Scotch Terrier: breed description, character, nutrition, care, training, owner reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

In ancient times in Scotland, when the country fought for its independence, dogs were not much of a concern. However, animals sometimes rescued people. So, a special variety - terriers - ate rodents, which saved the crop. Many men took them hunting with them, and the dogs performed well in this role. But even then, some literary sources mentioned the Scottish breed, but the emphasis was not on appearance, but on working qualities. As a result, many varieties of Scottish Terriers appeared. Sometimes even in the same litter there were different-looking puppies. However, over time, breed standards began to appear. Thanks to the efforts of breeders and the selection work done, the Scottish Terrier was bred, the appearance and character of which are subject to special requirements.

Famous Ancestors

Initially, the dogs looked a little different. The body was more elongated. At the same time, the coat - a special pride of the terrier - is coarser and shorter. The coloration was also different. At first, all dogs of this breed were motley. There was also a brindle color.

Over time, the Scottish Terrier found its fans. Famous people who have adopted these dogs include Charlie Chaplin, President Roosevelt, General Eisenhower and the scientist Einstein.

Features of the breed

The Scotch Terrier was originally used to protect crops and lure foxes out of their burrows. The description of the breed of a modern animal is completely different from the previous ones. Now they are not used for hunting purposes, and the main purpose is a companion dog.

However, instincts make themselves felt. Therefore, it is worth providing the dog with sufficient physical activity and long walking. Lack of movement can make your pet sick.

Funny, loving and agile - all these epithets are most often received by the Scotch Terrier. The description of the breed in reality is slightly different from the typical representation of ordinary people. Dogs are quite wayward and often show stubbornness. They need to be firm in their upbringing, but they will not tolerate disrespect either.

You need to understand that the Scottish Terrier is not very suitable for families with children. The fact is that the dog will obey only its immediate owner, who feeds, walks and trains. He is indifferent to other family members, and especially the smallest ones, and often ignores them, showing disobedience.

Most often, an animal is recommended for purchase by a single person or a family where one person will be engaged in upbringing. In this case, the pet will become for the ownerreal friend.

Accepted standard

Cynological communities have their own parameters that a dog must meet. The Scottish Terrier, whose standard is strictly described, should look like this:

• Head. Harmoniously elongated, occupying about 2/3 of the entire length of the body. The forehead is clearly defined, but the transition to the muzzle is not sharp. There is a gradual narrowing towards the nose. Due to the special setting of the head, the presence of a mustache and an elongated nose, there is a feeling of uneven jaws. The cheekbones are quite flat, but have strength. The lips are tight and dry. The teeth form a correct bite.
• Eyes. They look slightly slanting, have a moderate depth. The almond shape is very expressive. The pigmentation of the pupils is rich brown. The look of the puppy is smart and clear.
• Body. The dog has short legs, so the body resembles an elongated rectangle. The muscles of the neck are well developed, the setting is high. The chest is quite voluminous and pronounced forbrust. The back of the Scotch Terrier is short, but the withers are quite massive, and the croup is also very well developed.
• Tail. The tail of the breed is not docked. It is wide throughout. Placed closer to the back.

A dog's coat is a special pride.

Color and features of the hairline

The dog's skin has no folds, but is fully pigmented. It has a rather dense and soft undercoat. The main hair is quite hard, thick and long. The highlight are the mustache and eyebrows. Also on the paws there are thick fleeces. Particularly thick and long hair is located in the groin area.

Scotch terrier colors can vary. The official canine service standard recognizes the following:

1. Solid - Black or Wheat.
2. Mixed - brindle, grizzly, badger. In this case, the main shade can be brown, wheaten or deer.
3. Pepper and s alt - in this case, black hair is evenly interspersed with gray.

Those who buy a puppy for breeding should know that a spot on the chest is allowed, but combining it with a spot on the muzzle is already a big drawback.

Character Description

The Scottish Terrier's personality can be described as headstrong, proud and somewhat stubborn. To strangers, the animal is sometimes suspicious. However, if the person does not persistently attract attention to himself, then the attitude of the dog will change. The main thing is not to rush the pet, because in his character suspicion and caution. Hunting instincts take over. The dog is a good protector and watchman. In case of danger, it does not cowardly run away, but rushes to protect the owner or territory.

Scotch Terrier gets along well in the apartment. It can be left closed alone for a long time and at the same time it will not arrange a pogrom. It is important that, sitting at home, he does not whine, but calmly waits for the owner. Therefore, claims from neighbors usually do not arise. When meeting a dog often "smiles". In this case, she wrinkles her nose in a funny way andthis exposes the teeth.

However, it must be remembered that in ancient times the breed was a hunting breed. Therefore, a long wait should end with an active and long walk in the fresh air. It's good not only to walk along the paths, but also to play with the dog.

How to choose a puppy

A Scotch Terrier puppy is always inquisitive, active and shows fearlessness when strangers appear. You should be wary if, seeing a stranger, the puppy tries to hide from sight and hide in a secluded corner.

Pet needs to be examined. Despite the fact that all possible hereditary diseases will appear only at 4-5 years of age, it is already possible to identify congenital deafness and developmental disorders.

During the external examination, attention should be paid to the skin. Her folds gather easily and her coat is silky. Eyes must be clean and clear, ears - without a hint of inflammation. When examining the groin and armpits, it is necessary to exclude the slightest redness.

