The
Scottish Terrier was bred by people who wanted a very tough, small
dog which could kill the vermin threatening their crops and stock.
Fox, badger, rats, stoats and weasels were all fair game for the tenacious
little dogs known as terriers. Terriers comes from the word “terra”,
meaning earth and these dogs were in the British Isles when the Romans
marched through Britain in the fifth century A.D..
Scotties
and other short-legged terriers were bred to go to ground, to go
into a hole and kill whatever species was in there. The dog must
have powerful jaws and plenty of large teeth to grip and the stamina
and courage to fight to the finish on its own without direction
from the human who controlled it.
Because
of this background we can better understand why the Scottie behaves
and reacts as it does. Scotties and other terriers are captivated
by quick movement; they cannot resist it. Many Scotties will
ignore a cat unless it runs. And they are fast, easily catching
mice and rats. Many Scottie owners report that their Scots
present them with “gifts” of dead vermin and expect
to be praised for their efforts.
The
Scottie is loyal to his master or mistress and almost always to
the family. There are a few dogs who will only show affection for
one person but they are rare. However he may be aloof or even hostile
to strangers for he guards his people and place with a strong will.
Some Scotties are unwilling to cuddle or sit on laps for the breed
is known for its independence stemming from the ability to work
alone. Due to its fighting heritage, the Scot is very courageous
and a few will actually pick a fight with a very large dog unless
controlled by their human. Most Scotties will not pick a fight
but they will not walk away from one either.
As
a pet, the Scottie can be very playful. Males and females have amazing speed and they can make you
dizzy tearing around in a house or a yard at a frantic pace.
(This is known as frapping.) Most love toys and
like toys they can chew. Not a few take great delight in shredding
paper and then distributing it like packing material in a flurry
all over the house.
A
Scottie owner has to have a certain tolerance and sense of humor
because a Scottie can and will try your patience. Normally
obedient, Scotties can decide not to respond to a command. A good
example of this: You and your Scottie are out for a walk where clumps
of brush, trees and bushes abound. Your Scottie is in his element,
the odors entice him so he is prowling through the field and off
the leash but in view. You call him (her) to come. The response
may be (a) continue to investigate the field completely ignoring
you or (b) peek out from behind a bush and simply stare at you implying
that there are still things to investigate in this field and is
not ready to come. If you do not understand Scotties this
action may be upsetting, even provoking. The typical Scottie owner
will (a) resign himself to waiting for his laddie or lassie to finish
the prowling and sniffing or (b) break into laughter at the sheer
audacity of this cocky little dog.
Included
in this site are some stories from various owners of Scotties which
I have chosen to show the character of the breed. To the Scotties
and their owners I dedicate this web site.
.
.
.
"We're no awa' tae
bide awa'. Haste ye back"
|