Scotch Terrier

History of the Scotch Terrier breed

Despite the fact that Scotties are considered the oldest breed of dogs in Scotland, they managed to stand out from the numerous clan of terriers only in the middle of the XIX century. It was during this period that the paths of short-legged Scottish and long-haired English terriers diverged, and they finally stopped crossing with each other. However, it never came to the real classification, so for several decades, any dogs specializing in catching barn rats and burrow hunting were called Scottish terriers. And this, as you know, was quite successfully done by the West Highlands, and Sky, and even core Terriers. Spontaneous breeding also slowed down the process of breed formation. According to contemporaries, every Scottish village of the XIX century had its own ideal type of terrier, which was often the carrier of an unimaginable mixture of genes inherited from a dozen other breeds.

Scotch terriers began to form into a separate family in 1879, after the decision of the English Kennel Club to differentiate Scottish terriers by class, based on their colors. History has even preserved the name of one of the first breeders who played a crucial role in separating Scotch Terriers from their fellow group members. It turned out to be a certain Captain McKee, who in 1880 traveled around the Scottish province and bought animals with wheat and black shades of wool from peasants. It was thanks to his efforts that, in 1883, Scottish terriers finally got their own breed standard, completely separating from the snow-white West Highlands and Mazurian natives of the Isle of Skye.

In the USA, Scottish terriers got into the 80s of the XIX century, but at first they didn't really catch anyone. Only after Franklin Roosevelt himself acquired a representative of this breed, universal recognition and love fell on Scotty. Scotch terriers were brought to tsarist Russia at the beginning of the XX century, so the first owners of these shaggy "gentlemen" were members of the grand ducal family. However, soon the country was whirled by a whirlwind of revolution, and the animals were quickly forgotten. The second attempt to win the hearts of Soviet dog lovers was made by the breed in the 30s, but it did not come to large-scale breeding again, because the Great Patriotic War that suddenly began did not contribute to such experiments. So the full-fledged "stamping" of Scottish terriers in the USSR began only in the mid-70s, when several foreign breeding bitches and males arrived at the Krasnaya Zvezda kennel.

Famous owners of Scotch Terriers:

• George W. Bush;
• Mikhail Rumyantsev (clown Pencil);
• Victor Tsoi;
• Leonid Yarmolnik;
• Vladimir Mayakovsky;
• Leonid Utesov.

Video: Scotch Terrier

Appearance of the Scottish terrier

Scotch Terrier is a squat, shaggy "Scotsman" with a stylish, slightly disheveled beard and short legs that masterfully cope with digging even the hardest ground. Referring to the group of small terriers, Scotties can not boast of an impressive complexion, but they can not be called real midgets. The average height of an adult dog is 25-28 cm, weight is up to 10.5 kg, and these parameters are the same for both males and females.

Head

The skull of the Scotch terrier is elongated, almost flat, with a distinct foot that fits the eyes.

Teeth and bite

All representatives of this breed have very large teeth, and the jaws are closed in a full, scissor bite (the upper incisors completely cover the lower dentition).

Nose

The nose lobe of the Scottish terrier is massive, rich black color. The line running from the lobe to the chin of the dog has a slight bevel.

Eyes

The Scotch Terrier's wide-set, dark brown eyes are almond-shaped and slightly covered with overhanging eyebrows. The dog's gaze is inquisitively penetrating, perky.

Ears

Scottish terriers have elegant and very thin erect pointed ears.

Neck

The dog's neck is not too elongated and moderately muscular.

Housing

The back of the Scotch terrier is short, with a smooth, almost horizontal top line. The chest of representatives of this breed is wide, noticeably protruding forward and slightly lowered to the bottom.

Legs

Forelimbs are short, with straight, bony forearms and even metacarpals. The hind legs are more massive, with large hips and short but strong hock joints. The paws of the dog are arched, in a lump, with large pads. Despite the pronounced short legs, the Scotch terrier copes with loads quite successfully: a 10 km long march and an hour and a half of digging a pit for Scotty is not the most difficult job.

Tail

The Scotch terrier has a small (16-18 cm), thickened tail at the base, which is carried almost vertically. A slight slope is also acceptable.

Wool

The coat of the Scottish terrier is formed by a short, well-fitting undercoat in combination with a wire-like covering hair. The greatest length and density of the coat reaches in the lower part of the dog's body, forming the so-called "skirt" and "pants".

