The Scotty Appeal - 6
Scotty Specific and General Links
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AKC
Scottish Terrier Description
Did
you know?
· The Scottish Terrier was bred in Scotland as a fierce hunter
of foxes and badgers.
· The first show to have a class for the Scottish Terrier was in
1860.
· John Naylor is credited with being the first to introduce the
Scottie to this country.
· The first registered Scottie in America was "Dake" whelped
Sept. 15, 1884
So you want to own a Scottish Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier is absolutely dependable and loyal, but may
sometimes appear aloof and independent. He is not a docile pet.
Although
he enjoys his
independence and can have a hot temper, the Scottie is very sensitive
and will make a good pet for someone who understands his fiesty nature.
Breed Standard
General Appearance
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.
Size, Proportion, Substance
The Scottish Terrier should have a thick body and heavy bone. The
principal objective must be symmetry and balance without exaggeration.
Equal consideration shall be given to height, weight, length of back
and length of head. Height at withers for either sex should be about 10
inches. The length of back from withers to set-on of tail should be
approximately 11 inches. Generally, a well-balanced Scottish Terrier
dog should weigh from 19 to 22 pounds and a bitch from 18 to 21 pounds.
Head
The head should be long in proportion to the overall length and size of
the dog. In profile, the skull and muzzle should give the appearance of
two parallel planes. The skull should be long and of medium
width, slightly domed and covered with short, hard hair. In profile,
the skull should appear flat. There should be a slight but definite
stop between the skull and muzzle at eye level, allowing the eyes to be
set in under the brow, contributing to proper Scottish Terrier
expression. The skull should be smooth with no prominences or
depressions and the cheeks should be flat and clean. The muzzle
should be approximately equal to the length of skull with only a slight
taper to the nose. The muzzle should be well filled in under
the eye, with no evidence of snippiness. A correct Scottish Terrier
muzzle should fill an average man's hand. The nose should be
black, regardless of coat color, and of good size, projecting somewhat
over the mouth and giving the impression that the upper jaw is longer
than the lower. The teeth should be large and evenly spaced,
having either a scissor or level bite, the former preferred. The jaw
should be square, level and powerful. Undershot or overshot bites
should be penalized. The eyes should be set wide apart and well
in under the brow. They should be small, bright and piercing, and
almond-shaped not round. The color should be dark brown or nearly
black, the darker the better. The ears should be small, prick,
set well up on the skull and pointed, but never cut. They should be
covered with short velvety hair. From the front, the outer edge of the
ear should form a straight line up from the side of the skull. The use,
size, shape and placement of the ear and its erect carriage are major
elements of the keen, alert, intelligent Scottish Terrier expression.
Neck, Topline, Body
The
neck should be moderately short, strong, thick and muscular, blending
smoothly into well laid back shoulders. The neck must never be so short
as to appear clumsy. The body should be moderately short with
ribs extending well back into a short, strong loin, deep flanks and
very muscular hindquarters. The ribs should be well sprung out from the
spine, forming a broad, strong back, then curving down and inward to
form a deep body that would be nearly heart-shaped if viewed in
cross-section. The topline of the back should be firm and
level. The chest should be broad, very deep and
well let down between the forelegs. The forechest should extend well in
front of the legs and drop well down into the brisket. The chest should
not be flat or concave, and the brisket should nicely fill an average
man's slightly-cupped hand. The lowest point of the brisket should be
such that an average man's fist would fit under it with little or no
overhead clearance. The tail should be about seven inches long
and never cut. It should be set on high and carried erectly, either
vertical or with a slight curve forward, but not over the back. The
tail should be thick at the base, tapering gradually to a point and
covered with short, hard hair.
Forequarters
The
shoulders should be well laid back and moderately well knit at the
withers. The forelegs should be very heavy in bone, straight or
slightly bent with elbows close to the body, and set in under the
shoulder blade with a definite forechest in front of them. Scottish
Terriers should not be out at the elbows. The forefeet should be larger
than the hind feet, round, thick and compact with strong nails. The
front feet should point straight ahead, but a slight "toeing out" is
acceptable. Dew claws may be removed.
Hindquarters
The
thighs should be very muscular and powerful for the size of the dog
with the stifles well bent and the legs straight from hock to heel.
Hocks should be well let down and parallel to each other.
Coat
The
Scottish Terrier should have a broken coat. It is a hard, wiry outer
coat with a soft, dense undercoat. The coat should be trimmed and
blended into the furnishings to give a distinct Scottish Terrier
outline. The dog should be presented with sufficient coat so that the
texture and density may be determined. The longer coat on the beard,
legs and lower body may be slightly softer than the body coat but
should not be or appear fluffy.
