How to Identify a Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, thought to be the oldest of the Highland terrier breeds, was bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and rats on the Scottish Highlands. [1] A member of the terrier group, [2] the Scottish Terrier has similarities with many other terrier breeds. Fortunately, this wikiHow will help you recognize the Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, breed by identifying its key traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at the Structure

  1. Scottish Terriers are fairly small dogs. They have a height of around 10 inches (25 cm) and weigh only 18–22 pounds (8.2–10.0 kg). [3]
  2. Scotties have long heads that are medium in width. They are slightly domed but appear flat in profile, and the head is long in proportion to the dog's overall size and length. The head and muzzle appear as two parallel planes. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. The ears of a Scottish Terrier are small and pricked erect, being set well up on the skull. They are pointed, with the outer edge forming a straight line up from the side of the skull, and help give the dog an expression of intelligence and alertness. [5]
  4. A Scottie's eyes are small, almond-shaped, and bright. They are dark brown, nearly black, in color and are set wide apart and well in under the brows. [6]
  5. Scottish Terriers have muzzles that are equal to the head in length and slightly taper toward the nose. The muzzle should be able to fill the hand of the average man. It is well-filled under the eye without snippiness, with a square jaw, black nose, and either a scissors or level bite. [7]
  6. Scotties have thick, round, compact paws with strong nails, the forefeet being larger than the hind feet. The front feet point ahead, though they may "toe out" slightly. [8]
  7. The tail of a Scottie is high-set and carried erect, not over the back but either straightly or with a slight curve forward. It is about 7 inches (18 cm) in length and never cut. The thick base gradually tapers to a point. [9]
  8. Scottish Terriers appear as sturdy, compact dogs with short legs. They are of good substance and bone, appearing to have a cobby, thick-set body. Scotties have moderately short necks, laid-back shoulders, muscular thighs, and chests that are neither flat nor concave. They walk with a powerfully driven gait, where the forelegs do not move in a parallel manner. [10]
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

  1. Scottish Terriers have broken coats, which are hard and wiry on the outside with a soft, dense undercoat. The coat is never soft or curly. [11]
  2. Scotties may be seen sporting coats that are solid black, wheaten (a pale yellow or fawn color resembling wheat), [12] or brindle of any color. White or silver hairs may be sprinkled about on black or brindle dogs, and white may be seen in small amounts on the dog's chest or chin. [13]
  3. Not every Scottish Terrier will have a specially trimmed coat, but one common trim seen in Scotties showcases longer fur on the muzzle/beard, legs, and lower body, which may be slightly softer than the rest of the coat. The dog may have a sufficient coat with a determinable texture and density. [14]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing Temperament

  1. Many terrier breeds have the reputation of being stubborn and strong-willed, and the Scottish Terrier is no exception. Their toughness suits them well for hunting vermin but can complicate training. [15]
  2. Scotties are fairly playful and friendly as puppies, but as they mature, they become more independent. They may act dominant and need consistent training to understand that they are not in charge. [16]
  3. Scottish Terriers are prone to animal aggression. They may act aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex, and due to their background, have strong instincts to chase smaller animals. [17]
  4. Scotties are standoffish toward strangers, requiring much socialization from an early age to become more comfortable around them. Without this exposure early on, they may become suspicious toward strangers, which may lead to biting. [18]
  5. Despite their behavior toward unfamiliar people. Scottish Terriers are steadfastly loyal to their owners. Their combined loyalty, fearlessness, and sharpness toward strangers make them intimidating watchdogs. [19]

    Did you know? Scotties are popularly loyal, and three U.S. Presidents have owned Scottish Terriers. Reportedly, Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish Terrier named Fala received more fan mail than many presidents. [20]

    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if you want to know your dog's breed. This will confirm if your dog is a Scottish Terrier.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Stop Cat Bullying: Recognizing the Signs and Stopping the Behavior
      How to
      Tame a Feral Cat
      How to
      Calm a Dog During Thunderstorms
      How to
      Trick Your Dog Into Drinking Water
      How to
      Make a Dog Stop Biting
      How to
      Remove a Tick from a Cat
      How to
      Get Dog Poop Out of Your Carpet in 8 Easy Steps
      How to
      Keep Ants Off Hummingbird Feeders
      How to
      Identify Canine Ear Mites
      How to
      Leash Train a Puppy
      How to
      Recognize Distemper Symptoms in Dogs
      How to
      Get Your Cat to Like You
      How to
      Give an Insulin Shot to Dogs
      How to
      Teach Your Dog to Sit
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/about/glossary/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ScottishTerrier.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
      7. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
      8. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/scottishterriers.html
      11. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/14-favorite-presidents-and-their-pups/

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,792 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement