Scottish Terrier: description of the breed and the nuances of its content

Scottish terrier is an aristocratic dog breed that always attracts attention. Before buying such a pet, you need to familiarize yourself with the description of the breed, according to which it will turn out to choose a purebred puppy, and explore the nuances of its content. Competent education will help get an obedient dog, which does not take a lot of trouble.

Scottish Terrier is the oldest Scottish dog breed. However, even though it has existed for quite a long time, it managed to get its portion of popularity only in the mid-80s. At that time in the history of the breed there was a breakthrough: people refused to cross a short-legged Scottish terrier with a long-haired Englishman. But the real classification did not work out, so for a few decades more Scottish terriers called all dogs used to catch rats or as burrowed dogs. And in those days, such directions were inherent in the West Highland Terrier, Sky, White and Cairn Terrier.

The process of becoming an adhesive tape prevented disorderly breeding. According to people, in each village at that time there existed a vision of an ideal scotch, which could be an incredible mix of genes combining many different breeds. In 1879, the breed began to make out in a separate category. This was facilitated by the decision of the English Kennel Club, according to which, the Scottish terriers should be placed in different categories, depending on the coat color.

In 1880, Mackey traveled around Scotland and bought dogs with wheat and black wool from peasants. Due to his activities, in 1883, the breed had a breed standard that separated it from the white West Highland and the ashy sky terrier. The Scotch Terrier appeared in the USA in the 19th century, but this breed did not impress anyone. Interest in animals arose after Franklin Roosevelt acquired them.

Dogs were brought to Russia in the first half of the 20th century, and they lived with the Rurikovichs. However, after the revolution, the breed was again forgotten, and remembered only in 1930. At that moment, it did not come to breeding, since the Great Patriotic War began. Breeding in Russia started in the mid-70s, when representatives of the breed began to be imported from abroad.

Externally, dogs are squat and shaggy animals with a slightly tousled beard and short limbs. The dog copes with the excavation of even solid soil. Since animals belong to the category of small terriers, they are unable to show large sizes, but they are not considered miniature. Characteristics of the breed provides for height at withers from 25 to 28 cm, and the weight of a dog can be up to 10.5 kg. The standard approves identical indicators for females and males.

• Head. The dog's skull has an elongated shape. It should not be too flat, a small hollow from the forehead to the muzzle is located at eye level. The head itself is not too wide, has a square shape. The segment between the outer ears and the outer corner of the eye is distinguished by a decent size. Cheeks straight and flat.Cheekbones are not too strong.

• Jawbone Scissor bite. Jaws have large teeth.

• Nose. The nose is massive, black. The line that goes from the lobe to the chin should be slightly beveled.

• Eyes. The eyes are dark brown, slightly covered with hanging eyebrows, the landing is wide. The shape of the eyes is almond-shaped. The look of the Scotch Terrier is distinguished by its fervor and insight.

• Ears. This breed is characterized by thin erect ears, the shape of the ears is pointed.

• Neck. The neck does not differ in special length, but rather muscular.

• Torso. The back of the dog is of short length, should be flat. Topline almost horizontal. The rib cage is wide, protruding and slightly going down.

• Limbs. Were limbs - small length, set in parallel. Forearm is bony, pasterns are even. The hind limbs have large hips, the hock is strong, despite the fact that its length is short. Paw is in a lump, pads are large.

• Tail. The tail is 16-18 cm long. The base is thickened, the production is almost vertical. According to the standard a slight slope is allowed.

• Coat The coat is formed by a close-fitting undercoat, a pair of which is covered with a coat-like hair. The length and density of the fur reaches the maximum mark in the lower half of the body of the animal. With this cover, the dog gets a "skirt" with "pants."

• Permitted Colors. The standard of the breed allowed black, brindle and wheat color. The last two species can exist in any variations. Brindle color can be combined with any shades. Wheat color can be light golden, red is also welcome. White color is currently not popular. If the puppy has this color, it is not subject to disqualification, but is not allowed to the shows.

• Breed defects. Dogs are subject to disqualification if there are deviations from the specified standard or there are defects in the behavior. These features include cowardice, excessive aggression.

Many people fall in love with the charming face of the Scottish Terrier as soon as they see it. But, This breed is characterized by a variable character, which is in no way combined with a charming appearance. More recently, a cheerful dog, who happily played with his owner, can transform into an animal, exuding irritation and anger.

