Are Scotties good with children?

Brought up with well-behaved children who respect his independent nature, rights, and space, a Scottie will adjust to their activities and may even appoint himself their guardian.  In general, Scotties can be agitated by the quick movements and unexpected noises of children and their friends and become nippy.  Rescued Scotties are usually not placed in homes with young children because of this tendency and the lack of information on their background.

 

Do Scotties shed?

Yes, but not as much as most breeds.  The Scottie (and most Terriers) is a double coated dog with an outer coat that is actually a hair as opposed to the fur found on other breeds.  The Scottie coat needs regular brushing to remove the soft undercoat and any dead hairs in the outer coat.  If this is done regularly, the shedding is minimal.

 

Are all Scotties black?

No.  Scotties come in 3 colors: Black, Brindle, and Wheaten.  All meet the breed Standard for the Scottish Terrier and true Scottie people are color blind.  Brindle is any multicolor and Wheaten can be a light cream color to as dark as cinnamon.  There is no difference in the other aspects of the dog.

 

Where can I find a white Scottie?

The AKC Standard for the Scottish Terrier states that the Scottie's coat color may be black, wheaten or brindle of any color.  The wheaten coat can be very light especially if it has been clippered.  Often the Wheaten Scottish Terrier is confused with the West Highland White Terrier, as in the Black and White Ads. They are not the same breed.

Certain Scottie breeders breed specifically to produce Wheaten colored Scotties.  The best way is to ask the STCA breeder referral person listed on this website for breeders they may know who do.  You can also contact your local Scottie club board members or rescue coordinators to see if they know anyone in your area who breeds Wheatens.  Attending dog shows where Scotties are being shown is also a good way to meet the breeders and ask questions.  Put yourself on one of their waiting lists and please be prepared to wait.  Only about 5-10% of Scotties are Wheaten.  You can also request to be notified if a Wheaten Scottie comes into a rescue program.

 

Should the tail be docked?

The tail of the Scottish Terrier should NEVER be docked.  A Scottie tail should be up and groomed into a carrot shape (not a flag).  Likewise, Scottie ears are NEVER cropped.

 

Does this breed require lots of grooming?

Yes.  They require regular brushing to prevent knots and remove dead hair and grooming about every 7 weeks to keep their shape and characteristic look.  Show dogs are hand stripped, but this technique can get expensive, so many people take courses on how to groom their Scotties or buy Scottie Grooming Manuals available for purchase from the STCA.  The Texas Scottie Rescue program has a pet grooming manual that is available for purchase and Jacki Forkel has another site with information on How to Groom Your Scottie at Home.  Don’t forget routine tooth brushing, ear cleaning and nail clipping, to keep your Scottie healthy and comfortable.

 

What is stripping?

Hand stripping is when the hair is pulled out, instead of cut, in grooming.  This technique simulates the way the coat was pulled out by thorny bushes in their native countryside while in the process of doing their jobs.  As it grows back in, the Scottie's outer coat will have a hard, wiry texture.  When a Scottie is being shown, it is necessary to strip them, but pet Scotties should be clippered instead.  It is much less expensive and time consuming, and more comfortable for the dog.  Clippering will usually give the Scottie a velvety feel, as the longer, wiry hairs are cut off.

 

Are Scotties rare?

They are not rare, but they have not been bred as prolifically as most other breeds.  Most Scottie litters are small and many breeders prefer to show their dogs.  It can take some time to find an available puppy for sale, so it’s a good idea to get on a breeder’s waiting list.  Another good alternative is to apply for a rescue Scottie and potentially help an adult Scottie that is in need of  a new home.  This is a particularly attractive idea for older people or anyone who doesn’t want to go through housebreaking or the puppy training stages.

What about exercise requirements?

The Scottie is an active breed and can become destructive if not given enough mental and physical stimulation.  The short legs don’t make for good a jogging partner, but they are ideal walking companions.  Scotties also love to lounge on the backs of couches and in front of windows to observe the world by the hour.  Older Scotties are wonderful couch taters.
 

Are Scotties noisy?

Typically, Scotties are very vocal.  They love to bark at squirrels and dogs passing by their home.  Also anything on wheels.  They are territorial and will announce visitors loudly and repeatedly.

 

Do they make good obedience dogs?

Not usually.  The Scottie was bred to work independently of human direction, so they make their own decisions.  This has given them the reputation of being stubborn or unintelligent.  Obedience as a formal task is foreign to the breed.  Some Scotties have reached advanced degrees, but the majority are not temperamentally suited to it.

However, all dogs (including Scotties) should learn basic good manners and certain general behaviors, such as coming when called.  Puppy Kindergarten Training is a wonderful opportunity for a young Scottie to be socialized and learn these behaviors.
 

Do Scotties make good Agility dogs?

