Breed of the Day - Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier


HISTORY :

• "Scottie" ... "Aberdeen Terrier" (Aberdeen, Scotland)
• One of five terriers with Scotland origin (Breeds : Scottish, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, West Highland White Terrier)
• Presidential owners - FDR, George W. Bush
• Playing piece in Monopoly

(A further history can be found on Wikipedia)


TEMPERAMENT :

• Brave
• Alert
• Intelligent
• Playful and friendly as a puppy..."dignified" as an adult
• Excellent watchdog
• Stubborn tendency
• Consistent firm and calm training early on...Owner MUST be confident in training to keep the dog positively responsive...Lack of authority by all leaders in the family will lead to nonresponsive and challenging behavior
• Needs socializing
• "Reliable temperament"
• Likes to exercise and play
• "Big dog in small dog's body"
• AVOID SMALL DOG SYNDROME - Moody, Protective, Obsessive barking, etc. - BEHAVIORS NOT NATURAL TRAITS OF A SCOTTISH TERRIER
• Children MUST show leadership
• Not good with younger children
• Daily exercise reinforces leadership

PHYSICAL TRAIT :

• Average weight : 19 - 23 pounds

HEALTH :

• Prone to bleeding disorders
• Prone to joint disorders
• Prone to autoimmune diseases
• Allergies
• Scottie Cramp - movement disorder

(Source - Wikipedia)


LIVING CONDITIONS :

• Good for apartment
• Okay without a yard
• Prefers cooler weather

LIFE EXPECTANCY :

• 12 - 15 years

(Temperament, Physical Trait, Living Conditions, Life Expectancy source - DogBreedInfo)