or a frolicsome pal when you're gay.
For a stout and sturdy comrade
Whom storms will not dismay.
Take a bright little dog, a shaggy little dog.
A little Scottie dog from Aberdeen.
~~~Clara Chew~~~
The Scottish Terrier's bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package... a determined and thoughtful dog whose 'heads up, tails up' attitude should convey both fire and control."
Friendly and playful as a puppy, the Scottish Terrier matures into a bold, jaunty, yet steady and dignified adult, with greater independence than most terriers. He is staunchly self-reliant and fearless -- also dour and crusty at times.
Steadfastly loyal to his owner (some are one-person dogs) and reserved with strangers, the Scottish Terrier makes an intimidating watchdog. He should be socialized with lots of people at an early age and not allowed to be sharp. He can be scrappy with other dogs.Training is a challenge, for no breed has higher self-esteem or a stronger will -- this is not a dog for permissive owners. Firm, consistent leadership is a must, and obedience training should be praise- and food-based, for the Scottie is proud, extremely sensitive, and easily insulted. He may retaliate or "go on strike" if jerked around or pushed too far with rough handling.
Scottish Terriers are not large dogs; the breed standard calls for a dog of not more than 12" at the shoulder and not more than 23 pounds. He should fit the description "four-poster", being very square, well knit, and solidly built. A Scottie should give the impression of enormous power in a small but capable package. There should be nothing dainty, delicate, skinny, or racy in a Scottish Terrier. Everything about him should be solid and square.
Small, rough haired terriers have been indigenous to Scotland since time immemorial, but the Scottish Terrier began to take on a recognizable form and identity sometime in the 1500 and 1600's. By the late 1800's, the Scottie had reached a form we would find familiar today, and by 1930, when Scotties began their heyday as family pets, the magnificent form of the modern Scottie had been fixed.
Scotties are certainly very loving, but are not servile. If you enjoy being the master, and desire a fawning, obedient slave, Scotties are not for you. Scotties think of you as an equal partner and companion; they will do much for you out of love and respect, but if a Scottie ever feels he is being casually manipulated, or trifled with, he will begin to withdraw his respect for you. He is an independent fellow, and if you abuse his trust, you will risk losing the staunchest of friends.
A Scottie will place his loyalty only where it is earned, but while there is a great deal of love and loyalty in that stout little heart, it is easily broken. Scotties are born sportsmen, agile, hardy, and fearless, but the least bit of emotional neglect or abuse will break his spirit. Most of all, Scotties need companionship, and need to feel they are well-loved members of a household.
