Dog Breed Guide

Scottish Terrier

Profile

Size

Small

Country of origin

United Kingdom (Scotland)

Origin

19th century

Bred for

Hunting fox, badger and small game

Height

25 - 28cm (10 - 11in)

Weight

8.5 - 10.5kg (19 - 23lb)

Life span

11 - 13 years

A dignified terrier with short legs, a sturdy body, a long head and an impressive beard and eyebrows. The harsh, wiry coat comes in black, wheaten and brindle.

Proud, brave and independent, the Scottie shows deep affection for its family but does not like being fussed over. It is cautious with strangers and makes a reliable watchdog. It has a stubborn side, so training takes patience.

Bred to go to ground after fox and badger in rocky dens in the Scottish Highlands, it needs a fair amount of exercise despite its short legs. The coat is kept in shape with regular grooming.

Good to know

Its nickname is "Scottie." Fala, the dog of US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is probably the most famous Scottish Terrier of all. Fala went everywhere with the president, and at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, a statue of Fala sits right beside the president's. After his death Fala was buried next to the president's grave.

The breed has deep ties with the White House. President George W. Bush also kept two Scotties, Barney and Miss Beazley. Barney was a celebrity who starred in a number of short videos produced by the White House.

King James I of England in the 17th century is also said to have loved these dogs, and Queen Victoria's kennels had a Scottie named Laddie. The Scottie token in the board game Monopoly is a familiar favorite too.