Color
Black,
wheaten or brindle of any color. Many black and brindle dogs have
sprinklings of white or silver hairs in their coats which are normal
and not to be penalized. White can be allowed only on the chest and
chin and that to a slight extent only.
Gait
The gait of the Scottish Terrier is very characteristic of the breed.
It is not the square trot or walk desirable in the long-legged breeds.
The forelegs do not move in exact parallel planes; rather, in reaching
out, the forelegs incline slightly inward because of the deep broad
forechest. Movement should be free, agile and coordinated with powerful
drive from the rear and good reach in front. The action of the rear
legs should be square and true and, at the trot, both the hocks and
stifles should be flexed with a vigorous motion. When the dog is in
motion, the back should remain firm and level.
Temperament
The Scottish Terrier should be alert and spirited but also stable and
steady-going. He is a determined and thoughtful dog whose "heads up,
tails up" attitude in the ring should convey both fire and control. The
Scottish Terrier, while loving and gentle with people, can be
aggressive with other dogs. He should exude ruggedness and power,
living up to his nickname, the "Diehard."
Penalties
Soft coat; curly
coat; round, protruding or
light eyes; overshot or undershot jaws; obviously oversize or
undersize; shyness or timidity; upright shoulders; lack of reach in
front or drive in rear; stiff or stilted movement; movement too wide or
too close in rear; too narrow in front or rear; out at the elbow; lack
of bone and substance; low set tail; lack of pigment in the nose;
coarse head; and failure to show with head and tail up are faults to be
penalized.
NO JUDGE SHOULD PUT TO
WINNERS OR BEST OF
BREED ANY SCOTTISH TERRIER NOT SHOWING REAL TERRIER CHARACTER IN THE
RING.
Scale of Points
Skull
Muzzle
Eyes
Ears
Neck
Chest
Body
Legs & Feet
Tail
Coat
Size
General Appearance
Total |
5
5
5
10
5
5
15
10
5
15
10
10
100
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CanaDogs
- Scottish
Terrier Canadian
CanaDogs, Canada
Scottish Terriers
are the most well-known and possibly the oldest of the terriers hailing
from the Highlands of Scotland. Ancestors of the Scottie were
discovered by the Romans when they invaded Britain in 55 BC. The word
terrier derives from the Latin "terrarii" from the word for "earth".
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Animal Planet
Dog Breed Directory, Scottish Terrier
Source: Animal
PlanetWebsite, The Discovery
Channel.
Accessed: 29Oct03.
POSTED FOR ACADEMIC FAIR USE PURPOSES ONLY
AKC Ranking:
43
Family: terrier
Area of Origin: Scotland
Date of Origin: 1800s
Original Function: vermin hunting
Today's Function: earthdog trials
Avg Size of male: Height: 10 Weight: 19-22
Avg Size of Female: Height: 10 Weight: 18-21
Other Name: Aberdeen terrier
History
Great confusion exists about the background of the Scottish terrier,
stemming from the early custom of calling all terriers from Scotland
Scottish or Scotch terriers. To further confuse matters, the present
Scottish terrier was once grouped with Skye terriers, in reference not
to the modern Skye terrier but of a large group of terriers from the
Isle of Skye. Whatever the origin, the early Scottish terriers were
definitely a hardy lot of Highlanders, used for going to ground in
pursuit of their prey. Only in the late 1800s can the Scottish
terrier's history be confidently documented. Of the several
short-legged, harsh-coated terriers, the dog now known as the Scottish
terrier was most favored in the Aberdeen area, and so for a time it was
called the Aberdeen terrier. By the 1870s, the situation had become so
confusing that a series of protests were made, ultimately leading to a
detailed description of how the true Scottish terrier should appear.
Around 1880, the first breed standard was put forth. The first Scotty
came to America in 1883. It gradually gained popularity until World War
II, after which its popularity soared. The most well-known Scotty in
America was Fala, Franklin Roosevelt's dog, who was his constant
companion in life and buried at his side in death. The Scottish terrier
remains a fixture of the terrier group, always a contender in the show
ring and a favorite in the home.
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The Kennel Club Breed Standard, Scottish Terrier
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Source: Scottish Terrier. The Kennel Club Website. Breed
Standard. Accessed: 29Oct03.
POSTED FOR ACADEMIC FAIR USE PURPOSES ONLY.
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The Kennel Club Photo Library - © David Dalton
"...
