Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is the black bearded terrier of the Highlands — short-legged, hard, and among the most recognisable outlines in dogs.

History

It comes from the working terriers of the Scottish Highlands, kept to go to ground after fox, badger and otter, and was separated from the other Scottish breeds in the late nineteenth century. Its silhouette became commercially famous — on Black & White whisky, on the Monopoly board — and three lived in the White House under Franklin Roosevelt and George W. Bush.

Temperament

The breed is known for being independent, dignified and famously stubborn, deeply attached to one or two people and reserved to the point of aloofness with everyone else.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and a secure garden, since it digs. The harsh wiry coat needs hand-stripping and sheds little. Training requires patience: the breed decides whether a request is worth honouring.

Health

Known tendencies include von Willebrand's disease, an inherited movement disorder known as Scottie cramp, craniomandibular osteopathy and an elevated rate of bladder cancer. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.