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SCOTTISH TERRIER |
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The Scottish Terrier seemed to appear from the mists of the moors. Until 1859, no mention of the breed was recorded and, yet, that year Scot-ties were exhibited as a pure breed. For a time, they were dubbed the Aberdeen, due to the central locus of the breed in that area. It is certain the West Highland White and Scottish Terriers are closely related, the ancestors of both centralizing in the Blackmount region of Perthshire and the Moor of Rannoch. Although the hunters of the era, like the shepherds, were more interested in ability than purity, certain families had a pride in developing and retaining their own pure strain—and this is where the various types blossomed into specific breeds. Those that favor
the "Scottie" prefer to believe that the hairy beast described
by Caius was the old version of the Scottish Terrier. Un-trimmed, he would,
indeed, be covered with hair. Another very old type—perhaps a prototype
of the Scottie and the Cairn—crossed with a shipwrecked Maltese,
created the more glamorous Skye that we now know. Wire-coated terriers
could have all come originally from the Far North where their foundation
Nordic breeds lived.
In 1881, a standard
was drawn and shortly after, a club was organized. One scant year later,
the Scottish Terrier landed in Canada, where the breed is now firmly entrenched.
The first Scot-tie registered
in the USA was Canadian bred. After the breed's initial introduction,
it became a common sight.
True terrier
temperament is apparent to the extreme in the Scottie, causing him to
be alert, quick and feisty. These qualities make him an ideal watchdog
and varmint controller. Unfortunately, this "killer" tendency
sometimes extends to the neighbor's cat or an unwary bird. Without proper
firmness, he can become a bossy brat and even a biter, but consistent
discipline allows his great character and loyalty to shine.
It is startling
to some that Scotties are not always black. That image has been perpetuated
through Franklin Roosevelt's Scottie, "Fala," as well as the
famous Black and White™ Scotch advertising. Early specimens were often
red with a black mask, and today a wide variety of colors can and do
occur.
The prominent
eyebrows and mustaches draw attention to the elongated head and give
him a scowling appearance. Stripping takes care of the show dog coat,
with pets usually being clipped. Owners should be aware, however, that
clipping softens terrier coats and lightens colors, so if they change
their minds and decide to show their companion, a lengthy process of
coat repair is involved. The Scottish Terrier is a frequent winner in
shows throughout the world.
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