You have just been captivated by a pair of shiny, black, shoe button eyes, a fuzzy face and a quizzical expression. But you MUST do your homework to make sure the Scottie is the right breed of dog for you and your family. The Scottish Terrier Club of Greater New York urges you to think carefully about what you want from your pet; read up on the breed, talk to breeders and fanciers, and make sure that the Scottish Terrier is the right breed for you.

Scotties stand about 10 to 12 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 14?25 pounds. They can range in color from solid black, to grey, sandy, wheaten, or more commonly, brindle which is a combination of black with another color, usually a reddish brown or silver. The outer coat is hard and wiry with a dense soft undercoat.

Scotties are first and foremost terriers. Originally from the highlands of Scotland, they were bred to go?to?ground, or dig, in pursuit of badgers, rats, foxes and other borrowing animals. If you own pet mice, hamsters, or birds, your Scottie won't be satisfied until he's knocked the cage over and dispatched the pesky varmint! They enjoy digging, and will landscape your yard if you let them.
Scotties are intensely curious, independent, active and agile. Intelligent as well as playful, they are loyal, loving companions and excellent watchdogs. They can be hard to housebreak, therefore crate training is encouraged, as Scotties quickly learn to love having their very own place. They are one famiIy dogs and do not give their love freely to others. Some are aloof and moody and most are stubborn and willful. Early obedience training is highly recommended. Scotties love the time spent with you in training if you avoid force and make training fun. They also excel in agility and terrier trials. Exercise requirements are moderate; they love a brisk walk or a game of ball. Scotties are adaptable and dependable, but can be aggressive with other animals.

Considerable grooming is required to keep your Scottie neat and comfortable. A professional grooming every 6?8 weeks is recommended to maintain those distinctive Scottie good looks. Between groomings, a twice weekly brushing with a slicker brush, then finishing off with a through combing will keep the coat free of tangles and will help prevent skin problems. If you are thinking about showing your pup, extensive grooming is required. This is an additional expense a prospective Scottie owner needs to consider.

Some Scotties suffer from skin problems, such as fleabite allergy and mange, canine cramp (excitement affects movement in back legs), hypothyroidism, von Willabrand's disease (VWD), which is a form of hemophilia, and CMO, which affects the growth of the jawbone. But if properly cared for, Scotties can live long and healthy lives. Their average life span is about 10 to 12 years, but some have been known to live as long as nineteen!