Scottish Terrier

:"Scottie redirects here; distinguish from Scotty." Infobox Dogbreed
name = Scottish Terrier
nickname = Scottie
country = flagicon|Scotland Scotland


image_caption = A black Scottish Terrier
maleweight = 8.5-10 kg (18.7-22 lb)
femaleweight = 8-9.5 kg (17.6-21 lb)
maleheight = 25 cm (10 in)
femaleheight = 25 cm (10 in)
coat = double (hard wiry & soft under coat)
color = Black, Brindle, Wheaten
litter_size = 1-6
life_span = up to 15 years
akcgroup = Terrier
akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/scottish_terrier/index.cfm
ankcgroup = Group 2 (Terriers)
ankcstd = http://www.ankc.aust.com/scottish.html
ckcgroup = Group 4 - Terriers
ckcstd = http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=SOT
fcigroup = 3
fcinum = 73
fcisection = 2
fcistd = http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:NttJHawYZ2cJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/073gb98_en.doc+site:www.fci.be+%2273+/+++02.02.1998+++%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8
kcukgroup = Terrier
kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/83
nzkcgroup = Terrier
nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br268.html
ukcgroup = Terriers
ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/a39007cfbb1a88ac8525704d0062f231?OpenDocument

The Scottish Terrier (also known as the Aberdeen Terrier), popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog best known for its distinctive profile, black color, and typical terrier personality.

The Scottish Terrier is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland. The other four are Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White Terriers. Its nickname is "little diehard", given to it in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton." [http://www.mactavishscotties.ca/scotties/history.html Scottish Terrier] ", ".mactavishscotties.ca". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] The Earl had a famous pack of Scottish Terriers, so brave that they were named “Diehards”. They were supposed to have inspired the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, "Dumbarton’s Diehards".

Description

Appearance

A Scottish Terrier is a small but resilient terrier. Scotties are fast and have a muscular body and neck (a typical neck circumference is 14 inches)," [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/IdentifyAScottie.htm#Ref2 Scottish Terrier Club of America] ", "clubs.ack.org". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] often appearing to be barrel chested. They are short-legged, cobby and sturdily built, with a long head in proportion to their size.

The Scottie should have large paws adapted for digging. Erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. Their eyes are small, bright and almond-shaped and dark brown or nearly black in colour." [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/illustrated_standard-Pg7.htm Scottish Terrier Standard] ", "clubs.ack.org". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Size

Height at withers for both sexes should be roughly 25cm (10 in), and the length of back from withers to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh from 8.5-10 kg (19-22 pounds) and a female from 8-9.9 kg (18-21 pounds). It is about 11-15 inches (28-38cm) in height." [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/illustrated_standard-Pg3.htm Scottish Terrier Standard - weight] ", "clubs.ack.org". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Coat

The Scottie typically has a hard, wiry, long, weather-resistant outer coat and a soft dense under coat. The coat is typically trimmed and blended, with a longer coat on the beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body — traditionally shaggy-to-the-ground. The head, ears, tail and back are traditionally trimmed short." [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/illustrated_standard-Pg13.htm Scottish Terrier Standard - coat] ", "clubs.ack.org". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

The usual coat color ranges from dark gray to jet black. Scotties with 'Wheaten' (straw to nearly white) or 'Brindle' (mix of black and brown) coats sometimes occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.

Temperament

Scotties, like most terriers, are alert, quick and feisty — perhaps even more so than other terrier breeds." [http://www.thebreedsofdogs.com/SCOTTISH_TERRIER.htm Scottish Terrier] ", "Breeds of Dogs". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] The breed is known to be independent and self-assured, playful, intelligent and has been nicknamed the 'Diehard' because of its rugged nature and endless determination." [http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/Breeds/scottish-terrier.html Scottish Terrier] ", "dog-breed-facts.com". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] Scotties, while being very loving, can also be particularly stubborn. Because the breed is inclined to be stubborn, it needs firm, gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household." [http://www.buzzle.com/articles/terrier-dog-breeds-group.html Terrier Dog Breeds: The Top Ten Dog In This Group] ", "Buzzle.com". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] They are sometimes seen as an aloof breed, although it is actually very loyal to its family and they are known to attach themselves to one or two people in their pack." [http://www.canismajor.com/dog/scottie.html Scottish Terrier] ", "Canismajor". URL last accessed on 2008-08-14.] The breed has been described as tempestuous, but also quite sensitive." [http://www.giftsforpets.ca/shop/page_info.php/pages_id/14/pages_name/Scottish%20Terrier Scottish Terrier] ", "Giftsforpets". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

