History, character, health, size and looks ...

A scottish terrier is a breed full of personality and attitude. It is recognized very widely by the looks. Scottie is very well known as one of the terrier breeds if not sometimes ”the terrier” alongside a fox terrier. Not all the people are educated by the fact of a bigger number than one or two of different terrier breeds.

A scottish terrier should be rather well bodied, muscular and strongly built. I would say that strength with style and true terrier looks describes a scottie well. As the breed its one of the low legged terriers. Still it should not be too low and missing the sporty "hunting looks". An adult scottie weighs round 10 kg.

As a breed a scottish terrier is rather old. We could state it to be several hundred years old. In the beginning of the last century scottie did find its way to be one of the popular breeds in Europe and the United States. In various occasions it was used as a mascot in movies, adverts and some design products too. That increased the visibility and popularity of this charming breed. In the end 1920´s the first scottish terrier was imported from UK to Finland By Mrs Anna Eklund. In 20 years a scottie changed to be one of the most popular terrier breeds here in Finland.

Usually you can point a scottish terrier by its character too. They most often are true terriers as it comes to will and attitude. They really love outdoor living. Scotties absolutely find an other gear when the have possibility do some walks and hiking in the nature. Birds, squirrels and interesting smells do get some attention by these brave scottish hunters. In these occasions you can see your scottie´s quick and witty character. On the other hand a scottish terrier is usually very laid back and easy, when staying at home with own family and friends. In addition to some moments of play adult scotties mostly like very peaceful way of being in a house. They really are easy dogs to have. Nervous or restless temperament is very untypical for the breed.

Still one should remember, that scotties are terriers. I would recommend very firm and logical training methods as it comes to puppies and young scottish terriers. Firm in this case does not mean violence or any other bad way of treating your precious little scottie. Do not lose the trust and devotion of your dog! Especially you have to take care, that your young scottie gets used to weekly brushing, combing, clipping nails and any other treatment needed. A scottish terrier, which has had a correct upbringing as a puppy, will certainly be the best dog company you can think of.  

Mostly a scottie is a very healthy breed. At the moment in Finland there is not one certain health problem of genetic background, which would be widely dominating our breed. I am very happy to see our situation to be as good and to be honest about it. Various courses and seminars organized for our breeders by the Scottish terrier Club certainly helps us to keep the situation that way. These mutual happenings between colleague breeders helps to keep minds and the discussion open. Our Kennel Club also keeps health and genetic issues on top spot in their list as it comes to spreading information on various topics.

Why to choose a scottie ...

If you are in need of a dog breed which is full of personality and good humor you could consider a scottish terrier. Scotties are typically friendly with all people, even small children included. So as a dog breed for a family with children scottie could be one of the best choices. Because of handy size, a scottish terrier could be taken care by people of various ages. As said scotties really love outdoor living and need regular exercise. They still will not be disturbed or hyper active, if one odd day the walk will not be as extensive as usual, because of really bad weather or some other good reason. So we are really talking about a flexible breed, which is easy to take with nearly anywhere. They usually adapt well with any new situation. 

Despite of some opposite opinions you can train your scottie to do different things. If you have good contact with your scottish friend agility and obedience or any other training can be your mutual hobby.

As a show dog a scottish terrier is rather popular. A beautiful scottie easily catches an eye. It is not so rare to see a scottish terrier doing well in group and BIS rings. Even if you do not show your scottie, you should have him/her trimmed regularly and combed and brushed weekly to avoid untidy and tangled coat. That should be remembered while purchasing a scottie.

 How did a scottie find its way to be bred with prefix Bartos ...

I was interested in the breed for many years before I got my first scottie. I visited regularly my friend Mrs Raija Järvinen, who bred scotties since late 70´s. I found the breed to be very interesting and charming. I really liked their attitude and the way of being. Raija´s scotties were always very friendly without any exception. When she made the combination which produced my first scottie, Lola, I ordered a bitch puppy. My goal was to get a scottie from lines which I knew as well as possible. I had seen most of the dogs in Lola´s pedigree at shows and Raija´s home. So the choice of the litter was easy for me. From the year 2001 I have had scotties. Not one day I have any hesitation about my choice of the breed. So I am really thankful to my late friend Raija, who made it possible for me to start with such a fantastic breed.

 - Jouni Perttula-