General Appearance
Thick-set, of suitable size to go to ground, short-legged, alert in
carriage and suggestive of great power and activity in small compass.
Head gives impression of being long for size of dog. Very agile and
active in spite of short legs.
Characteristics
Loyal and faithful. Dignified, independent and reserved, but courageous
and highly intelligent.
Temperament
Bold, but never aggressive.
Head and Skull
Long without being out of proportion to size of dog. Length of skull
enabling it to be fairly wide and yet retain narrow appearance. Skull
nearly flat and cheek bones not protruding. Foreface strongly
constructed and deep throughout. Skull and foreface of equal length.
Slight but distinct stop between skull and foreface just in front of
eye. Nose large and, in profile, line from nose towards chin appears to
slope backwards.
Eyes
Almond-shaped, dark brown, fairly wide apart, set deeply under eyebrows
with keen, intelligent expression.
Ears
Neat, fine texture, pointed, erect and set on top of skull but not too
close together. Large, wide-based ears highly undesirable.
Mouth
Teeth large with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth
closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck
Muscular and of moderate length.
Forequarters
Head carried on muscular neck of moderate length showing quality, set
into long sloping shoulders, brisket well in front of straight, well
boned forelegs to straight pasterns. Chest fairly broad and hung
between forelegs which must not be out at the elbow nor placed under
body.
Body
Well rounded ribs flattening to deep chest and carried well back. Back
proportionately short and very muscular. Topline of body straight and
level, loin muscular and deep, powerfully coupling ribs to
hindquarters.
Hindquarters
Remarkably powerful for size of dog. Big, wide buttocks, deep thighs
and well bent stifles. Hocks short, strong, turning neither in nor out.
Feet
Good size, well padded, toes well arched and close-knit, forefeet
slightly larger than hindfeet.
Tail
Moderate length giving general balance to dog, thick at root and
tapering towards tip. Set on with upright carriage or slight bend.
Gait/Movement
Smooth and free, straight both back and front with drive from behind
and level gait throughout.
Coat
Close-lying, double coat; undercoat short, dense and soft; outer coat
harsh, dense and wiry, together making a weather-resisting covering.
Colour
Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade.
Size
Height at withers 25-28 cms (10-11 ins); weight 8.5-10.5 kgs (19-23
lbs).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault
and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be
in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and
welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully
descended into the scrotum.
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K-9.com,
Scottish Terrier
Source: Partridge,
Camille. "Scottish Terriers" K-9.com Website. Accessed 29Oct03.
POSTED FOR ACADEMIC FAIR USE PURPOSES ONLY
"...Camille Partridge,
Gaelforce Scottish Terriers <CPARTRIDGE@PROAXIS.COM>
Copyright 1995 by the author.
Revision History
- vWB genetic test
information added June '96 [CTM]
Table of Contents
- Description
- Frequently Asked
Questions
- The Standard
- Affiliations and
Recognitions
- Medical Information
- Resources
Description
The Scottish Terrier is one of
the descendants of the Old Scotch Terrier, along with the Dandie
Dinmont, Cairn, and West Highland White Terriers. The exact origins of
the breed are obscure, but a dog of the general description dates back
to some of the earliest treatises on dogs in Britain. The low stature
and wiry coat have always been important characteristics to the
original purpose of the breed, which was to hunt and kill the various
species of wildlife that made life hard for the Scottish farmer and
crofter. These species included fox, badger, wildcat, weasel, otter,
and the ubiquitous rat. Losing one or two lambs could mean the
difference between eating well that winter and starving to the poor
farmer, and so a dog was developed that had exceptional strength and
courage, in a compact, tough package. These traits are still the
hallmark of the breed today.
"...
Frequently
Asked QuestionsDo Scotties shed?
All
dogs shed, but the wire-coated terriers, which includes the Scotties,
grow hair differently than many dogs, so they shed less than the short
haired breeds.
Are
they good with children?
Yes,
if the child is old enough to respect the dog's body, and to understand
that the dog has feelings, too. Scotties will generally try to hide
from an abusive child, but will bite if cornered, or pushed hard. For
this reason, they are not generally recommended for families with very
small children.
Does
this breed require lots of grooming?
In
a word, yes! They require regular brushing, and trimming four to six
times a year. Regular bathing is NOT recommended, however, as the skin
dries out too easily. Show dogs are stripped, the hair being pulled out
when long and dead, or blown, but pets should be clipped, as stripping
is time-consuming and expensive at a groomers'. The regular things such
as tooth brushing, nail clipping, and anal gland care are easily done
at home, and clipping isn't hard, either, if one wants to invest in the
clippers. Related to skin care is the flea question. I wage nuclear war
on fleas, as the breed is relatively sensitive to them. A Scot can chew
itself almost bald in next to no time, trying to get one flea!
