant to do. With small, intense, exceedingly bright eyes and petite, pricked ears, the alert expression of the Scottie is no illusion. This little dog is on task at all times.

Coat colors can be jet black to dark gray, or can be brindle, which is a mixture of brown and black. Scotties can be born with so-called "Wheaton" coats, which are nearly white or straw-colored, but this is a relative rarity that occurs in the Scottie breed and is not to be confused with similarly colored West Highland White Terriers, or Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers. Standing 10 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 18 to 22 pounds in adulthood, the Scottie is truly a dog of substance in both personality and build.

Temperament
The Scottie earned the nickname "Diehard" because it is obstinate, determined, and independent – certainly ready for adventure at all times. Vigorous activity and even a little excitement are a must on a daily basis, with recommended exercise in the form of a walk on a leash or off leash – but in a safe area. Scottish Terriers are diggers and can be car chasers, and can tend to "get away" very easily, so it's recommended that if you set your little dog loose, you give it a good yard with a sturdy fence to explore. Because the Scottish Terrier is a digger, make sure the fence is constructed to deter escape in spite of that activity.

Feisty and very quick, this dog can be obedient with some proper training and consistent discipline. The Scottie is also very affectionate, tender and playful, very faithful to family and friends, but can be aloof with strangers. Should you adopt a dog of this breed, it will become attached to you very quickly, since the Scottie tends to pick one or two favorite people, with whom it will instantly bond. Although friendly to everyone else, the "favorites" will always get the Scottie's devoted, undivided attention.

Health
The Scottie is a tough, hardy little dog accustomed to chasing badgers and fox, as well as smaller vermin like rats, mice, squirrels, etc., in all kinds of weather. It will live between 12 and 15 years on average, with some breed-related problems like von Willebrand disease, (similar to hemophilia where hemorrhaging can occur in the event of certain injuries), Scottie Cramp (a problem with movement) and a propensity to develop mast cell tumors ( a malignant type of oncological skin lump) reported.

Grooming
The rough outer coat must be brushed regularly, especially when shedding is occurring. Dry shampooing or bathing as necessary will keep the dog clean. Trim the fur professionally twice year, leaving the hair on the body long and skirt-like, and the fur on the face trimmed slightly and brushed forward. Shedding is minimal for the Scottie.

Colors
The color of the Scottish Terrier varies from dark gray to jet black. Occasionally, you will see these terriers in a wheat color or brindle, but this is rare.

Living Area
The Scottish Terrier is a good indoor dog that also enjoys playing outdoors. It can survive very well in a small apartment. Preferring cooler temperatures, it can adapt to a multitude of living conditions almost anywhere. This terrier has a weather-resistant outer coat that will give the dog protection in diverse weather conditions.