With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, often bred and used for ratting (hunting vermin) or baiting, today»s Scottish Terrier is still just as popular for its enduring resiliency.
Once a member of the Scotch Terrier group, it was known as the «Diehard» of the terriers, for the Scottish Terrier»also nicknamed the Scottie»would last the day long in the hills and rough terrain of Scotland, hunting vermin, fox, and badgers. This breed was begun for such purposes in the 1800»s.
But the hard-working breed came to be appreciate for what we know them as today, attentive and loyal pets, by the 1930»s, when the Scottish Terrier entered the white house in America. Franklin Delano Roosevelt had fallen for Murray of Fallahill, or fala for short.
Soon thereafter, the president and family also took in Gems, and the country became infatuated with the Scottish Terrier: the adorable and attentive and willing-to-please creature was a co-star in «Our Little Girl,» playing pet Sniffy to Shirley Temple»s main character; it appeared as mascot on the Black and White whiskey logo; and it was seen with the famous Gil Elvgren pin-up girls on many a pin-up poster. And of course today, the fashion world for doggie haute couture features the tartan plaid coat and tam that many think of as the Scottie»s signature outfit.
The Scottish Terrier is not just a spokesdog or trendsetter, today. The breed, at a mere 10 inches and 17-22 pounds, is a top-rated alarm- and watch dog. In fact, according to one Scottie owner, it is the third best alarm-barker of all breeds. This could be because it is inherently a working breed, and must have a job to do to be naturally content. Besides guarding a home, though, the Diehard needs physical activity, so it is healthiest, too, when it is walked at least once a day.
But it is essentially low-maintenance, needing, for example, only a weekly bristle-brushing to remove the dead hair (as, like most terriers, it does not shed), while it needs clipping of its very wiry and long coat two or three times a year, as well. And as a breed that is only demanding in the typical ways, the Scottish Terrier needs affection, but just as importantly needs to stay stimulated an engaged with play.
So the ideal living environment, whether it is a small apartment or country ranch, will allow for it to chase and bounce about (not freely, though, or it will run off) and needs, again, to be able to be the guardian of the people it loves.