What
about exercise requirements?
The
Scot is actually an active breed, and can become destructive if not
given enough mental and physical stimulation. The short legs do mean
less walking for the human partner to get the dog its daily
requirements ;-). Seriously, this is not a good jogging or marathon
partner, but an ideal walking companion. ON LEASH, please, as the
hunting instincts can draw the dog after a rabbit, into the path of a
car. The Scot is tough for it's size, but not that tough!
Are
Scotties noisy?
They
can be, but this varies alot within the breed. They are territorial,
and will announce visitors repeatedly and loudly. Human visitors they
know are welcome, but animal visitors, invited or not, are repulsed
with serious fury! One cannot consider the Scot a serious protection
breed, but they will inflict damage to even the most threatening
person, if they feel their owner is in danger. The teeth are bigger
than you would suppose.
What
sex makes the best pet?
Most
of the people who contact me assume that a female pup will make the
best pet. Since both sexes will be neutered, the former reasons for
this being the case no longer apply. In general, I feel that the male
pup makes a better pet for most people. Bitches I have owned tend to be
more reserved with strangers, while the male dogs I have owned, bred or
rescued have been more outgoing and happy-go-lucky. From my experience,
I recommend the male as the "better pet", although there will be other
opinions among other fanciers and breeders.
" Do they
make good obedience dogs?
If
you are looking for a High-In-Trial, no. A challenge, yes. The Scot is
one of the breeds bred to work independent of human direction. If the
dog is nose to nose with a badger, it cannot take the time to come out
and ask "may I attack now, please, or would you prefer me to wait?"
Thus, obediance as a formal task is rather foreign to the breed. Some
Scots obtain advanced degrees, but the majority are not tempermentally
suited to it. HOWEVER, all dogs should learn basic good manners and
certain general behaviors, such as coming when called. Puppy
Kindergarten Training is wonderful socialization for a young Scot to
learn, to avoid dog-aggressiveness later in life.
Are the
blonde ones Scotties, too?
This
is definitely the most asked question to anyone with a wheaten
Scot. There are many different colors acceptable in the breed; black,
shades of brindle, and wheaten being the major classes of color.
Wheaten ranges from a pale golden to a deep red. White, however, is not
an acceptable shade of wheaten, nor is it in the standard as an
approved color..."
"...
The standard of the breed describes
the ideal Scottish Terrier, and no one dog lives up perfectly in every
regard. In general, a Scottie should resemble the standard as closely
as possible. The closer to perfect, the more likely the dog is to earn
a championship. A dog can still have major faults and be a good
Scottie, but should not be used for breeding. Being a good pet is
nothing to be ashamed of, rather the opposite! But with the pet
overpopulation problem in this country, only the very best
representatives of any breed should reproduce. This is not just in
conformation terms of course, but tempermentally and medically as well.
Because of copyright
concerns over the collection of all the Standards
at any single site
storing all the faqs, AKC Standards are not typically included in the
Breed faqs. The reader is referred to the publications at the end of
this document or to the National Breed Club for a copy of the Standard.
Affiliations and Recognitions
The Scottish Terrier Club of America is the official parent club and guardian for the breed. The
breed is registered for show purposes with the American Kennel Club,
and may earn titles through this organization. The breed may also be
shown at events licensed by the American Working Terrier Association,
and may earn titles through this organization as well. Titles include:
Championship (conformation), Companion Dog through Utility Dog
Excellent (obediance), Tracking Dog/TD Excellent (tracking), Junior,
Senior and Master Earthdog (instinct/working) through AKC. From the
AWTA, titles include Certificate of Gameness and Working Certificate
(instinct/working below ground) and Hunting Certificate (above ground).
Medical Information The Scottish Terrier is afflicted with a few heritable
disorders of varying severity. There is a blood test for only one of
these, unfortunately. Responsible breeders do everything they can to
reduce and eliminate these disorders from their breeding stock, but
genes can re-combine in unexpected ways, and so even the best laid
plans can go awry. ,,,"
von Willebrand's Disease
The most serious disorder is a
bleeding/clotting disorder called von Willebrand's Disease (vWD). For a
Scottie to be a bleeder, i.e., have abnormally long, perhaps
life-threatening non-clotting times, both parents must be carriers, as
the gene is dominant/recessive in inheritance.
