Scottish Terrier

Independent and reserved with strangers

The Scottie was developed in Scotland to pursue foxes and other quarry underground. A dog that once had to make decisions in a burrow will not always wait for directions in the living room. It watches, judges a situation, and shows deep loyalty to familiar people. The British standard calls it reserved, brave and independent, but explicitly not aggressive.

Respect that reserve. Ask visitors to ignore the dog at first and let it come closer in its own time. A Scottie need not sit on every guest’s lap. Keep practice short: giving up a toy, coming back despite an exciting smell, or waiting at the garden gate. The AKC recommends variety over endless repetition. Reward its choice to return. Recall matters because hunting scents can still be compelling, even though a lead remains sensible where wildlife is common.

Day-to-day care

A harsh, wiry topcoat covers dense, soft undercoat. Longer hair on the beard, legs and underside can trap dirt and form mats. Comb those areas down to the skin and check beard and feet after walks for seeds or twigs. The skin beneath the eyebrows should remain easy to see. The British breed profile calls for daily care; short, calm sessions make that manageable.

The traditional hard jacket is hand-stripped, which removes dead topcoat. The AKC explains that clipping is possible for family dogs, although it makes the coat softer over time. Find a groomer who can explain both options, and teach the dog early to accept a comb, paw handling and a grooming table. A neat short cut still requires regular appointments.

Health

The American Kennel Club lists patella evaluation and tests for type III von Willebrand disease and craniomandibular osteopathy in breeding dogs. Type 3 von Willebrand disease involves absence of a protein needed to control bleeding. The DNA test helps breeders plan litters. Craniomandibular osteopathy affects jaw-bone growth in young dogs and can make chewing painful. Ask to see the parents’ results and have the breeder explain which condition each test covers.

Close observation matters after puppyhood too. Repeated skipping on one hind leg or pain while eating needs veterinary examination. Seek immediate help for unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding. Ask about illness in close relatives even if the named test results are normal.

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