Having a pedigree

If you plan to buy a puppy for breeding and participation in exhibitions, it is important to have a complete package of documents. If the seller offers to do without a pedigree, but is significantly inferior in price, it is worth agreeing if the dog is started as a friend. But even in this case it is necessary to demand documentation of the breeding survey. If you want to breed puppies, you will need to fix all matings, and at the same time, control of the process by a representative of the kennel club is required.

It is necessary to understand that the animal does not start for one day. All the years, how manyScotch terriers live (about 15 years), the pet will bring only joy and benefit if you treat its documentation with all the attention in time.

It is worth considering that the breed is not widespread in Russia. This fact has its pros and cons. The merit is that a rare number of breeders maintain the purity of the breed more. The disadvantage manifests itself in the long search for a pair for mating and a suitable puppy for breeding.

Features of education

Usually dogs of this breed are quite friendly and treat all family members well. But in their character there are severe Scottish features inherited from their ancestors. You should not expect special affection, playfulness and flirting from the Scottish Terrier. However, in relation to his master, the dog shows a special interest and requires increased attention.

Scotch terrier training involves raising him literally from infancy. If you neglect this rule, then the puppy will become spoiled, uncontrollable and wayward. Given the rather large fangs and the force of compression of the jaws, competent training must be given a lot of time. The dog is required to achieve unquestioning obedience.

Animal training

Given the nature of the dog, cynologists recommend praising the pet more and applying the "carrot" policy rather than using the "whip". Otherwise, a positive result can and will be achieved, but the animal will not make a friend.

Training, as a rule, does not cause difficulties with a competent approach. Terriers are smart andhigh intelligence. However, do not forget that in the past these dogs were hunters, so their character is fearless. At first glance, pets look like harmless creatures, but in fact there have been cases when the Scottish Terrier fought with his offender to the end. In addition, the dog is not deprived of physical strength and to some extent viciousness.

Contents

Scottish terriers are considered an unpretentious breed. They can be kept in an apartment or a private house. Thick coat and undercoat allows the dog not to freeze, so an insulated aviary is suitable for it. However, in cold weather it is recommended to let the dog into the house. It is worth considering that active walks should be at least once a day, even if the animal lives in the yard.

If the pet does not go hunting, then he needs enhanced training. To keep the dog at home, all dog sports are required. As for the collar, dog handlers recommend using a harness for pets under one year of age. Further, you can purchase a regular collar with a jerky loop. The latter is necessary for training. Such a device does not give a strong load on the spine, but allows you to abruptly interrupt the unwanted action.

Features of the haircut

Despite the fact that the coat of the Scotch Terrier is very long, especially in the groin area, they practically do not shed. But the undercoat is shed in spring and autumn. This is because the guard hairs do not fall out, they become stiff and coarse. Therefore, grooming a Scotch Terrier requires regular trimming. Without this procedure, the hair will become veryhard and ugly, forming a kind of shell.

Earlier, when dogs lived in the wild, this feature protected them. But in the conditions of an apartment or a house, it can lead to various dermatitis. Therefore, experts recommend trimming your pet's hair at least once every six months. However, the procedure is difficult to carry out on your own - it is better to entrust it to the master. This is especially true for animals that participate in exhibitions and are representatives of their pedigree.

It should be understood that the wrong haircut of the Scotch Terrier will help:

• changing the shape of the silhouette, which is completely unacceptable by established standards;
• dead hair may appear to the touch;
• accents make the dog look wrong.

But if trimming is required for show animals, then pets can get by with combing and regular haircuts.

Grooming

Scotch Terrier loves to bathe, so regular bathing is easy. However, in winter it is necessary to limit this procedure. Experienced breeders recommend purchasing a special protective suit for slushy weather, this will protect the animal's coat from pollution and does not require constant washing

In summer, constant bathing in proven water bodies and a home bath is allowed. In order for the coat to be soft and silky, it is necessary to purchase shampoos for hard and thick wool. An anti-parasite medicated shampoo should be used periodically.

Veterinarians warn that if a pet emits a peculiar smelldogs, then this indicates a malfunction in feeding or ill-conceived care. A he althy dog that is regularly groomed and offered a balanced diet has little to no odor.

What to feed

The breed is prone to atopic dermatitis. Moreover, the problem can develop both from poor care, and because of feeding from poor quality bowls. Scotch Terrier food should be balanced, but you can switch your pet to he althy homemade food. If packs from the holistic or super-premium series are purchased, then additional enrichment with vitamins is not required. Otherwise, it is recommended to offer your pet vitamin and mineral complexes.

Pet he alth

The typical life expectancy of a dog of this breed is about 15 years. However, with good care, good nutrition and regular exercise, pets can live up to 18 years. When choosing a puppy, the main thing is to carefully consider its pedigree. Only in this case it is possible to gorge on stable immunity. To minimize all possible diseases, it is recommended to keep the necessary vaccinations.

You should pay attention to the frequent walking and food that the Scotch Terrier receives. His weight should always be in the norm, because obesity often causes problems with the thyroid gland.

Females may experience problems in childbirth. It is recommended to involve a specialist in this process. On the 20-25th day, congenital deafness can be diagnosed in puppies.

Conclusion

In general,very friendly and sociable Scottish Terrier. Owner reviews indicate that you can communicate with a dog on an equal footing and, if you do not require unquestioning obedience, then it is very interesting to observe character traits.

Of course, her upbringing and training requires special skill and patience, but the breed is absolutely adequate and obeys its owner well with respect for her.