After several years of work, with
funding from the Scottish Terrier Club of Michigan, AKC, Morris Animal
Foundation, and others, a team at the Michigan State University has
developed a definitive genetic test for Type III vWD in Scottish
Terriers.
The test is DNA based, with
samples collected using a soft brush on the inside of the cheek of the
dog. It is non-invasive and painless. The results of the test place the
dog in one of three categories: clear, carrier, or affected. The test
is 100% accurate.
As a result, all breeders should
test animals being bred to ensure that no carriers or affecteds be bred
to anything other than a dog that has tested clear. If two clear dogs
are bred together, it is a certainty (barring an individual random
mutation) that the puppies will all be clear as well. All puppy buyers
should demand to see the test results on the parents of the puppies
they consider.
The tests are available only from
VetGen, a spinoff organization of the MSU and University of Michigan.
The cost is $135 per dog, and $5 for the sample collection kit. For an
additional $15, the results can be registered with the OFA, who are
administering a vWD registry for VetGen, 800-4-VETGEN..."
Scottie Cramp
The Scottie Cramp is a
neuromuscular disorder treated in severe cases with vitamin E and mild
tranquilizers. It is not painful for the dog, but afflicted animals
should not be bred.
Cranio-Mandibular Osteopathy
Cranio-Mandibular Osteopathy is a
disease shared with Westies and Cairns, as close cousins. It involves
abnormal growth of the bone in the jaw of the afflicted puppy. It is
severely painful, and should be eliminated from a breeding program. At
this time the only test for carrier status in a dog is to test-breed.
Treatment of the afflicted pup involves high-dose steroids and
intensive nursing by the owner.
In General
Of course, Scotties are just as
susceptible as any other breed to viral and bacterial transmissible
diseases, cancer, accident, gum disease, etc. Normal health care by a
licensed veterinarian is very important to the Scot's health. There is
current debate on the heritability of epilepsy, and hypothyroidism,
diabetes, and other immune-mediated diseases. It seems likely that
there is a genetic component to these problems, but the exact mode of
inheritance is likely to be polygenic, and never completely predictable.
Resources
Books
The following books are
recommended by this owner/breeder. You may find others in many
libraries. Thorough research into the breed is vital before
purchase is comtemplated.
The New Complete Scottish
Terrier, John T. Marvin, 1982, Howell Book House "This is The
Scottish Terrier", T. Allen Kirk, Jr. M.D., 1978, TFH Publications (out
of print, replaced by Cook's book).
The Official Book of the
Scottish Terrier, Muriel P. Lee, 1994, TFH Publications. .."
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The Dog
Pack, Breed Quick Reference, Scottish Terriers
The Dog Pack, Breed Quick
Reference, Scottish Terrier -
Source: "Breed Quick Reference."
The Dog Pack Website. Accessed: 29Oct03.
| Scottish Terrier |
Terrier |
18-22 pounds, 10 inches |
Health |
| Scottish Terrier |
VWD, leg cramps, skin problems,
flea allergies, jawbone disorders |
| VWD Tested |
Usually means that the
breeder has had a blood test done for a specific dog which indicates
whether or not the dog is free of von Willebrand's Disorder (VWD) which
is a blood clotting condition causing hemorrhaging from a simple
injury/illness. |
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Canis
Major, Scottish Terrier
Canis
Major, Scottish Terrier -
Source: Canis Major
Website. Accessed: 29Oct03.
POSTED FOR ACADEMIC FAIR USE PURPOSES ONLY
"...
Introduction
Appearance
and temperament
Health
Temperament
and training
Finding
a Scottie
Introduction
The Scottish Terrier’s unique appearance, jaunty
attitude, and inseparable link to his Highland homeland have
contributed to the breed’s popularity as adornment on clothing and
personal accessories and his presence in advertisements of many
products with a link to his country of origin. Scotties in plaid or
black are painted or sewn on barrettes and skirts, purses and greeting
cards, sweaters and wrapping paper and dozens of items in between. But
the Scottie’s nature is not consistent with this public image as a
stylish trademark; rather he is much like the dour folks who people his
native land – a stoic, independent canine, armed with fierce loyalty to
his master and stubborn adherence to privacy.
The Scottie is one of several go-to-ground
terriers developed in the Scottish highlands and one of several British
short-legged terriers. The origins of these terriers is obscure, but it
is fairly certain that they all arose from the same basic stock – and
admirers of the Scottie often insist that it is their breed from which
the others were developed. In the early days, several different
terriers were exhibited as Scotch Terriers, including the Scottie,
Cairn, Skye, Yorkshire and West Highland White terriers. The Dandie
Dinmont had been included earlier, but this dog’s obviously different
appearance gained it recognition as a separate breed. Progenitors of
the fiery Scottie were sent to France’s monarch by King James I of
England in the 16th Century, and the first standard for the breed now
known as the Scottish Terrier was written in 1880 and accepted by those
interested in the dogs.