Pathological stubbornness is another feature of such a breed., and it can complicate the relationship between the pet and its owner. To achieve compliance with the dog, the owner must show the puppy from the first day who the leader is in the house. Scottish terrier is a small dog that has great courage, along with a sense of self-worth. Often you can face the willfulness, which is manifested in the fact that the pet deliberately does what it wants. However, the animal is sensitive to the territory entrusted to him and will never let strangers into it.

Some individuals can boast of pronounced manners of the leader and will aggressively respond to their relatives. In order for a pet to communicate well with other animals that exist with it under the same roof, you should start with the issue of socialization from puppyhood. Otherwise, you can face the fact that the hunter's instincts will win, and the dog will constantly hunt all. Walking a pet, you need to consider hunting qualities due to which scotch can rush in pursuit of another beast.

Scottish Terrier is a sensitive dog. It can only determine the mood of its owner by the intonation of the voice. If the animal does not consider its owner a leader, it will permanently take him out of himself. Another characteristic of these dogs is loyalty and vigilance. For this reason, scotch tape is considered good watchmen. In addition, the dog prefers only one person or two, with whom it will closely communicate. With strangers, the dog behaves wary and detached. He will not caress them.

Scottish terrier is a special dog that differs from its fellows not only in appearance, but also in character. Before choosing a four-way friend, you should familiarize yourself with the positive and negative features of the animal in order to verify the correctness of your purchase.

Consider the most obvious benefits of Scots.

• Miniature sizes and decorative features. Due to its small size, the animal can live in an apartment, it does not require much space.
• Unpretentious care. Such a dog does not need complex care. He will need only a haircut, as the wool does not independently shed.
• Resistance to all sorts of diseases. Scottish Terrier rarely gets sick and boasts good health.
• Independence. The dog can be left alone: ​​he is famous for his natural self-sufficiency, so he will not yearn during the absence of the owner.
• Lively mind and ingenuity. These dogs quickly understand what's what, and on the fly grab new skills.
• Devotion. Breeders say that if you find an approach to your pet, he will become a true friend until the last day.
• Sociability. The animal loves human society and is always ready to be close, while it will not be very intrusive.
• Love to walk. The dog is not against long festivities, and they are vital for him.
• Activity and energy.
• Pleasant appearance. Scottish terrier always attracts the attention of people on the street.

However, the breed has negative traits.

• Pride and stubbornness. A dog can go on principle and insist on his own. To make an animal obedient, you should engage in the process of education from the first day, and always insist on your own.
• The terrier does not get along very well with other pets. The dog will be constantly jealous of its owner.
• Wool should be monitored by trimming.
• The dog will bark often and piercingly.
• Breed will suit only the experienced owner.
• Required walking twice a day, along with physical exertion and jogging.
• The animal is not suitable for those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.

If such dogs are provided with proper care, they live for a rather long time - 13-14 years. The Scotch Terrier is a genetically healthy dog ​​that is distinguished by its endurance. Their activity is in the blood, and they retain it until the venerable age. However, the breed has some serious diseases that may be hereditary.

• Scotty cramp. This is a neuromuscular disease that occurs when the animal is in an excited state. At this point, he may begin convulsions, loss of consciousness is not observed. Such a disease is not progressive, so the dog will live a normal life with it. The number of seizures is individual.
• VWD and hemophilia. Disease of the hematopoietic system. Manifested in the form of bleeding associated with a violation of blood clotting. If the disease is severe, the bleeding may be spontaneous and begin in the internal organs, muscle tissues or joints. Due to an incurable disease, a lot of scotch tape died at a young or even puppy age.
• Cushing's syndrome. This is a disease of the endocrine system. Manifested in over-produced cortisol. You should contact the vet if the Scotch Terrier loses weight, has increased thirst, he has frequent urination, darkening of the skin, loss of coat. The treatment is expensive and long lasting. If you neglect therapy, the dog may die.
• Scottish terrier can also suffer skeletal diseases, dysplasia, pulmonary stenosis, retinal atrophy.

A puppy who is 8 weeks old is quite difficult to check for compliance with the standard. Breed traits scotch terriers acquire only 5-6 months. Therefore, in order not to interfere with the purchase of a purebred or non-standard pet, it is recommended to apply only to verified nurseries. Each mating must be planned and registered in the club.

Owners who are afraid to buy a "defective" dog may find a dog owner who sells grown puppies. Among the half-year-olds, it will be possible to see how promising the dog is for an exhibition career. However, the cost of such a dog will be much higher compared to two-month puppies.

When choosing you need to know that the head of a little scottish terrier will look too massive in relation to the general appearance of the animal. This is a normal situation. But if an eight-week dog looks completely formed, and is similar in its characteristics to an adult, this suggests that in the future the pet will have a lightweight skeleton with a short skull.

