Characteristics of a Scottie - To understand the character of a Scottie is to know what they were bred for. They were used to hunt fox, otter, badger, and rat both over and under the ground. In fact, the word terrier comes from the Middle French terrier and before that the Latin “terra,” meaning earth.
Scottish Terrier! The big dog in the little package-the tyke with the short legs and the long head with the beard. The dog that has the courage of a German Shepherd and thinks that he is the size of a Great Dane. Perhaps the writer Willian Haynes said it best: "Words fail me when I want to describe the Scottish Terrier. To me he is the dog of dogs, my personal opinion being: all dogs are good; any terrier is better; a Scottie is Best! Nobody seems to fall madly in love with a Wee Scottie at first sight, but nobody can live in the same house with him a week and not love him."
This is not a dog for everyone, but those who have had a Scottish Terrier as a comrade will never forget the experience. For many, Scotties will become lifelong companions, and each Scottie in the household that goes to his reward is replaced with a new puppy. Indeed, once your heart is given to a Scottish Terrier, it will remain true and steadfast to the breed for a lifetime.
Scotties have been described in many ways and all the names fit the breed: lion-hearted, robust, alert, curious, scrappy, bright-eyed, intelligent, sturdy, courageous and adaptable. This is a breed with pluck and intelligence. They are sensitive to both criticism and praise. They are adaptable and if given good food, a bed and love, they can adjust to almost any living condition with little difficulty. This is a below - the - knee dog that is long on gameness, determination and courage. Common characteristics for all terriers are their desire to work with great enthusiasm and couuurage. They all have large and powerful teeth for the size of their bodies; they have keen hearing and excllent eyesight. No mattter how many generations they have been pets, the purpose for which the breed was bred will remain with the dog.
The temperament of the Scottie is all terrier. He is quick, alert, intelligent and robust. The Scottie, however, is a bit less rambunctious than other terrier breeds. He love's his family pack. He like attention but doesn't want to be overwhelmed. He will sit or lay next to you but he may not want to sit on your lap. He enjoys a good game or a giggle with his master. but he doesnt like to be made fun of. Always laugh with him and not at him. He is sensitive to praise and to blame. He can adjust easily to children, but children must understand his or her independent nature and his sense of dignity. Unlike a Collie, this is not a pet to be hauled around, have his ears pulled or to be ridden upon. It depents on how he is raise too! Scotties enjoys walks with his or her family, a toss of the tennis ball to be retrieved and rides in the car. Quiet nights by the fire next to your chair. Scotties, will ask little of you but a bit of love and some conversation.
The Scottish Terrier has a tendency to be a bit stubborn. They are independent, with minds of their own, and they obey grudgingly and at their own speed. They are smart enough to get out of anything. They can quickly figure out what is expected of them and just as quickly work their way around your expectations. They have proven to be a challenge for those who work with them. Scotties are basically nononsense dogs. They wil not stand in the yard and bark for hours. He will stand his ground but his actions will usually be defensive, protecting his territory as a sentinel. S. S. Van Dyne, a famous mystery writer and breeder of Scottish Terriers, wrote: "A gentleman! This is perhaps the whole story. The Scottie is a gentleman. He is reserved, honorable, patient, tolerant and courageous. He doesnt annoy you of force him self upon you. He meets life as he finds it, with an instinctive philosophy, a stoical intrepidy and a mellow understanding. He is calm and firm, and he or she minds his or her own business and minds it well. He is a Spartan and can suffer pain without whimpering, which is more than the majority of human beings can do. He will attack a lion or a tiger if his rights are invaded, and though he may die in the struggle he never shows the white feather or runs away. He is the most admirable of all sports, forthright, brave and uncomplaining. You know exactly where you stand with a Scottie; and if you are a friend, he is gentle, loving and protective."
Although Scotties want to be love, they will only do so much to please you, and then usually when they see fit and only in the manner they consider appropriate. This is not to say the Scottie is insensitive. On the contrary, when verbally chastened for some misdeed, a Scottie will lower his ears, duck his head, and
creep off to a corner in disgrace to nurse wounded feelings. Some Scottie owners are inclined to believe this reaction is due in part to having been scolded but also in disbelief that anyone would think there was malice, aforethought in their behavior. "Doesn't my owner know I had good reason for what I did. Recognizing the fact that the Scottie's nature appeals to a very particular kind of person, sincere breeders have made little attempt to make the breed a popular one. This limited appeal is not unlike the Scottie's own discerning taste in humans. Scotties are not for everyone. You have to make sure, they are the right fit for your life style and family. While there are may be an occasional Scottie that assigns himself the duties of household "welcome wagon," one is far more apt to find the breed reserved and dignified in the presence of those who are not members of his immediate family. Scottie is entirely devoted to his or her family and is more than happy to extend that devotion to his loved one's immediate family, strangers are an entirely different matter. But, it is all in how you socialize them while they are young puppy's too! That is one reason I believe in letting pet puppy's go at 8 weeks. They are ready to learn from their family pack leader.
