Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the Scottie, is one of Britain's most recognisable and beloved terrier breeds, a compact, low-slung and powerfully built earth dog developed in Scotland to hunt foxes, badgers and other quarry in the rocky, heathery terrain of the Scottish Highlands, working independently and with great determination in underground burrows and rocky outcroppings that required a dog of specific physical dimensions, considerable courage and genuine tenacity. The breed was formally standardised in the 1880s and quickly became popular both as a working terrier and as a show and companion dog, achieving international recognition and appearing as one of the tokens in Monopoly, as President Franklin D Roosevelt's companion Fala, and in numerous other cultural contexts that reflect its status as an iconic dog. It is registered by the Kennel Club in the Terrier Group.

The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact and powerfully built dog of distinctive and immediately recognisable appearance. The coat is a hard, dense and wiry outer coat over a soft, dense undercoat, typically in black, wheaten or brindle. The long head is characterised by a profuse beard and eyebrows that give the breed its distinguished, somewhat stern expression. The body is longer than it is tall, the legs short but powerful, and the overall impression is of a determined and capable working terrier packed into a compact frame. Adults typically stand 25 to 28 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 8 to 10 kilograms.

The character is bold, dignified and independent - a terrier in the truest sense of the word, bred to make its own decisions underground and not given to ready compliance with instructions that contradict its own judgement. The Scottish Terrier is devoted to its own family and affectionate in the right context, but it is reserved with strangers and is not the instantly sociable, eager-to-please companion of some other small breeds. It is stubborn and persistent, which are virtues when working underground but require management in the home environment.

Training requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement established from an early age. Force produces resistance. The breed can achieve good behaviour when training is approached correctly but it will always retain its independent character.

The primary health concerns are Scottie Cramp, Von Willebrand's Disease and a documented higher cancer incidence. Prospective owners should discuss cancer risk openly with any breeder.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £65 to £110. The Scottish Terrier Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Bold, dignified, loyal and independent. Devoted to its own family but reserved with strangers - not unfriendly but not demonstratively sociable. Strong prey drive. Stubborn and persistent - characteristics that served it well underground. Affectionate and playful in the right context. A dog of real character and considerable personal presence.

Intelligent but fiercely independent - the Scottish Terrier was bred to hunt and dispatch quarry in underground burrows without human direction. Training requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Force-based methods produce resistance. The breed is capable of good behaviour when training is established early and maintained firmly but fairly.

Needs at least 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. The terrier background produces a dog with more stamina and drive than its size suggests. Recall training is important given the terrier prey drive. On-lead walking in areas with wildlife is advisable. Mental stimulation through training and enrichment is important.

Scottie Cramp is a neurological condition unique to the breed causing involuntary muscle spasms during exercise and is documented in the Scottish Terrier. Von Willebrand's Disease (a bleeding disorder) is documented and DNA testing of parents is available. Scottish Terriers have a documented higher incidence of certain cancers, particularly transitional cell carcinoma and bladder cancer, compared to the general dog population. Prospective owners should discuss cancer risks with any breeder. The Scottish Terrier Club provides health guidance.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a small active breed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight - the heavy, dense coat can conceal weight gain. Dental health requires attention.

The hard, wiry double coat requires hand-stripping two to three times yearly to maintain correct texture and colour. Clipping softens the coat and alters colour over time. Between stripping, regular brushing two to three times weekly is needed. The beard and leg furnishings require daily combing to prevent matting.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs: £65 to £110.

Suits experienced owners who appreciate an independent, bold and dignified companion. Good with older children but the terrier character means it is not suited to very young children or boisterous households. Strong-willed - requires consistent, confident handling. Adaptable to flat or house living. Not a pushover dog.