Basic Things You Should Know About The Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier (also known as the "Scottie") is a terrier breed of dog. They feature a wiry coat with erect ears and a long beard. The breed first appeared in the 1400s. They were originally bred for hunting vermin. These days they are popular as a companion dog. They can be recognized by their distinctive beard and friendly nature. They are thought to originate from the Highlands of Scotland and are a descendant of the Skye Terrier (or vice versa, it's unknown for sure).

They are classified as a small sized dog. The recommended male size is 10 inches high with a weight of 19-22 pounds, while the female size is 10 inches high with a weight of 18-21 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be alert, loving and adventurous. They are typically friendly with strangers, and this makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be not highly intelligent, and ranks 65th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are good with children, which can make them suitable as a family pet. They don't get along well with other animals such as smaller animals they may confuse for prey. Grooming them is a time consuming task. They need regular brushing every week, and full grooming every 4 to 8 weeks. They enjoy having a small, well-fenced yard to run around in, but can be suitable for apartment life.

Like most small sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Their most severe health concern is cancer, and they are also susceptible to "Scottie Cramp", Von Willebrand's disease, patellar luxation, allergies and skin problems. They enjoy hobbies like chasing a ball or running around the yard. They have a high level of energy, which means they need moderate walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Scottish Terrier you need to be prepared to give them adequate leadership and attention. They are less suitable for households with smaller pets, but highly suitable for confident owners that will give them strong leadership. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a handsome appearance and character that makes them easy to fall in love with. Another good thing about them is they are known to be good with kids and make a great family pet.

If you want to learn more Scottish Terrier information and other related topics take a look at this page.