Terriers developed in Britain to hunt vermin
that plagued farmers by eating grain, eggs, and poultry. They were
courageous, scrappy dogs, eager to follow fox or badger into the den,
built to dig their way in if necessary. Scotties are double-coated,
with a wiry, weather-resistant outer coat and soft undercoat for
warmth. The hard outer coat enables them to work in harsh climates and
rugged terrain.
The first Scottie came to the US in 1883; the
first AKC-registered Scottie was Prince Charlie, who joined the
registry in 1885. In 2001, 3958 individual Scotties and 1857 litters
were registered, placing the breed 43rd in popularity among AKC’s
150-plus breeds and varieties. Numbers were down from the 2000 when
4396 individuals and 2094 litters were registered.
Appearance and temperament
To the novice, Scotties,
Cairns, and Westies are similar in appearance. The Cairn and the Westie
are closely related; the Westie looks like a white version of the
any-color-but-white Cairn and indeed developed from white puppies born
to a Cairn bitch in western Scotland. However, a second glance proves
that the similarities between these two breeds and the Scottie are
superficial: the Scottie is longer in head and body, generally darker
in color, and always distinct in personality.
The Scottie standard describes
the perfect breed specimen is compact, well-muscled, and powerful,
giving the impression of immense power in a small package. He is a
determined and thoughtful dog, playful as pup and bold, dignified and
independent as an adult. Loyal to his family, he can be scrappy with
other dogs and a fierce-sounding watchdog.
One of several British
short-legged terriers, the mature male Scottie should stand 10 inches
at the shoulder and weigh about 20 pounds; females should be the same
height and a pound or two less. Whatever the weight, the dog should be
well-balanced. Scottie colors are steel or iron gray, black, sandy, or
wheaten; the coat may also be grizzled or brindle, and the outer coat
should be about two inches long.
The skull is long, moderately
wide, and slightly domed; the eyes set wide apart and almond-shaped;
and the ears small and pointed. The chest is broad and deep, bone is
heavy in relation to the size of the dog, and the gait is distinctive
and strong. The tail is naturally short and should be about seven
inches long.
The Scottie coat needs
attention to maintain its texture. The dog should be combed a couple of
times a week and trimmed occasionally. Like all hard-coated terriers,
the Scottie’s dead hairs must be plucked out in a process known as
stripping. Unless the pet owner has the time to learn proper stripping
technique as well as the hours necessary to do the job, the Scottie
coat will need professional grooming once or twice each year to stay
firm and wiry. The coat can be trimmed with electric clippers, but it
will grow back soft and dull.
Health
The Scottie is basically a
healthy breed but is susceptible to vonWillibrand’s disease (VWD),
thyroid disease, skin problems and flea allergies, epilepsy, and some
jawbone disorders. He is also prone to Scottie cramp, a minor condition
that may cause difficulty in walking. VWD is an inherited bleeding
disorder; breeding stock should be tested before mating and puppy
buyers should ask the breeder if vWD scores on the parents of a litter
are available. VWD can be identified with a genetic screening test.
Poorly bred Scotties may also
be prone to aggression.
The Scottish Terrier Club of
America has established a Health Trust to identify health problems and
establish priorities for solving them; make the latest research results
accessible to breeders; and encourage and support research on health
problems affecting Scottish Terriers.
Training
Like all terriers, the Scottie
has a mind of his own. Unlike his cousins, he is reserved, quite
particular in his choice of people, and steadfastly loyal. He tolerates
rowdy children and many adults quite well; he is wary of strangers and
is likely to become a one-man or one-woman companion, sensitive to the
moods of his chosen master. He barks a lot, and he loves to dig; no
fence will hold him if he’s anxious to burrow his way out.
The Scottie’s scrappy attitude
can make him difficult to train. The new Scottie owner should
immediately find an obedience school, for this bundle of energy in a
tough package can dominate a household with great skill if he is not
taught that the master is the boss. The training must be firm and
gentle to avoid breaking his spirit, for nothing so insults a Scottie
as severe treatment.
In Choosing a Dog For Dummies®, Chris Walkowicz
wrote: “Buyers who fall in love with a cute puppy but are unprepared
for a determined, self-willed animal are usually the cause of rescue
situations. Yet if you find the challenge tempting or welcome, Scotties
wend their way into your heart..."
