The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small breed of dog that originated in Scotland. They are considered to be one of the oldest breeds native to Scotland and were originally bred to hunt rodents and other small prey.
Physical Appearance:
Scottish Terriers have a distinctive appearance with their long face, prick ears, and wiry coat which comes in colors such as black, brindle or wheaten. On average they stand at 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 18-22 pounds. Their eyes are almond-shaped and dark brown.
Temperament:
Scottish Terriers have a bold personality paired with loyalty toward their owners. Although they may be wary around strangers or new animals introduced into their home environment. As natural hunters who possess sharp instincts for digging and chasing down prey; these behaviors must be controlled by early training from an owner who will earn its trust through firm but gentle training methods.
Health Problems:
One common health issue associated with Scottish Terriers is “Scottie Cramp,” a disorder that affects muscle control leading to hind leg hyper-extension causing them difficulties while walking running or jumping up/down stairs.
As well as having high risk of Von Willebrand disease (a bleeding disorder), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) allergic skin reactions most likely due to food sensitivities along with bladder cancer found more commonly within this breed than others.
On average these dogs can live up till twelve years if provided proper health care checkups annually by veterinarians after reaching seven years old age range.
Exercise:
Scottish terriers require moderate exercise on regular basis without getting bored easily with mentally stimulating activities like toys ball throw especially when left alone while full-time workers return back from office work-day routines.. Obedience training classes recommended starting early beginning often two months before taking pup away from litter-mates shows good results during adulthood building bond owner- pet relationship dynamic making feel special.
Special Grooming Needs:
Scottish Terriers require regular grooming sessions to maintain their distinctive wiry coat, trimming is needed every few months to keep them looking tidy. Brushing should be done once a week due to the double layered coats while bathing regularly helps keep their skin healthy with minimal shedding.
Owners must take care of oral hygiene checkups usually recommended by veterinarian by 3-4 years of age along with periodical ear cleanings.
Training:
To train Scottish Terriers successfully, patience and consistency will need to be maintained as they can have stubborn tendencies in following commands from their owners. Positive reinforcement techniques including reward systems rather than punishment are preferred when teaching new tricks or obedience routines.
Compatibility with children/pets:
These dogs make great companions for families as well as those living alone who seek independent pets suitable for small apartments or houses; like all breeds however pet-pet compatibility especially around other animals such cats or birds should be monitored closely during early socialization.
Personality Quirks:
Scotties exhibit playfulness and intelligence in addition stubbornness traits providing unique experiences over lifetime ownerships specific breed personalities. The bond between owner and Scottie can last a lifetime one particular quirk may include its tendency towards comical expressions while strutting around hence earned nickname “Diehard” referring toward their determined nature driven persistent motivation hard work ethics paired joyfully bounding energetic behavior that endears them many enthusiasts worldwide
Famous Examples:
In pop culture movies Lady And The Tramp had the character ‘Jock’ portrayed personality similar which added popularity behind this breed after release date back in 1955 wherein Captain Martin T Bayerle who featured on TV shows trading salvage expeditions was known advocate raising Scotties claiming would boost morale amongst crew members further leading promoting this iconic dog’s reputation globally till day