Color

The correct Scotch terrier can have black, wheat in all its variations or tiger colors. At the same time, in the case of tigrovins, all kinds of shades are considered acceptable.

Disqualifying vices

Here everything is like the representatives of other breeds: the exhibition commission can exclude an animal from the number of contestants for pronounced physical defects or behavioral deviations. In particular, overly cowardly, as well as overly aggressive Scotch Terriers will definitely not get into the ring.

Photo of a scotch terrier

The character of the Scotch Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a dog with a character and a pronounced Napoleon complex, so do not expect to raise a sentimental lazy and sofa sissy out of it. Hugs in non-stop mode, lazy reclining on the lap of the owner – this is not about Scotch terriers. Proud and independent, they will not allow themselves to be turned into a living toy, no matter what privileges and goodies loom in front of them.

However, it is also not worth recording Scotty in the category of insensitive crackers, because for all their obstinacy, they experience an almost pathological attachment to the owner. Moreover, these bearded "energizers" are not averse to fooling around, lying on the bed together or taking on the function of a shaggy hot water bottle, but for this they need to wait for the appropriate mood. Scotch Terriers cannot and will not love under compulsion and command.

Scottish terriers are extremely curious, so they really need fresh impressions, which they try to stock up on for the future during walks. So accept the fact that when you go outside, Scotty explores all the minks and road potholes for the presence of living creatures in them. If there are none, the dog will definitely try to compensate for the failure by ruining flower beds and lawns. But at home, the Scotch Terrier is a model of equanimity and good manners and can look out the window for hours, watching the drizzling rain and thinking about something of its own.

Representatives of this breed are extremely understanding and do not suffer from excessive importunity: if the owner is sitting at work or watching an action-packed movie, Scotty will not flicker before his eyes in an attempt to switch his attention. At the very least, he will just settle down next to you, hinting that he is ready to share his leisure time. And for Scottish terriers, an emotional connection with the owner is very important, so more often involve the dog in spending time together, whether it's cooking kebabs in nature or banal floor washing.

The more an animal comes into contact with a person, the faster it develops, and vice versa – the less attention is paid to the Scotch terrier, the more he closes himself in and becomes stupid. If a "Scotsman" spends his days alone, in an aviary, because you are too busy working or arranging your personal life, do not even hope that a friendly intellectual will grow out of him. The maximum you can count on is a hot–tempered brawler who hates tactile contact in all its manifestations. Speaking of fights: getting involved in them for Scotch Terriers is as natural as, for example, digging a hole. Moreover, Scotty absolutely does not care about the size of the enemy – he will attack the Alabai with the same fury as the chihuahua.

Education and training

Extremely smart, but extremely stubborn, does not tolerate criticism, but is very sensitive to praise and flattery – that's all you need to know about the Scotch Terrier's learning abilities. At first, Scotty is actively involved in the training process, but as soon as the lessons begin to lose the effect of novelty, the dog moves on to other, more interesting activities. Another feature of the breed that is not the most pleasant for a dog handler is selectivity. The Scottish Terrier can perfectly execute commands associated with some fascinating action ("Search!"), and deliberately ignore boring options like "Sit!". You will have to get out of the situation with the help of affectionate persuasion and treats, other methods have little or no effect on Scotty.

There are no special training programs for Scotch terriers, although breeders do not get tired of saying that teaching a "Scotsman" by the classical method is just wasting time. It is better to combine the game and study, and by cutting the lesson time as much as possible. Scottish Terriers are not the kind of dogs that work hard, overcoming boredom and fatigue. For the same reason, it makes no sense to take them to the training ground: classes there last a long time, which is already unbearable for representatives of this breed.

In order not to chase a pet led by a hunting instinct on a walk, teach it to walk on a leash before going outside, that is, from the age of three months. Take into account the fact that young Scotch Terriers are quite destructive, and this is not treated. Hide expensive shoes for a while and refuse too serious repairs until the dog grows up. Too impudent and arrogant puppies are not forbidden to be lightly spanked with a newspaper / rag, but the method works only if the young limitless understands why he gets a "bun".

