GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Approx. 25-28cm (10”-11”).
Colour: Black, wheaten or brindle of any shade.
Coat: Outer coat - harsh, dense and wiry. Undercoat - soft and dense.
Gait: Fore and hindlegs move straight with a strong drive.
Looking neat and well tailored when stripped for the show ring, the whiskers and eyebrows emphasize the long strong head. In spite of being smaller, these terriers must be thick set and weigh from 8.6-10.4kg (19-23lb). The dark eyes are shielded by prominent over hanging eyebrows, and the fine textured ears must be pointed and erect. The strong neck flows into well sloping shoulder blades and straight forelegs. The relatively broad brisket is set well forward of the forequarter assembly and the chest reaches below the elbows. The back is level. The hindquarters are remarkably strong and wide, and finish with well arched feet facing forward.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Although dour and aloof, the Scottie is totally dependable combining the paradoxical characteristics of being both tolerant but with a quick tempered independence. These lovable terriers readily bark at anything that might attract attention making them excellent watchdogs. If exhibited at shows, Scotties need to be stripped professionally to keep the colour true and the hair harsh. For the pet owner, periodical clipping will suffice.
HISTORY
Irrespective of claims by owners of different Scottish breeds that their breed has the longest ancestry, as early as 1561 a similarly constructed terrier to the Scottish Terrier was recorded in Scotland. Once known as the Aberdeen Terrier, their association with the Skye Terrier cannot be denied. If these terriers could work with fox hunters and also reduce vermin around farms then pedigrees were of little importance. The hounds would trail the foxes and once cornered, these terriers would keenly follow them into their burrows. Their essential requirements were that they be low to the ground, dig like demons and be very game. Their tail needed to be strong in order that the huntsman could grab it when they needed to be pulled out of a burrow.