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Breeders Club, Scottish Terrier
Breeders Club, Scottish Terrier -
Source: Breeders Club.net Website. Accessed:
29Oct03.
"...
Scottish Terrier
Description:
Also popularly known as "Scotties," Scottish Terriers are small and
strong with short legs, pricked ears and naturally erect tail. They
tend to be a one or two person dog and do best when pampered. While a
little stubborn, they make loyal pets. They are good watchdogs, but
need to be kept secured as they like to to go exploring.
Other Names:
Aberdeen Terrier
Height:
10 - 11 inches
Weight:
19 - 23 lbs.
Colors:
Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade..."
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Australian National Kennel Council, Scottish Terrier
Source: Australian National
Kennel Council Website. Accessed: 29Oct03.
POSTED FOR ACADEMIC FAIR USE PURPOSES ONLY
GENERAL APPEARANCE - Thick set, of suitable size to go to ground, short legged,
alert in carriage and suggestive of great power and activity in small
compass. Head gives impression of being long for size of
dog. Very agile and active in spite of short legs.
CHARACTERISTICS - Loyal and
faithful. Dignified, independent and reserved, but courageous and
highly intelligent.
TEMPERAMENT - Bold, but
never aggressive.
HEAD AND SKULL - Long
without being out of proportion to size of dog. Length of skull
enabling it to be fairly wide and yet retain narrow appearance.
Skull nearly flat and cheek bones not protruding. Foreface
strongly constructed and deep throughout. Skull and foreface of
equal length. Slight but distinct stop between skull and foreface
just in front of eye. Nose large and, in profile, line from nose
towards chin appears to slope backwards.
EYES - Almond-shaped, dark
brown, fairly wide apart, set deeply under eyebrows with keen,
intelligent expression.
EARS - Neat, fine texture,
pointed, erect and set on top of skull but not too close
together. Large, wide-based ears highly undesirable.
MOUTH - Teeth large with
perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping the
lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
NECK - Muscular and of
moderate length.
FOREQUARTERS - Head carried
on muscular neck of moderate length showing quality, set into long
sloping shoulder, brisket well in front of straight, well boned
forelegs to straight pasterns. Chest fairly broad and hung
between forelegs which must not be out at the elbow nor placed under
body.
BODY - Well rounded ribs
flattening to deep chest and carried well back. Back
proportionately short and very muscular. Topline of body straight
and level, loin muscular and deep, powerfully coupling ribs to
hindquarters.
HINDQUARTERS
- Remarkably powerful for size of dog. Big, wide buttocks, deep
thighs and well bent stifles. Hocks short, strong, turning
neither in nor out.
FEET -
Good size, well padded, toes well arched and close knit, forefeet
slightly larger than hindfeet.
TAIL -
Moderate length giving general balance to dog, thick at root and
tapering towards tip. Set on with upright carriage or slight
bend.
GAIT/MOVEMENT
- Smooth and free, straight both back and front with drive from behind
and level gait throughout.
COAT -
Close lying, double coat; undercoat short, dense and soft; outer coat
harsh, dense and wiry, together making a weather-resisting
covering.
COLOUR -
Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade.
SIZE -
Height: 25.4-28 cms (10-11 ins) at withers
Weight: 8.6-10.4 kg (19-23 lbs).
FAULTS -
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault
and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be
in exact proportion to its degree.
NOTE -
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully
descended into the scrotum..."
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1 UpInfo, Scottish Terrier
Source:
1 Up Info Website. Accessed
29Oct.03.
Scottish
terrier, breed of short-legged terrier perfected in Scotland in the mid-19th cent.
It stands about 10 in. (25 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 18
to 22 lb (8.2–10.0 kg). Its dense, hard, wiry coat is about 2 in. (5
cm) long and may be steel gray, brindle, grizzle, black, sandy, or
wheaten in color. A very strong dog for its size, the scottie was
originally used to hunt small game, particularly badgers. Today it is
raised chiefly as a family pet. See dog.
Scottish
terrier
Publication:
The Hutchinson Dictionary of Science
Scottish terrier
Publication: Webster's
NewWorld Dictionary
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BarkBytes.com,
Scottish Terrier History
BarkBytes.com, Scottish
Terrier History -
Source:
BarkBytes Website. Accessed
29Oct03.
POSTED FOR ACADEMIC FAIR USE PURPOSES ONLY
HISTORY OF THE
SCOTTISH TERRIER
by Lee Weston
"...
