Just About Jacks

Archive for September 11th, 2009

The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is reknowned for its characteristic terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, West Highland White Terriers, Dandie Dinmont and Skye, Cairn.
The traits and individuality and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its historic roots.You should compare characteristics with with the other major dog breeds, of which there are many.
The Highland Terrier is often given the nickname of “little diehard”. Originally given in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, apparently so courageous that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the inspiration for the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
As always it is difficult to know the real origins of the Scottish Terrier, but it was bred for killing small rodents in Scotland for many years. It may be the oldest of the five Scottish Terrier breeds and there are some historical evidence dating back to the 16th Century.
The origin of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra denoting “earth”. The Highland Terrier was a hunter where these petite legged, sturdy dogs were bred for the function of rooting out small rodents such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their tunnels.
Scottish Terriers looks are characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The stiff coat can be found in many colors, including black, brindle or wheaten of any shade. Scotties with ‘Wheaten’ (straw to nearly white) coats sometimes occur, but may be Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
Highland Terriers are robust, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Highland Terrier has a long head relative to its body which averages about ten or eleven inches high. The Highland Terrier has erect ears and tail. Theywere bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of tunnels when they were caught after tunnelling after vermin and voles.
Scottish Terrierhave small, bright almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Scottie personality is one of freedom and spirit. People have said a Scottie thinks he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the point that he is totally fearless that sometimes appears stupid in the face of a much larger dog, when he realises that he is less than a foot in height. Professional dog walkers, such as London Dog Walking love to walk them, they are never intimated by the larger dogs!
Aberdeen Terrier have similar height and weight for both sexes, roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from shoulder to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh 8–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female from 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). Aberdeen Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Aberdeen Terrierare very alert, jovial and sure in themselves. Highland Terriers typically live around 11 years.
Scottish Terriers, whilst being very loving, can also be particularly immovable. Because of this obstinate trait, a Highland Terrier needs firm, but calm handling from a puppy or it will dominate the home. Every new Aberdeen Terrier addition should have a clear puppy training plan.
The Scottie makes a great guard dog because it normally only barks when necessary and in the main only for strangers. Dog socialisation is vital as it is a fearless breed that is often aggressive around other dogs unless instructed and presented to other dogs at an early age.
Because the Aberdeen Terrier were bred to hunt and fight badgers and other pests they like to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as mice, rats and squirrels. Yet another reason to recommend that Highland Terriers are generally walked on a leash.
Whilst Scotties are normally a robust breed they do have a greater chance of developing specific cancers than other purebreds. Studies have identified six cancers that they are more likely to go down with ( when compared to other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract (more normal in older dogs and more frequently in females so watch for blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequent urination – and get veterinary assistance); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.
To help prevent cancer in any dog, ensure that your dog has little or no exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; use caution when treating dogs with some flea medications; give a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and plenty of exercise.
Two other genetic health concerns in the Scottie breed are von Willebrand disease (vWD) which shows in varying degrees of bleeding tendency, usually in the form of easy bruising, nosebleeds and gums that bleed.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); sometimes known as lion’s jaw, that created extensive bony changes in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions normally stop growing after twelve months or so, and can regress. The firm swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and difficulty in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if major, could be difficult for the dog.
Due to these inherited diseases it is advisable to buy directly from a breeder, who can show he has no problems with these diseases.
Famous Scotties include former President George W. Bushs’ Barney and Roosevelts – Fala. Infact the Highland Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived more than three times in the White House.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Aberdeen Terrier include: Bette Davis; Julie Andrews; Queen Victoria; Ronald Reagan; Dorothy Lamour; Tatum O’Neal owned a Aberdeen Terrier. She was said to be so saddened by her dog’s death to old age and cancer that she relapsed into drugs.
The Highland Terrier is also a player token in the board game, Monopoly.
A Scottish Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier are pictured on the Black & White whisky label. In Enid Blyton’s Mystery Series books, there is Buster a Scottish Terrier, who is often part of the mysteries.
So all in, a rightfully popular dog breed, particularly in personality per kg, but you will need to train and be firm with your Highland Terrier.