Country of origin: | United Kingdom (Scotland) |
Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
Occupation: | Vermin hunter, companion |
Size: | 8.5–10.5kg (19–23lb), 25–28cm (10–11in |
Longevity: | 12 to 14 years |
Exercise: | Moderate |
Training: | Moderate |
Grooming: | Difficult |
Colors: | Wheaten, black, red-brindle, black-brindle |
The distinctive Scottish Terrier is a sturdy powerhouse of a dog with a thick, insulating double coat, bred to work outdoors and pursue small game underground. The breed developed in Aberdeen in the 19th century, probably from dogs from the Scottish Western Isles, and was also called the Aberdeen Terrier. Scotties have always been most popular in North America. The Scottish Terrier makes a quiet, reserved, slightly stubborn companion and a superb guard dog. Its gentlemanly image was perpetuated by its role in the 1955 Walt Disney film, Lady and the Tramp. While its classic image is as the black companion to the white Westie, Scottish Terriers come in a variety of colours.
While many people are familiar with president George W. Bush’s two Scotties, Barney and Miss Beazley, the 32nd US president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, also chose a Scottie, Fala, as his White House companion. Fala survived Roosevelt by seven years and was buried alongside him. A statue of the pair is featured in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, DC.