This section will highlight various breeds of dogs. Please realize that just as humans, each dog has their own personality. However, one of the reasons dogs are classified into “groups” is that, for example, no matter what type of terrier, they will all have similar traits only to terriers, or working, herding, etc. There is no preferential order or reason for picking a certain breed. Consequently if your breed is not highlighted one month, do not take offense.
There will also be a brief AKC Standard section for each breed. This is for those who really care or maybe do not know what the American Kennel Club says their purebred should look like. Most people who are pet owners could care less if their pet is the regulation size or build. If you would wish detailed information, type in any search engine and they will bring up 100’s of web sites. There are many books out that tell you about a specific breed. Many people in the animal profession would like to use those books as kindling. They are generally written by people who have some type of agenda since they are particle to that breed or they have pictures/ temperaments of show dogs. Your average pet owner does not have a show dog but a pet that was sold as that. This section is more designed for the “normal and average” pet owner and what they can expect in real every day life.
Some dogs need a great home other dogs not only need a great home but also the right personality to live with. There are two dog groups that in my opinion should have never been domesticated. First is the Hound Group the other is the Terrier Group. It would be a toss up between the two, which is the most difficult to train and live with. What comes to comparison is how do those cowboys tame those wild horses? Many people who work with animals refer to Terriers as Terrorists and for a good and many reasons.
| |
Official Standard:
Height - Either male or female should be approximately 10 inches
Weight - Male.......Approximately 19-22 pounds
Weight - Female....Approximately 18-21 pounds
Medical Issues:
Scotties tend to have a few hereditary medical issues and to varying severity. Highest on the list is a blood clotting disorder known as von Willebrand's Disease. Another is the "Scottie Cramp" which is a neuromuscular disorder. If you have ever seen a scottie completely stiffen up, you are familiar with this one. Cranio-Mandibular Osteopathy is an abnormal growth of the bone in the jaw.
Colouring:
Scotties come in black, dark brindle, lighter brindle and Wheaten Terrier colouring called simply Wheaten Scottie.
Characteristics:
Most dogs in the terrier group were bred as hunters of small prey, foxes, badgers, and rodents. More so than other terriers, Scotties are very temperamental and are known for “ mood swings”. One minute they can be active, playful and loving and just as quickly can become snippy or aggressive. Once again, part of the terrier temperament can be aggressiveness. Due to the fact that they are very independent creatures, they do not feel the necessity to obey any one person’s requests other than their own.
This is why almost all dogs in the Terrier Group, especially the Scotties must have the clear understanding from the very beginning who is the leader of the pack. If you are a very passive, now baby, don’t snap at me when I try to take away your bone, person, this would not be the best option you could pick from. As soon as you show fear or submission to a terrier, you have lost the battle. From that point on, you will be living with them and following their rules. They can be unpredictable with children so it is imperative they are not left unsupervised.
They are very active kids and, enjoy being mentally challenged but can also become destructive if not kept busy. They are very loyal and affection dogs. As will all Terriers, they are very territorial and are great alarm systems. If anything within what they feel is "my" territory, in other words, within the line of vision, they will set of the barking alarm. They shed less than the average dog with the same type of coat since it is more of a wire consistency. They do need frequent brushing since as with many breeds, the hair does not fall out all over your floor. You need to get the shedding hair out by brushing. Groomers would consider these rather low maintenace dogs in the upkeep department compared to most other breeds of similar hair length.
People who have Scottish Terriers have a different personality and to live with a Terrier you need one. They can be the most diffult to train and try your nerves until you are ready to snap. But, once a Scottie lover, always a Scottie lover and somehow the people who adore them have managed to work out a compromise. Patience and persistence is the key to living with any Terrier.
Note on author: The advantage of opinions is they cannot be wrong and they cannot be right. Consequently all written material is strictly my opinion based on over 30 years working with animals. I do not believe in “experts” for one finds out quickly that there is always someone who is smarter, better educated and a wider life experience. If I was an expert and knew everything I would elect to be dictator of the world. I do not believe in statistics since for every con argument there are equal pro arguments to challenge those statistics. Consequently rarely, if ever do I use them. All information is copywrited by Mimi Davis d.b.a. Curbside Clippers. Any use must have prior permission.