Like a puppy should be checked for health. For this you need to examine his ears, the area under the tail. Both areas must be clean. Redness is not allowed in the groin and armpits.

If the puppy is too shaggy, and its skull is abundantly covered with hair, the purchase should be abandoned. In the future, such scotch terrier will be soft-haired, which is considered a serious defect. It is recommended to choose puppies with a smooth coat.

Scottish Terrier can be kept in a small apartment, if you provide it with long walking and exercise. The dog must run. When the baby is brought into the house, it should be placed next to the owner, as the pet needs close contact with the person. Also, this arrangement will allow the puppy to quickly understand who is his mentor and friend. A place to sleep should be equipped with sides of wood, up to 10 cm in height. When installing, care should be taken to ensure that the stove bench rises a few centimeters above the floor surface. Such a maneuver will help rid the pet of a draft.

Toys are a must for keeping a dog. With their help, you can distract the pet's attention from furniture and other items in those moments when the dog is left alone. Some owners replace the usual toys with an apple or cabbage stalk.

The surface of the floor should be covered with rugs or newspapers. Paws will disperse on the bare floor of the puppy and this may lead to incorrect limb setting or injury. Walking the pet should only be on a leash until the backbone of the dog is formed. Then you can use a harness. The muzzle is a must-have accessory, it should be taught to the pet since childhood.

Scotch terrier is not suitable for a person who spends most of his life on the couch. In the first six months of his life, he will need to walk every two hours. The following year, the dog is walking 4 times a day.When your pet is 1.5 years old, you can teach him to walk twice. The duration of one walk should be at least two hours. If you don’t want to walk your four-legged friend for so long, you can resort to a three-day walk where the walks will last one hour.

Periodically, the dog must be bathed, in the summer it should occur more often than in winter. In the fall, you should wear special clothes so that the terrier does not get dirty. Bathing should be done in warm water, using specialized shampoos designed for hard wool.

Take care of your ears only occasionally.. The breed is characterized by small open ears, so otitis does not frighten her. The teeth of the scotch terrier are strong and healthy. Their condition is at the mark of "excellent" to a great age. Claws should be trimmed regularly, even if the pet is constantly receiving a load. Special attention should be paid to the terrier's beard. It must be cleaned after every meal and meal.

It is better to immediately buy flat bowls with auto drinker designed specifically for bearded breeds. Eyebrows, eyelashes and eyes - areas that should also pay attention. Since the coat is hard, it can irritate the mucous membrane of the eye, leading to diseases.

The coat of scotch terrier requires thatso that he is provided with a constant trimming and cutting. These are the only conditions that must be followed when keeping dogs. They do not need constant combing, so in order to mow your pet, you will need to find a good master (for exhibitions this is a must) or to master the skill with your own hands.

The Scottish Terrier has a hard coat that protects the dog well from the effects of heat and cold, but it does not fade without mechanical impact. Therefore, old hairs that have lost their elasticity and luster should be pulled out by hand. Trimming should be done 2-4 times a year.

The scheme of home haircuts has the following nuances.

1. The coat, which is located on the head, cheeks, neck and throat, must be shortened with a machine or scissors. Be sure to leave the dog with its eyebrows with a beard, thanks to which the animal has a concentrated look. It is necessary to check that the length of the hair does not prevent the dog from seeing.
2. On the back of the nose should shortly remove the hairs, thus obtaining a parting. The ears are trimmed on a similar principle, with the pointed tips retained.
3. To give a neat look, the fur on the sides, back and under the tail is also shortened. On the shoulders, the hairs are removed from the sides.
4. "Skirt" should be located on the stomach, body and legs. The length can be different: from a few centimeters to the length of the floor.

There are two categories of owners: connoisseurs of ready-made food and fans of natural food. If the owner plans to use ready-made dry food, you need to choose only from a high-quality and balanced line. Suitable premium, super premium. The composition should be low in protein.

If the owner wants to feed the dog with natural food, remember the following rules.

• Do not give the dog fatty and harmful food. The liver is a scotch weakness, so it’s best not to risk it.
• Raw food is a priority., as during heat treatment, protein is secreted.
• It is forbidden to give dyes, flavor enhancers and preservatives.
• Meat - This is the basis of the diet. It should be fed pet beef with cartilage or chicken. The meat is cut in small pieces and given out in its raw state. Stuffing four-legged friend is undesirable.
• You can give the dog vegetables and cereals. It is allowed to feed from cereals with buckwheat, rice, oatmeal. You can add vegetable oil with finely chopped herbs.
• Fermented milk products can be given. Do not feed on milk.
• Boiled eggs, dried fruits, raw sea fish (fillet) - also allowed list of ration.
• Systematically can be fed with large bones, in which there are no sharp edges. You can also buy special bones sold in the pet store.