Yes, there are many Scotties who gain titles in agility, and it’s a great way to exercise and bond with your dog. Check with the STCA or local shelters for an agility program near you.

 

What is an Earthdog Trial?

Scotties were originally bred to work underground ridding their owner's property of small creatures.  AKC Earthdog Trials are designed to simulate this activity, so Scotties are well suited for this event and usually enjoy the experience.  The Scotties are taught to go through a system of tunnels to get to a caged rat at the end (precautions are taken to insure that the rat remains unharmed).  The AKC has defined several levels and official AKC Titles are presented for each milestone.  Earthdog Trials are a great outdoor event for both you and your Scottie to enjoy.  Check the internet or your local club for an Earthdog training class or event near you.

 

Do Scotties need a fenced yard?

Scotties have a very strong hunting instinct and cannot be trusted not to chase anything they consider prey.  For that reason, they should be safely confined to a fenced area or on a leash at all times.  They should never be tied or chained unattended, as they can get into trouble or be harmed. 

 

An electronic fence is not suitable for Scotties.  They will easily endure the zap to chase a squirrel or cat out of the fenced area, but then will not return through it to come back into the yard.  Many Scotties have wandered off into the street to be killed by a car when they could not get back into their own yard.  Electric fences are also dangerous because they do not deter other animals or people from coming into the yard, but will not allow the Scottie to escape to safety.  Most rescue groups will want to know if an electric fence is used for security.

 

Why does my Scottie dig?

He is doing what comes naturally.  The Scottish Terrier was originally bred to go to ground, digging for varmints underground.  Owners with Scotties that are natural diggers may be interested in activities such as Earthdog Trials.  Often Scotties also kick up dirt after relieving themselves.  Gardeners may want to fence off a different section of the yard for their Scotties.

Can Scotties swim?

No.  Scotties have no fear of water, but with their short legs and heavy bodies, they swim like bricks.  They should never be left unsupervised by any body of water.  Most rescue Scotties will not be placed in homes with in ground pools unless suitably fenced, as many have drowned.

 

What are common Scottie health issues?

All breeds have certain health problems which are more prevalent in their breed than in others.  For Scotties, these are usually diseases of the liver, Cushings syndrome, Scottie Cramp, and Transitional Cell Carcinoma.  They can also be allergic dogs, so a proper diet is important. Von Willebrands Disease, a form of hemophilia, is being genetically tested for by many breeders now, so it has become much more rare.  The STCA home page has a link to common Scottie health issues.  The STCA Health Trust page also has a list of health studies in progress.

 

What is the typical Scottie lifespan?

Scotties typically live to 12 if they don’t suffer from disease and are well cared for. We’ve noted some that were much older, but this is an average.

 

Do Scotties chew or lick their paws a lot?

Paw licking or chewing is usually caused by allergies to food or something the dogs walked on. It can even be chemicals used to clean the floor or carpet, lawn chemicals, salt used to melt snow, or even the detergent or fabric softener used when you do laundry. Often a diet change or wiping their feet with a damp washcloth after their walks will help. Sometimes boredom or distress also cause foot licking or chewing. Nails that are too long or broken can irritate the toes. If your Scottie does this, try to systematically investigate and narrow down the choices.

How many Scottie Rescues are placed yearly and how many applicants are there?

Because Scotties are not a prevalent breed, there are often more applicants for Scottie rescues than there are dogs available.  The number of Scotties coming into the rescue program varies by geographic area.  In more populated areas or those near breeding mills, there is usually a higher volume.  The national STCA rescue network and their regional affiliates typically place more than 400 Scotties a year. 

 

Each regional rescue coordinator maintains their own list of applicants.  In some cases, the coordinator's waiting list can become quite lengthy.  Don’t let the numbers discourage you.  We have a strong communication network and it may be possible for us to put you in contact with someone else who has an available Scottie rescue. 

 

The goal of Scottie Rescue is to find the best possible home for each Scottie rescue.  Please talk with your regional coordinator to determine whether your home is suitable for a rescue placement or if you should consider another breed.

 

What is the difference between Buying and Adopting?

Buying a Scottie usually means you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder (unless you are buying a retired adult show dog from a breeder).  You will typically pay the going rate for a puppy in your area of the country.  You will need to train, socialize, and housebreak the puppy to make them a happy and well adjusted member of your family.  Because you get a puppy as a baby, it’s a great way to bond with them as they learn and grow.

 

Adopting a Scottie which has been previously owned by someone else usually means you are getting an adult Scottie.  They may or may not be housebroken and there may be unique challenges getting them ready to fit into your family.  Sometimes, their past experiences may have left psychological scars which will need to be understood and accepted.  With compassion, love, training, and a healthy environment, a rescued Scottie will make an ideal companion and fit well into your lifestyle.  Scottie Rescue can also be a very fulfilling way to help a dog in need become happy.  As some issues are harder to deal with or may require special situations, it is important to work closely with your local rescue coordinator to make the best match for your needs and the Scotties’.

