More than one of our modern terriers descend from these Highland Terriers and among them is the Scottish Terrier.
In the middle of the nineteenth century a local variety from the districts around Loch Rannoch and Blackmont in Perthshire became quite popular. With Aberdeen as a centre. extensive breeding work took place and the breed was called Aberdeen Terrier. Around 1880 it was renamed the Scottish Terrier.
The Scottish Terrier is a sturdy, thick-set dog of a suitable size to go to ground, placed on short legs, alert in carriage, and suggestive of great power and activity in small compass. The head gives the impression of being long for a dog of its size. The body is covered with a close lying, broken rough textured coat. With its keen intelligent eyes and sharp prick ears, the dog looks willing to go anywhere and do anything. In spite of its short legs the construction is such that it is a very agile and active dog. The movement of the dog is smooth, easy and straight forward with free action at shoulder, stifle and hock.
Build
The head without being out of proportion to the size of the dog should be long, the length of skull enabling it to be fairly wide and yet retain a narrow appearance. The skull is nearly flat and the cheek bones do not protrude. There is a slight but distinct stop between skull and foreface just in front of the eye, which should be almond shaped, dark brown, fairly wide apart and set deeply under bushy eyebrows. The ears should be set fairly high, neat, of fine texture, pointed and carried erect. The teeth should be even, large, the upper incisors closely overlapping the lower.
The head is carried on a muscular neck of moderate length with quality, set into long sloping shoulders, the brisket will in front of the forelegs, which are well boned and straight. The chest fairly broad and hung between the forelegs which must not be out at elbow nor placed under the body, which has well rounded ribs which flatten to a deep chest and are carried well back. The back is short and very muscular. The top line should be straight, the loans muscular and deep, powerfully coupling the ribs to the hindquarters.
The hindquarters are very powerful for the size of the dog with big, wide buttocks. Thighs deep and muscular, well bent at stifle. Hocks strong, well bent and turned neither in nor out, ending in feet of good size, well padded, with arched toes which are close knit. The tail is of moderate length giving good balance, thick at the base tapering to the top, well set on and carried upright.
The dog has two coats, the undercoat short, dense and soft. The outer coat harsh, dense and wiry, the two making a weather resisting coverage. Colour can range from black to wheaten or brindle of any colour. The ideal dog in good show condition should weigh between 19 and 23 lbs and stand 10 to 11 inches.
Temperament
Perhaps one of the most amazing features of this grand little dog is his outstanding adaptability. His greatest joy is to be with his owner, and he will make himself at home wherever his master takes him. Be it in a house (with small or large grounds), in an apartment, or in the confined space of a room, caravan or tent when holidaying. He loves to travel and speedily learns how to behave in all forms of transport.
The scottie is an ideal family dog. Despite his great strength he is so built that he can move around the home without shaking the furniture or rattling the pictures and crockery. He loves a game with his master or young children and will enjoy your more active pastimes. In a happy environment his love of fun comes to the fore; the Scottie can amuse himself and others of his clan -- and humans -- with his own inventiveness, and retains his sense of humour thoughout life with an understanding owner.
As well as being a "good time" companion, if it is peace and quiet you want then your Scottie will relax close by and never interfere with your mood; he respects your privacy, only asking that you accord him the same right. When you are happy, he is happy; in moments of sadness he gives you his sympathy and understanding.
Basically, the Scottie is a "one man" dog giving his loyalty to his owner, although in the family he accepts all and takes a keen interest in everything that happens. Visitors accepted by the family he regards critically, making up his mind whether to give them a reserved welcome or merely tolerate them as guests to the house.
He is not a savage dog, not quarrelsome and likes to live in peace, but his history and role in life as a working dog that had to face subterranean combat and bring out his opponent, be it fox, otter, badger or other varmint, has made him a formidable opponent in battle. He will not run from an enemy no matter how huge or ferocious. He has the courage to fight to the death -- a characteristic that earnt him his well-known title of "Diehard".
While he has a strong bark, he is not a "barkie dog", as many Scottie owner appartment dwellers will attest, but let stranger enter his territory and you will surely hear his voice.
Some describe him as a "dour" but this is not true. He is a dog that has had to work and assess his position indendently, and in the face of strong odds determine his tactics. He is a working dog but not in the nature of a farm, station or guard dog, so do not expect him to react as they do. He works things out for himself and his inherent independence is apparent in his relations with man. To those who know and love him, his independence is one of his greatest attributes.
Like all dogs, basic training in puppyhood is essential and he will readily respond if the training is firm, consistent and logical. He is not a dog to treat with loud voice or heavy hand -- and a misunderstood or mishandled Scottie is a very sad dog indeed. He wants to please his master and with correct handling, a pat or word of encouragement and praise makes his day.
But do not call him without reason, for if you do nine times out of ten he will realise there is no purpose. Then his so-called "obstinate" nature comes to the fore and, while he will not completely disobey you, he can take a long, long, time to come.
Similarly, if his attention is riveted on a lizard, strange cat or other intruder in the garden do not expect him to move at your call. At such moments he is back to his forebears -- every nerve and muscle is intent on the prey as he silently and cautiously moves in, then out, to this side and that side. Coming closer and gradually getting ready for the attack that surely means the end of the intruder.
Much more could be written on the temperament of the Scottish Terrier who is so independent, agile and alert. Who shares uncomplainingly the good and the bad times. Who without being effusive gives so much love and understanding and who at times remains an individual in his own right. You may have the ownership papers but the is no servant. Your reward is that once you have earnt his respect and loyalty, then you have the greatest gift of all -- You have a true friend, a Scottish Terrier.
