Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also known as Scottie, is a small to medium-sized breed of dog originating in Scotland. It is noted for its short limbs, elongated head and active nature.

General details

The weight of the Scottish Terrier ranges between 8 and 10 kilograms, with males being slightly heavier than females. As for the height at the withers, it is around 25 centimeters. They belong to Group 3 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups Terriers. In addition, their life expectancy is 11 to 13 years.

Breed history in brief

It is an ancient breed of dog originating in Scotland. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when it was developed as a hunting dog for small animals and rodents. Throughout history, the Scottish Terrier has been appreciated by both royalty and the working class, being considered a symbol of Scottish culture. In the 19th century, it became popular in England and the United States, where it was also bred and exhibited in dog shows. In today's society, the Scottish Terrier remains a highly valued and popular breed as a family companion.

Breed characteristics

The Scottish Terrier is a breed with a compact structure and short limbs. The head is long in proportion to the rest of the body, and the eyes are dark brown and almond-shaped. The ears are erect and pointed, and the tail is of medium length and carried upright or with a slight curve. The outer coat is coarse and harsh, while the undercoat is soft and woolly. The coat provides excellent protection against the cold, wet Scottish climate. The characteristic colors of this breed are black, yellow and white. The Scottish Terrier is a faithful, loyal and noble dog. Although he can be reserved and independent, his courage and intelligence stand out in his behavior. It is a valuable companion that provides love and protection to its family, always showing a balanced character and never showing unnecessary aggressiveness.

Common health problems

The Scottish Terrier, with optimal care and attention, can enjoy a long healthy life, although it shows a predisposition to suffer from certain health problems. Among the most common diseases or disorders are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma and hypothyroidism. In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends cardiac screening, bile acid testing and a test to assess factor VII deficiency.