The Scottish Terrier, as implied by its
name, has its origins in Scotland and is a member of the Terrier
group. What may not be realized is that there were no specific
types of Terriers up until around 1800. They had been loosely
grouped as either long-legged or short-legged. Each region would breed
for type, that is how we now have the Cairn Terrier, the West Highland
White, the Dandie Dinmont, and the Scottish Terriers. The
Scottish Terrier is thought to be an ancestor of the other three
terriers. The Dandie Dinmont was the first of these terriers to
break off and to stand alone as a distinct and separate breed.
However, the remaining three were grouped together until 1917, when The
Kennel Club of Great Britain prohibited interbreeding. It is
believed that until this time, all three types could be found in a
single litter.
What needs to be kept in mind is that the
early breeding practices were not exactly scientific. Nothing was
written down. The rule was if a dog performed its function well,
it stayed. If the dog would not, or could not, perform its
function, it was gone. The Scottish Terrier was bred to be a
serious working farm dog. It hunted varmints, and exterminated
them. Some of the varmints included foxes, badgers, wildcats,
weasels, otters, rats, and anything else that gave the Scottish farmer
a problem. This dog needed to be able to work independently of
the farmer, the dog had a job to do and he was expected to do it with
little direction from the farmer, who had his own work to do. The
breed became protective of the farmer's land (territorial) and being
intelligent and confident, rather domineering.
The Scottish Terrier made its first appearance
in a show ring in 1860. What is interesting is that under the
classification of "Scottish Terrier" there were exhibited other
terriers that possessed names such as the "Rough-haired, the Paisley,
Highland, Aberdeen and Skye". Apparently it was a classification
that did not pertain to the specific breed of Scottish Terrier that we
know today, it was simply a way of defining a group of terriers from
Scotland.
In 1883 there was a movement among Scottish
Terrier owners to purify and maintain the Scottie as a separate
breed. A standard was written and adopted by a specialty club in
Scotland for the "Hard-Haired Scotch Terrier". In 1887 a Scottish
Terrier Club was established ironically in England, than in 1888 a
similar club was established in Scotland.
The Scottish Terrier made its appearance on
the American continent in the 1880's. The A.K.C. registered its
first Scottie in 1885. The Scottish Terrier Club of America was
establish in 1900.
The Scottish Terrier is not a dog for
everyone. Be sure that you are as determined as this dog, and
possess a good sense of humor. This breed is not subservient,
even though the loyalty of the dog to his owner is to the death.
The Scottie will not always do what it is told to do. He needs to
know the answer to the question, "Why? What's in it for me?"
..."
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Genetic Test for
von Willebrand's Disease
Genetic Test for von
Willebrand's Disease -
Source:
VetGen's Website: Genetic Test for von Willebrand's Disease in
Scottish Terriers. Accessed: 29Oct03.
The Disease
Canine von Willebrand's
disease (vWD) in Scotties is an autosomal recessive genetic disease
with a gene frequency estimated to be 15% of the Scottie population.
vWD also affects numerous other breeds of dogs. Affected animals suffer
a condition which makes them more likely to bleed abnormally. This can
lead to life threatening consequences in situations such as accidental
injuries, spaying, or neutering. Because it is an autosomal recessive
disorder, Scotties that are "Carriers" of the disease show no signs of
vWD, yet can pass the gene along and perpetuate the disease through
breeding. Ultimately, the result is more affected animals.
Although there is a
significant frequency of vWD in Scotties, no effective treatments
exist. Responsible breeders have attempted to use factor assay,
protein-based tests for vWD but have been unsuccessful in reducing the
frequency of the disease. There are simply too many variables, such as
estrus and thyroid function which produce variation in test results,
making these approaches ineffective. Therefore, breeders have
heretofore been unable to combat the disease by using responsible
breeding strategies to reduce the incidence of vWD in future
generations of dogs.
Breeding
Strategies
Human DNA
Helps Man's Best Friend Bagpiper Article (1996) - by Dr.
George Brewer
Life With A
Bleeder The Bagpiper. 2:11 (1996) - by Carol Fry
Owen.
Lounsbury,
Barbara & Charlie - Scottie Tails; Newsletter of the
Scottish Terrier Club of
New England. Winter (1997).
Elsa's Story
The Bagpiper No. 4 (2001) - A Place For A vWD Carrier In Your
Breeding Program - by Linda L. Orsborn
Test
& Register: Health Registries Open to Scotties NOW .Great
Scots Magazine, May/June 2003 - by Carole F. Owen
..."
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