The Scottish Terrier makes a good watchdog due to its tendency to bark only when necessary and because it is typically reserved with strangers — although this is not always the case and it is important to remember that all dogs differ. It is a fearless breed that may be aggressive around other dogs unless introduced at an early age." [http://www.barkbytes.com/profile/sctter.htm Profile of the Scottish Terrier] ", "barkbytes". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers. Therefore, the Scottie is prone to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as Squirrels, rats, mice and foxes. For this reason it is recommended that they are walked on a leash.

Health

Scottish Terriers have a greater chance of developing some cancers than other purebreds. According to research by the Veterinary Medical Data Program (1986), six cancers that Scotties appeared to be more at risk for (when compared to other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract; malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma." [http://www.tartanscottie.com/scottie_cancer_report.htm CANCER: The Scottish Terrier's War On Terror] ", "Tartanscottie.com". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] Other cancers that are known to commonly affect Scotties include mast cell sarcomacite book|author=Morrison, Wallace B.|title=Cancer in Dogs and Cats|edition=1st ed.|publisher=Williams and Wilkins|year=1998|id=ISBN 0-683-06105-4] and hemangiosarcoma." [http://www.scottiecancer.com/index.html Protecting your dog from cancer] ", "scottiecancer.com". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Research has suggested that Scottish Terriers are 20 times more likely to get bladder cancer than other breeds" [http://www.nestc.co.uk/News.htm Bladder Cancer in the Scottish Terrier] ", "North of England Scottish Terrier Club". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] and the most common kind of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC). Dr. Deborah Knapp of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine has commented "TCC usually occurs in older dogs (average age 11 years) and is more common in females (2:1 ratio of females to males)." Symptoms of TCC are blood in the urine, straining to urinate, and frequent urination — although owners noticing any of these symptoms should also be aware that the same symptoms may also be indicative of a urinary tract infection. Veterinary assistance should be sought, and an ultrasound should be requested to confirm.

The most common and effective form of treatment for TCC is Piroxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that "allows the cancer cells to kill themselves." In order to help prevent cancer in a dog, an owner should ensure that their dog has minimal exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; use caution when treating dogs with some flea medications; provide a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and plenty of exercise." [http://www.scottiecancer.com/prevention.html 10 steps to protect your pet from cancer] ", "scottiecancer.com". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Two other genetic health concerns in the breed are von Willebrand disease (vWD) and craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); Scottie cramp, patellar luxation and cerebellar abiotrophy are also sometimes seen in this breed. Scottish Terrier owners are advised to have DNA tests performed to screen for von Willebrand's disease. Scotties typically live between 11 and 13 years. [Coile, Caroline, Ph. D., "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds", Barron's Educational Series, 2002. Page 198.]

History

The Scottie is often thought to be the oldest of the Highland terriers, although this contention has not been proved." [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9066369/Scottish-terrier Scottish Terrier Britanica entry] ", "Britanica". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] Initial grouping of several of the highland terriers (including the Scottie) under the generic name "Skye terriers" caused some confusion in the breed’s lineage. There is much disagreement over whether the Skye terriers mentioned in early 16th century records actually descended from forerunners of the Scottie or vice versa." [http://www.petplace.com/dogs/choosing-a-scottish-terrier/page1.aspx Choosing a Scottish Terrier] ", "Petplace.com". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] It is certain, however, that Scotties and West Highland White Terriers are closely related — both their forefathers originating from the Blackmount region of Perthshire and the Moor of Rannoch." [http://www.petplanet.co.uk/petplanet/breeds/Scottish_Terrier.htm Scottish Terrier] ", "planet". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] Scotties were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms and to hunt badgers and foxes in the Highlands of Scotland. Scotties are natural "diggers," like other terriers, whose name derives from the same root as "terre," French for "earth."" [http://www.blurtit.com/q889614.html What is a Scottish Terrier bred for?] ", "Blurtit". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] They were bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of holes when they would dig after vermin and voles.