It is known that little "Scots" like to bite, but you should not condone such outbursts of aggression, as well as abuse negative encouragement during puppy training. It is other dogs who perceive the owner's shout as an incentive. For a Scotch terrier, such signals are a reason for unnecessary frustration and resentment. And one more thing: do not expect that at the very first lessons your baby will begin to demonstrate the wonders of intelligence. This is the breed that needs to first assess the expediency of the given command and only then execute it, so do not burden the puppy with repeated repetitions of exercises and endless demands.

Hunting with a Scottish terrier

Today's Scotch terriers rarely hunt, but not because of the loss of the stalking instinct, but rather because of the unwillingness of the owners to engage with the dog. Modern breeders rely on the image of pets, therefore, not every owner is ready to let his glamorous handsome dig and get dirty in the ground. However, if the instinct of the earner is your everything, and you are not sorry to spoil the outer gloss of your "Scotsman" a little, visit the pritravochnye stations, if there are any in the district. There, the Scotch terrier will be quickly reminded of its main purpose, and in a month or two, a highly qualified foxcatcher and conqueror of the deepest burrows will walk next to you.

Maintenance and care

Scotch terriers feel great in small-sized apartments, but with good walking. As for the placement of the puppy, the owners of kennels recommend settling the Scottish terrier in the same room with the owner, because close emotional contact with a person of this breed is necessary. And in this way it will be easier for the puppy to remember who his older friend and teacher is now. It is better to choose a bed for Scotty with low wooden sides (up to 10 cm) and install it so that it rises a couple of centimeters above the floor. This will protect the pet from insidious drafts. Toys in the life of a Scottish terrier should also be present, but if necessary, they are well replaced by an ordinary apple or cabbage stalk.

The floor in the room where the Scotch terrier puppy lives will have to be covered with rugs or newspapers for the first time. On slippery surfaces, the baby's paws move apart, and as a result, the wrong delivery is formed in the dog. Speaking of postage: until the Scottish terrier grows up, take him out for a walk on a leash, and not on a harness, deforming the already weak forelimbs of the baby. And in general, it is better to refuse this accessory if neither you nor your pet plan to "light up" in the ring in the future.

Walking

The Scottish Terrier is not a breed for adherents of passive pastime, if only because up to six months with a puppy you will have to walk every two to three hours. From six months to a year and a half, Scotty is taken outside up to four times a day. After the puppy turns one and a half to two years old, you can switch to a permanent two-day walk, while the duration of each excursion should be at least two hours. If you don't want to hang out in parks and squares for so long, take your four-legged friend to the promenade three times a day, reducing the time of one walk to 60 minutes.

Hygiene

There is no seasonal molting in Scottish terriers. Twice a year, the undercoat of the animals is renewed, but the outer hair remains in its proper place and dies gradually. In this regard, Scotch terriers are not cut, but trimmed, choosing bundles of detached wool. Usually, pinching is performed twice a year in a grooming salon, where a specialist not only removes the dead undercoat from the dog, but also gives its silhouette the necessary breed features. However, some breeders recommend not to limit themselves to seasonal grooming, but periodically pinch the Scottish terrier yourself (once a month), removing dead hair all over the body.

Important: the first acquaintance of the Scotch terrier with the wool plucking procedure should take place no earlier than the animal turns six months old.

The most common mistake when trimming a scotch terrier at home is leaving too much undercoat on its "pants" and "skirt". Scotty is not a lapdog, and he doesn't need a fluttering hair on his hips. It is necessary to bathe Scottish Terriers once a month, washing the hard hair with a nutritious pet shampoo and moistening it with an air conditioner or an indelible cream to facilitate combing. But that's all in theory. In practice, it is necessary to wash the restless "Scots" almost five times a day. Not only that, during walks, the "skirt" of the Scotch terrier collects liquid dirt on itself, but also the pet himself strives to dig into the ground and generously sprinkle his own "fur coat" with it. Buying a protective jumpsuit partially solves the problem of soiled wool, but only partially, so get used to the fact that there is no way with this breed without daily water procedures.

A little bit about combing Scottish terriers. Only clean hair can be put in order: never try to comb a dirty dog that suddenly has tangles. First, wash the animal thoroughly, and perhaps you will not have to fight with the matted wool at all. Scotch terriers are combed in two steps: first with a brush, then with a comb with sparse teeth. Pieces of wool that cannot be untangled can be carefully removed with a koltunorez. If the structure of the adorning hair of your ward leaves much to be desired, try rubbing an oil mixture with the addition of rosemary and cumin esters into the wool. Such "cosmetics" have not only a stimulating, but also a light dirt-repellent effect, which is extremely important for Scotch terriers.

