Breed: Undoubtedly, the world should be grateful to Scotland, not only for Whiskey. Most of known and most popular breeds of small terriers are originally Scottish. The conclusions of the historians give us a reason to believe that our hero - Scottish Terrier, as well as Sky-Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Dandy Diamond and West Highland White Terrier, are cousins. In earlier times, the certain areas of the Highlands were isolated from each other, communication between them was difficult. This fact, coupled with the creative nature of the Scots and the harsh nature of Scotland, became probably, the main reason for the unseen population of dogs with stiff, sticking out hair and a strange appearance.

Scottish Terriers were separated in their own special class for the first time in 1875 at the dog show in Brighton. In 1882 in England the first Scottish Terrier Club was established to improve the breed, the first standard was published seven years later. But despite all that, Scottish Terriers at that time did not have this memorable appearance as we know it now. For example, the predominant color was not black, but brindle on a bright red base. Only the mask on the muzzle was black.

The ancestors of Scottish Terriers were created to hunt rabbits, foxes and even badgers. And despite the ultra-decorative appearance of the modern "Scottie", he saved all his working qualities: fearlessness and a strong willing to chase, smartness and strength.

After the First World War, the popularity of Scottish Terriers everywhere in Europe has been rapidly increased. This happened mostly due to the sophisticated haircut invented in this time, which, radically changed Scottie's appearance. In Britain the popularity of Scottish Terriers has reached it's zenith in thirtieth, when the Kennel Club in 1935 has registered 4,531 puppies.

Scotties, through their exaggerated appearance became a favorite object of inspiration for many artists and designers. Even the producers of Whiskey succumbed to the charm of the breed and until now the fans of this drink, opening a bottle of the famous Scottish "Black and White", will recognize on the label our hero and his white fellow - Westie. The fashion for the Scottish Terrier was truly epidemic. 

At the North American continent Scotties became popular thanks to the U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. One of his two Scottish Terriers - a bitch named Fala was accompanying him wherever the president went and she even attended the historic meeting of the leaders of the three Allied powers at Yalta.

Still, fashion did not make Scotties popular in the truest sense. It was always the dog for a "high society" and big cities. Scottish Terrier could be seen in London, Paris and New York - on the streets and boulevards, in the shops and in the woods, the main duty of this dog was to emphasize the elegance of the owner.

General Features: The Scottish Terrier is a sturdily built little dog with the "stretched" shape due to his short legs. Scotties have a long head and large paws. Ears and tail are always erect. Scottie's eyes are small, dark brown and in shape of an almond. His hard wiry coat should be trimmed - the longer hear is left on the lower parts of Scottie's body, also he must have a long hear on his eyebrows and muzzle.Generally Scottish Terrier must appear as a strong and alert dog, brave, charming and in-capricious character.

Temperament: Although Scottish Terrier has long time ago became a companion dog for a smart audience, he never forgot, that he was a reckless and brave hunter once and he did not lose his hunting skills.

Scotch Terrier resembles a noble and respectable gentleman, hiding behind the fashionable appearance his uncomplicated tastes of a gentleman-farmer, who ardently defends his independence and who's courage was proved so many times.

Scottie is "a big dog in a small package" - medium in size, he is strong and powerful and he always shows the characteristics and traits unique to the big dogs.

Scottish Terrier combines all the advantages and disadvantages of terriers - a willful, cunning and freedom-loving, he is able at the same time to recognize the boundaries, which he must not overstep ever.

Often the "experts of all dogs" call him stubborn. But no. The thing is that Scottie is not a slave, he is a very strong dog and he will obey only if he believes, that the order is absolutely correct. He can bring an inexperienced owner to the "boiling point", but stand up for himself and will abide not earlier than when - from his point of view - it will  fit. Your wishes are not an order for a Terrier. He very much loves his freedom, though he is quite amenable to training. The respect of this extraordinary dog can be earned only by a gentle and reasonable treatment.

The training of the independent Scottie should begin at the early age, otherwise the dog will take advantage of your weakness and will simply be unbearable.

Do not expect that this four-legged partner will be every second giving you his affection and tenderness, no, this is not a Scottish style! Scottish Terriers are quite reserved - this is one of the main features of their character. Among them you may even meet such a snob, that you can't fight to call him "Mister". Outsiders just do not exist for this dog. Despite his seriousness and thoughtfulness, usually Scottish Terriers take their owners as their property and very often they really suffer from jealousy, though they are just not showing the raging passions of their souls.

Scotties can not be called aggressive to their own kind, but they are not at all indifferent to the dog's fights. Although they rarely start them. There are no cowards among Scotties, they do not fold before the attack, even if it was the monster of the dog's world. Scottish Terrier is attacking boldly, glaring with his huge tusks in the head or face of the opponent.

Their relationships with children are not so easy. With those whom the dog knows, who treats him with respect there will be no problem. Still, Scottie is not the ideal companion for the naughty kids and certainly not a nanny. Although there are exceptions.

Ideally, the Scottish terrier is a dog for a childless couple or a respectable gentleman in age. He is a good keeper and even a defender, so be careful when the strangers come into the house. He may strongly bite!

Despite their short legs, Scotties are a big fans of walking, here they are indefatigable. But they also do not mind to spend the whole day at home together with their beloved owners and can be quite satisfied with just two short walks a day.

Health problems: Generally Scottish Terriers are quite healthy and strong dogs. The main health issues of this breed are: von Willebrand's disease (this may cause a prolonged bleeding), Scottie cramp (at some certain level of stress, the level of serotonin is getting low and the dog loses ability to walk) and Craniomandibular osteopathy (also known as "Scottie Jaw"), which may appear in puppies between four and seven months of age and cause problems with chewing.

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