The Scottish Terrier may appear aloof and independent -- he is not a docile pet -- but is absolutely dependable and loyal. The Scottie is very sensitive, even though he enjoys his independence -- and can have a hot temper! But the Scottie will make a good pet for someone who understands his fiesty nature. Bred in Scotland as a fierce hunter of foxes and badgers, the Scottie was first shown in dogshows, in 1860.

The Scottish Terrier is a sturdily-built, compact dog. Although small, the Scottie has good bones and substance. The body is thick and heavy boned. His head is long in proportion to his size. The muzzle should be approximately equal to the length of skull with only a slight taper to the nose -- a correct Scottish Terrier muzzle should fill an average man's hand.

The Scottie has a hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer-coat with a soft, dense undercoat. Coat color in the Scottish Terrier is black, wheaten or brindle of any color. Many black and brindle dogs have sprinklings of white or silver hairs in their coats -- which is normal.

A determined and thoughtful dog, the Scottish Terrier should be alert and spirited but also stable and steady-going. The Scottie's bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package. Loving and gentle with people, he can be aggressive with other dogs and should exude ruggedness and power, living up to his nickname, the "Diehard."

The topline of the Scottie is firm and level, the chest broad and deep, with the forechest extending well in front of the legs and dropping well down into the brisket. The eyes are almond-shaped, small, bright and piercing and set wide apart and well in under the brow. Eye color is dark brown or nearly black, the darker the better.

From the Scottish Terrier Standard : The ears should be small, prick, set well up on the skull and pointed, but never cut. They should be covered with short velvety hair. From the front, the outer edge of the ear should form a straight line up from the side of the skull. The use, size, shape and placement of the ear and its erect carriage are major elements of the keen, alert, intelligent Scottish Terrier expression.

One of the most important comments all research on the Scottish Terrier turned up, is the utmost importance of the Scottie exhibiting true terrier character.

To learn even more about this big dog in a small package, please contact the Scottish Terrier Club of America.