The actual origin of a breed as old as the Scottish Terrier is somewhat obscure and undocumented.cite book |last=Stamm|first= Miriam|coauthors=Beauchamp, Rick|title= An Owner's Guide to Scottish Terriers |year=1998|publisher=TFH Publications|id=ISBN 978-0793827862] The first written records about a dog of similar description to the Scottish Terrier dates from 1436, when Don Leslie described them in his book "The History of Scotland 1436-1561". Two hundred years later, Sir Joshua Reynolds painted a portrait of a young girl caressing a dog remarkably similar to a Scottie. King James VI of Scotland was an important historical figure featuring in the Scottish Terrier's history. In the 17th century, when King James VI became James I of England, he sent six terriers — thought to be forerunners of the Scottish terrier — to a French monarch as a gift." [http://web.archive.org/web/20060907225833/http://users.chartertn.net/jgantt/TheScottyAppeal/TheScottyAppeal6.html The Scotty Appeal] ", "Scotty Appeal". URL last accessed on 2008-08-14.] His love and adoration for the breed increased their popularity throughout the world.

Many dog writers from the early 1800s on seem to agree that there were two varieties of terrier existing in Britain at the time — a rough haired Scotch Terrier and a smooth haired English Terrier. Thomas Brown, in his "Biological Sketches and Authentic Anecdotes of Dogs" (1829), states that "the Scotch terrier is certainly the purest in point of breed and the (smooth) English seems to have been produced by a cross from him". Brown went on to describe the Scotch Terrier as "low in stature, with a strong muscular body, short stout legs, a head large in proportion to the body" and was "generally of a sandy colour or black" with a "long, matted and hard" coat. Although the Scotch Terrier described here is more generic than specific to a breed, it asserts the existence of a small, hard, rough-coated terrier developed for hunting small game in the Scottish Highlands in the early 1800s; a description that shares essential characteristics with what was once known as the Aberdeen Terrier and is today known as the Scottish Terrier. In addition the paintings of Sir Edwin Landseer and an 1835 lithograph, entitled "Scottish Terriers at Work on a Cairn in the West Highlands", both depict Scottie type terriers very similar to those described in the first Scottish Terrier Standard.

In the 1800s, the Highlands of Scotland, including the Isle of Skye, were abundant with terriers originally known by the generic term "short-haired" or "little Skye terriers."" [http://www.petplace.com/dogs/choosing-a-cairn-terrier/page1.aspx Choosing a Cairn Terrier] ", "Petplace.com". URL last accessed on 2007-01-07.] Towards the end of the 19th century, it was decided to separate these Scottish terriers and develop pure bloodlines and specific breeds. Originally, the breeds were separated into two categories – Dandie Dinmont terriers and Skye terriers (not the Skye terrier known today, but a generic name for a large group of terriers with differing traits all said to originate from the Isle of Skye). The Birmingham England dog show of 1860 was the first to offer classes for these groups of terriers. They continued to be exhibited in generic groups for several years and these groups included the ancestors of today's Scottish Terrier. Recorded history, and the initial development of the breed started in the late 1870’s with the growth of dog shows. The exhibiting of dogs required that they be compared to a standard for the breed and the appearance and temperament of the Scottie was written down for the first time. Eventually, the Skye terriers were further divided into what are known today as the Scottish terrier, Skye Terrier, West Highland white terrier and Cairn terrier.

