The (Many!) Benefits of a Scottish Terrier:

Scotties are special dogs for many reasons.  I like to describe them as big dogs in little dog packages: all my Scotties have that nobility and gentleness that “big dog people” so value in their pets.  They will have their energetic moments, particularly when new people come around (this is particularly exciting for my Scots), or when playing ball or chasing squirrels, but you’re just as likely to see them snoozing on the couch or cuddling on a lap.  They are not, by any means, yappy terriers.  They’re excellent guard dogs on the vocal front, but none of my dogs are excessive barkers.  Once they’ve alerted you to a “threat” (a car pulling into the driveway, a doorbell, etc.) and you thank them or give them an enthusiastic “okay!” they usually stop pretty quickly.

A Scottie will run trails with you; walk briskly at your heels on a sidewalk; spend a lazy Sunday morning in bed reading the paper with you; or curl up on your lap while you both “veg” in front of the tv – they’re highly adaptable, versatile dogs. 

Short, muscular dogs like Scotties are protected from the hip problems that plague bigger dogs.  This is a definite bonus, especially since they live, on average, such long lives. 

Many people also appreciate Scotties because they don’t shed any more than humans do; you’ll find that they’re easier on allergies than many other breeds, and definitely easier to clean up after. 

I’ve heard and read that Scotties are known to dig, but none of ours have really proven this characteristic past their puppy years.  Puppies of all breeds love to dig in gardens, but my older dogs only seem interested in dirt when it stands between them and a nest of rabbits or skunks!  Individual dogs in every breed can be prone to digging; as with so many other traits, much depends on your dog’s unique personality and its training. 

Some descriptions of Scotties in books and on websites call them “scrappy.”  I have my doubts about this.  It’s true that most Scotties won’t back down in a fight, even when provoked by a Great Dane-sized dog, but none of my Scots have ever bitten each other or another dog, even when thoroughly miffed.  They will snap if they’re irritated or threatened by another dog, but they’re remarkably precise in this and have never actually made contact.  My dogs have always approached visitors with friendly excitement (and it’s true, a few barks!), not a “scrappy” mentality.

It breaks my heart to see so many breed guides in print and on the web label Scotties as “difficult to train” and “bad with children” – these kinds of comments are certainly NOT representative of the experiences we’ve had with our wonderful brood, and the feedback we’ve gotten from our clients.