Scottish terrier is a smart, but stubborn dog that does not tolerate criticism. She is very sensitive in the matter of praise and adulation. These characteristics of the character should know every owner of the scotch terrier, who decided to begin the educational process.

At the very beginning of the training, the Scottish terrier is able to learn with pleasure, but as soon as the classes become familiar to him, without a novelty, he will immediately lose interest in them. Selectivity is another character trait that dog handlers dislike. Scottish terrier is able to perfectly execute commands that he likes, but ignore those that he is not interested. You can generate interest with the help of snacks and affection. Other options do not work.

To date, no special training program for this breed has been developed. However, dog breeders believe that The classic technique for scotch is not suitable. You can try to combine games with training, shortening the lesson as much as possible.

To cope with the hunter's instinct, because of which the dog will have to constantly run while walking, you need to immediately accustom him to the leash. Educated dog will deliver less hassle to its owner. Every owner should also know that the scotch terrier is an incredibly active dog and nothing can be done about it.

You can only distract the pet's attention using toys from other objects, but expensive shoes should be hidden. Expensive repairs do not need to do until the dog becomes an adult. If the puppy becomes too impudent, it can be punished with light slaps. It is allowed to apply such punishment only at the time of misconduct, so that the terrier understands why he is being punished.

Puppies love to bite, which should immediately stop, because in adulthood the animal will continue to show aggression. Shout to affect the dog will not work. This technique can work with other breeds, but with a Scotsman, such training can only lead to frustration or resentment. You should not expect that the pet will immediately begin to understand the command, for a start it must be determined in order to carry it out. No need to load the dog with constant repetitions of learned skills. It will only tire him.

Training should be done from the first day of puppy life in a new house. This is a prerequisite for obtaining an obedient pet, because this breed was bred for independent work, which does not require dependence on a person. Due to this, the scotch terrier may differ in particular stubbornness when training. If the owner of the dog does not have enough time and energy to work with the terrier, you can ask for help at a specialized school.

Now Scotch Terrier is rarely used as a hunter. This is not connected with a decrease in hunting instincts, but with the unwillingness of the owners to train their pet in this area.Dog breeders are more interested in the appearance of terriers, so they do not allow the dog to swarm in the ground.

If the owner wants to remind his dog of the skills of the pursuer, it is enough to visit the pritravochnye zones of his region, where the Scotch Terrier will quickly remember its origin. After a couple of months of training, he will be a highly skilled fox catcher, and will be able to conquer even the deepest burrows.

At such training the dog will be freed from excess energy. He will be engaged in favorite business, receiving physical activities which he needs. However, the owner of the dog must be extremely attentive during the walk: if the owners usually try to put out the hunter's instincts, here it will not work. In ordinary life, the dog will also pursue its goals in the form of cats and small dogs.

Scottish terrier reviews can be controversial, but negative comments are often related to the fact that the owner does not know how to handle the dog. Studying the reviews of the owners, you can learn more about the features of the breed and decide whether it suits a certain person or you should pay attention to other four-legged pets.

Many people talk about the exceptional dedication of their pet, who is always ready to be around, but at the same time will not become intrusive. He may simply be close to the person while he is doing his business. Many owners note that the Scottish Terrier feels good with older people. The dog appreciates peace and tranquility, and will be a faithful companion for them.

Rigid, hypoallergenic wool is another reason to delight the owners. Scotch does not require special care, it does not need to be combed out, he has healthy teeth from birth.

Stubbornness and autonomy are characteristic signs of a scotch terrier. He does not like coercion, and if the owner forces the dog to execute commands through the force, it will in principle refuse to obey. This issue is solved with the help of early education. To any pet, you can find an approach and win his respect, showing himself to be the leader of the pack.

The dog does not like finding other animals in the house. Scottish terrier is very jealous and can show aggression. It is necessary to stop all manifestations of negativity even at puppy age, so that there are no problems in the future. Increased barking is another breed deficiency that some people complain about. A dog may bark too often, but it still doesn’t compare to the amount of noise that other small breeds of doggies make. Besides, The problem of barking can also be solved by proper upbringing.

For more on the features of the breed, see the following video.