While identification of the breed was being sought through the late 1800s, the Scottish terrier was known by many different names: the Highland, the Cairn, Diehard, and most often, the Aberdeen Terrier — named because of the dogs abundancy in the area and because a J.A. Adamson of Aberdeen had a lot of success exhibiting his dogs during the 1870s. Roger Rough, owned by Adamson, Tartan, owned by Mr Paynton Piggott, Bon Accord, owned by Messrs Ludlow and Bromfield and Splinter II, owned by Mr Ludlow, were early winners and are the four dogs from which all Scottish Terrier pedigrees ultimately began. It is often said that all present day Scotties stem from a single dame, Splinter II, and two sires. In her heavily researched book, "The New Scottish Terrier", Cindy Cooke refers to Splinter II as the "foundation matron of the modern Scottish Terrier." Cooke goes on to say "For whatever reason, early breeders linebred on this bitch to the virtual exclusion of all others. Mated to Tartan, she produced Worry, the dam of four champions. Rambler, her son by Bonaccord, sired the two founding sires of the breed, Ch. Dundee (out of Worry) and Ch. Alistair (out of a Dundee daughter)" (The New Scottish Terrier, 1996)." [http://www.tartanscottie.com/Deconstructing-Diehard-1column.pdf Deconstructing the Diehard] ", "Tartanscottie". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] From Splinter and her sires are descended all the show champions on both sides of the Atlantic." [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/illustrated_standard-Pg2.htm A Study of the Scottish Terrier] ", "Scottish Terrier Club of America". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Captain Gordon Murray and S.E. Shirley were responsible for setting the type in 1879. Shortly afterwards, in 1879, Scotties were for the first time exhibited at Alexander Palace in England, while the following year they began to be classified in much the same way as is done today." [http://www.pasoddy.com/english/dog/scottie_.htm Scottish Terrier-About Breed] ", "passody". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] The first written standard of the breed was drafted by J.B. Morrison and D.J. Thomson Gray and appeared in Vero Shaw's "Illustrated Book of The Dog", published in 1880, and ultimately was extremely influential in setting both breed type and the Scottish terrier name. The standard gave the dog colouring as "Grey, Grizzle or Brindle", as the typically Black colouring of Scotties was not fashionable or favoured until the 1900s.

In 1881 the "Scottish Terrier Club of England" was founded, being the first club dedicated to the breed. The club secretary, H.J. Ludlow, is responsible for greatly popularising the breed in the southern parts of Great Britain. The "Scottish Terrier Club of Scotland" wasn't founded until 1888, seven years after the English club. Following the formation of the English and Scottish clubs there followed several years of differences and arguments with regards to what should be deemed as the correct and official standard of the breed. Things were finally settled by a revised standard in 1930, which was based on four prepotent dogs. The dogs were Robert and James Chapman's Heather Necessity, Albourne Barty, bred by AG Cowley, Albourne Annie Laurie, bred by Miss Wijk and Miss Wijk's Marksman of Docken (the litter brother of Annie Laurie). These four dogs and their offspring modified the look of the Scottie, particularly the length of the head, closeness to the ground and the squareness of body. Their subsequent success in the show ring led to them becoming highly sought after by the British public and breeders. As such, the modified standard completely revolutionized the breed. This new standard was subsequently recognised by the Kennel Club UK circa 1930.

Scotties were introduced to America in the early 1890's but it was not until the years between World War I and World War II that the breed became popular. A club was formed in 1900 and a standard written in 1925. The Scottish Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1934." [http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/ScottishTerrier Scottish Terrier Official U.K.C. Breed Standard] ", "UKC". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] By 1936, Scotties were the third most popular breed in the United States. Although they did not permanently stay in fashion, they continue to enjoy a steady popularity with a large segment of the dog-owning public across the world.

Famous Scotties and Famous Scottie Owners

The Scottie is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House three times." [http://www.pasoddy.com/english/dog/scottie_history.htm Scottish Terrier-History] ", "passody". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] President Franklin D. Roosevelt was renowned for owning a Scottie named Fala, a gift from his cousin, Margaret Stuckley." [http://bushybarney.tripod.com/fala.htm FDR's Fala, World's Most Famous Dog] ", "BushBarney". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] The President loved Fala so much that he rarely went anywhere without him. Roosevelt had several Scotties before Fala, including one named Duffy and another named Mr. Duffy. More recently, President George W. Bush has owned two Scottish terriers, Barney and Miss Beazley." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/barney/ Barney and Miss Beazley's Home Page] ", "Bush's dogs". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Other famous people who are known to have owned Scotties include: Humphrey Bogart; Bette Davis; Julie Andrews; Liza Minnelli; E.B. White; Queen Victoria; Ronald Reagan; Theodore Roosevelt; Dorothy Lamour; Eva Braun; Shirley Temple and Ron White among others." [http://w3.aces.uiuc.edu/VJR/sthist.html Famous People Who Owned Scotties] ", "Famous Scotties". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Tatum O'Neal owned a Scottish Terrier. She was said to be so saddened by her dog's death to cancer and old age that she relapsed into drugs. " [http://www.welt.de/english-news/article2065209/Tatum_ONeal_says_her_dogs_death_trigged_her_drugs_arrest.html Welt Online] ","Tatum O'Neal says her dog's death triggered her drugs arrest". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] .