 

How much is the adoption fee?

The adoption fee varies by the individual rescue group and state.  Although the fees vary, they are typically comprised of the cost of veterinary care and other services that were paid while the dog was in the rescue program.  The fees rarely covers the total cost of the care provided, but does help insure that the next Scottie who comes into the program will also be able to have the care they need.  Scottie Rescue programs also rely on donations and fundraisers to cover expenses.  Please check on the fees when you apply.

 

What is the adoption process?

In order to secure the best match for what an individual Scottie needs and what an applicant is looking for, we will try to gather as much information about the applicant’s home environment and lifestyle as it would relate to an adoption.  This is done via the online STCA application available on this website, the local club’s application, or even a phone call or email to the rescue coordinator.  Then we match that against what Scotties are available.  If there are none currently available, the applicants may be categorized for future Scotties coming in.  An example of a category might be if there are children in the household, other dogs, or cats, or anything that might be a particular preference for the applicants like sex, color, willingness to accept an older dog, a mill rescue, a predominant Scottie mix, a sick dog, a difficult dog, or 2 Scotties who cannot be separated.  Veterinary references of past or current pets will be checked.  Personal references are appreciated, and if possible, a home visit may be arranged to see where and how the rescue will be living.  This all adds up to ensuring a great match for everyone involved and a low return rate for our rescue Scotties, which is very stressful for them.

 

How long will I have to wait for a Rescue Scottie?

Once an application has been submitted for a rescue Scottie, the applicants will be in line for a Scottie who comes in meeting their preferences, their living situation and what the rescue Scottie requires for a happy life.  Someone who has young children or cats at home will usually have a longer wait, as most rescue Scotties will not be temperamentally suited.  Dog aggressive rescues cannot be placed in homes with other dogs. 

 

We often hear that Scottie rescue is not responsive to the applicants, but in reality, this is not the case.  Due to the nature of rescue, we never know in advance what a rescue will require or when they will come into the program.  Please be assured, our highest priority is to find the right home for every rescue Scottie and we love to make an applicant’s Scottie dreams come true.

 

The wait can be as short as a few weeks to as long as several years, depending on the volume of Scottie rescues within your area or the Scottie related challenges of the applicants.

If you want to conduct your own search on the internet, we'd suggest that you consider checking with Petfinder.com which lists a great many dogs available for adoption.  A specific search on this site for Scotties can also be done by state.  Many local shelters also have a breed wish list, where if you sign up, they will notify you when one comes in.

 

Where do Rescue Scotties come from?

As with all rescues, they come from a variety of places and for a variety of reasons.  We take in dogs from shelters, owners, found strays, and from Puppymill closings.  They are given up for many reasons, such as allergies, having a new baby, moving to a new home that doesn’t allow dogs, owner illness, financial difficulties, divorce, international transfers, owners dying or going into a nursing home, or temperament or health problems of the dog that the owner cannot or will not handle.  Just because the Scottie didn’t suit one owner, doesn’t mean they won’t be perfect for you.

 

Are Scotties placed in homes with children?

If you have young children in your home (or have frequent visitors, e.g. grandchildren), please discuss the specific circumstances with your rescue coordinator.  Unless there is specific information on the circumstances, rescue coordinators are reluctant to place adult Scotties in a home with small children.

Are all rescues spayed or neutered before being placed?

Yes.  There are enough homeless dogs and we want to be responsible and not add to that.  We also want to make sure they are not taken advantage of.  Do not apply for a rescue if you are looking to breed dogs.

 

What do I do if I find a Scottie or know someone who wants to give theirs up?

Please check the STCA Rescue Coordinators listed on this website and contact the closest one to see how they can help you.

 

How can I get involved in helping Scottie Rescue?

We are always looking for people to help our busy rescue efforts and there are many ways in which you can help.  Fostering, transporting, donating time, money, fundraising items, or supplies, veterinary services, or visiting homes for pending adoptions.  If you are near a regional club or organized rescue group, please contact them for information.  If there are none near you, we need your help even more, so please contact the National Rescue Coordinator to find out how you can get started helping our homeless Scotties.

Identifying A Scottie

How difficult is it to identify an ungroomed Scottish Terrier?

The process of identifying a Scottie, especially an ungroomed dog can be rather difficult. The STCA Rescue Coordinators have prepared a guide which can be used by potential adopters, rescue assistants and shelter workers to help with the identification process. Titled Identifying A Scottie (or Finding a Scottie in the Rough), the write-up is illustrated with pictures of both Scotties and several other breeds that are often confused with them.

 

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