Be sure to keep the dog's "beard" clean. Wipe your pet's muzzle after each feeding, or even better – buy him a special flat bowl for food and an automatic watering can. Scotty's ears are healthy, so taking care of them is not burdensome – a simple weekly cleaning of the auricle is enough. A little more attention will be required by the claws and eyes of the dog. The first ones grow very fast, so they need a systematic haircut. The latter may react with inflammation to external stimuli, respectively, periodically it may be necessary to rinse the mucosa with chamomile or tea infusion.

Feeding

The main source of protein for an adult Scotch Terrier is lean raw beef. Lamb, like pork, is a time bomb for the liver and guaranteed diarrhea, so we immediately dismiss them. Boiled offal can be a good alternative to beef, but not more often than a couple of times a week. By the way, Scottish terriers usually do not suffer from allergies, so turkey and chicken meat with pre-peeled skin is not forbidden to them.

Three or four times a month, the Scotch terrier is pampered with boiled sea fish without bones. In addition, the dog's menu should always include low-fat dairy products. Buckwheat and oatmeal are useful from scotty's cereals, carrots and cucumber are useful from vegetables. Rice is also considered a nutritious cereal, but the "Scots" have difficulties with a chair from it. Natural dietary supplements like bone meal (just bones are banned) or vegetable oil will be a good support for the body, although mineral fertilizing from a pet store is also not the worst option.

If you plan to feed a Scotch terrier with dry food, give preference to the super premium and holistic class. With this type of nutrition, the intake of additional vitamin and mineral complexes will not be required.

And of course, it is necessary to closely monitor the condition of the dog. If the pet has lost a little weight, but is quite healthy, put more food in his bowl. The lazy people occupying the sofa, on the contrary, should cut their rations.

Health and diseases of Scottish terriers

Scotch Terriers inherited from their ancestors such unpleasant diseases as muscle cramps (scotty Crump), hemophilia, Cushing's syndrome, achondroplasia, dysplasia, pulmonary artery stenosis and retinal atrophy. Some of these ailments are detected in puppies within a few days after birth with the help of tests, while others do not respond to diagnosis at an early age and make themselves felt when the dog turns three or four years old.

How to choose a puppy

• Eight-week-old Scotch terriers are extremely difficult to check for compliance with the standard, since puppies begin to acquire breed traits only in the fifth or sixth month of life. That is why it is important to contact an honest, proven nursery, where all offspring are obtained from planned mating and are necessarily registered.
• If you are afraid of making a mistake in choosing, look for a breeder who sells half-year-olds. At this age, it is much easier to determine the prospects of a Scottish terrier, but such a puppy will cost many times more than its two-month-old brothers and sisters.
• In Scotch Terrier puppies, the head is disproportionately developed and looks too massive. It is ok. If a two–month-old baby looks fully formed and looks like an adult animal, this is far from an advantage. Growing up, such individuals, as a rule, have a lightweight backbone and a short skull.
• Check how healthy the puppy you like is. Look into his ears and the area under his tail: both there and there should be clean. There should be no redness in the inguinal cavities and under the arms.
• Evaluate the type of temperament of the kids and their habits in the group. Too shy and slow Scotties are an unenviable acquisition.
• Refuse to buy a puppy that is too shaggy, with a well-overgrown skull, since with age it is likely to turn into a soft–haired fluffy, which is a serious defect for Scotch terriers. Take a closer look at babies with smooth fur, without traces of toilet hair.

Photos of scotch terrier puppies

The price of a scotch terrier

The cost of Scottish terrier puppies is determined not only by their belonging to a certain class (pet, show, breed), but also by the color of the animals. For example, there are always more ads for the sale of scotties with black fur, respectively, and their prices are lower: about $300 - $350 . Wheat scotch terriers are a phenomenon that is less common due to difficulties in breeding, but more expensive - from $400 per puppy. The most expensive option is show–class Scottish terriers with the right of breeding. The price of these representatives of the canine elite fluctuates within $800 - $1000.