A famous fictional Scottie is Jock from the Disney feature film "Lady and the Tramp", where he acted as the retired captain with a Scottish tartan overcoat. In 1955, when the movie was originally released, Jock became one of the most popular dog names of the time." [http://pets.coloradosprings.com/feature_fullstory.jsp?id=5533 Dog Names] ", "Pets.ColoradoSprings". URL last accessed on 2007-01-07.]

A Scottie dog is also renowned for featuring in the popular board game, Monopoly, as a player token. When the game was first created in the 1930s, Scotties were one of the most popular pets in the United States, and it is also one of the most popular Monopoly game tokens, according to Matt Collins, vice president of marketing for Hasbro." [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2006-09-18-monopoly-token_x.htm Move over, Rover: Hybrid labradoodle replaces Scottish terrier token] ", "Usatoday". URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

A Scottish Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier are featured on the Black & White whisky label, and the breed has been used as the mascot for the Chum brand of dog food, appearing on both the brand's packaging and TV commercials. Scottish Terriers are also part of the emblem for the clothing line, Juicy Couture and Radley handbags. In Enid Blyton's Mystery Series books, there is a Scottish Terrier called Buster, who is always part of the mysteries.

In May 2007, Carnegie Mellon University named the Scottish Terrier its official mascot. [http://www.cmu.edu/homepage/innovation/2007/spring/scottie-comes-home.shtml Scottie Comes Home - Carnegie Mellon University. URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] The Scottie had been a long-running unofficial mascot of the university, whose founder's Scottish heritage is also honored by the official athletic nickname of "Tartans." [http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07029/757646-298.stm CMU dogs it on picking a mascot. URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] During the opening of the May, 2007, Carnegie Mellon commencement ceremony, keynote speaker Bill Cosby led the university's new mascot, named Scottie, to the speaker's platform.cite web | publisher = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | date = 2007-05-21 | url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07141/787779-298.stm | title = Cosby urges CMU nerds to 'accept themselves' | accessdate = 2008-04-23. URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.]

Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia also uses the Scottie as their mascot. [ [http://www.agnesscott.edu Agnes Scott College ] . URL last accessed on 2008-08-13.] The College of Wooster 'Scots' in Wooster, Ohio, has used a Scottish Terrier as one of the symbols of the college.

References

External links

* [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/illustrated_standard-Pg1.htm A Study of the Scottish Terrier] - Published by the Scottish Terrier Club of America
* [http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/83 Scottish Terrier Breed Standard] - The British Kennel Club
* [http://www.akc.org/breeds/scottish_terrier/index.cfm Scottish Terrier Breed Standard] - The American Kennel Club
* [http://clubs.akc.org/stca/ Scottish Terrier Club of America] - Official website of the American Scottish Terrier Club
* [http://au.geocities.com/stcvic/ Scottish Terrier Club of Victoria] - Official website of the Victorian Scottish Terrier Club
* [http://stcinc.org/ Scottish Terrier Club of NSW] - Official website of the NSW Scottish Terrier Club
* [http://webpages.charter.net/mungoman/TheScottyAppeal/ The Scotty Appeal] - Modern: Scottie, Scotties, Scottish Terrier. Ole: Aberdeen Old Scottish Terrier, Scotty, Scotti, Scoti. A Scottish Terrier Pro Bono Personal Site. Relieving Grief of Losing Your Cherished Dog to The Rainbow Bridge. Locating Your New Family Member to Rule Their Scottish Terrier Home. A-1 Terriers - Open to All Terrier Type People Fully Owned, Operated, & Managed by Terriers.
* [http://www.tartanscottie.com Home of Tartan Scottie and Great Scots Magazine] - The premiere resource for Scottish Terrier health, history, and companionship celebration for Scotties and their people