Is a Scottie Right for you?

Many times, the reason that dogs come into rescue is that the owners didn't research the breed before buying, or the breeder didn't inform the owners of proper grooming, care, training, behavior or Scottie specific health problems. Consequently, the owners got in way over their heads, and decided that they couldn't or wouldn't keep the dog.

Scottish Terriers were born to kill vermin, so if you raise fancy rats, hamsters or small birds, they might not be such an ideal dog. Though with proper training and discipline, most Scotties can overcome their "prey" drive enough to live in harmony with these animals, but some may never be trustworthy around smaller animals. So if your hobby is breeding gerbils, then a Scottie might not be right for you.

In addition to them being "ratters" they were also breed to be independent. That means that they might not always want to do what you want them to, when you want them to, or HOW you want them to. Again, its what they were bred for. Scottish farmers needed them to keep the "critters" away, because damaged produce or livestock could mean the difference between life and death for the farmer and his family through the coming winter. Also, the farmer is a very busy man, he doesn't have time to hold the doggies iddle paw and say "Okay, Suzie-Q, lets go over to this 'year badger hole and go in and root out the badger." So if the dog didn't show signs of "doing its job" by itself, it simply wasn't bred and the trait wasn't passed on. So if you are looking for a cream-puff dog, that minds its manners, comes EVERY time its called, and NEVER does anything wrong, a Scottie might not be the dog for you.

In order for a proper Scot to look his or her best, they need to be groomed often, about once every six to eight weeks or so, to keep up that classic Scottie appearance. This adds to extra expense and upkeep of the dogs. And even though they have a hard and wiry coat, they still need weekly and sometimes daily brushing to keep the tangles, knots and snares down. Being low to the ground also allows them to pick up plenty of burs and brambles in their coats as well. So if you are looking for a low maintenance dog, then a Scottie might not be the dog for you.

The Scottish Terrier breed has its fair share of health problems. They are subject to a world of allergies, airborne as well as food allergies. They suffer from a bleeding disorder, called Von Willibrands Disease, Scottie Cramp, Epilepsy, Thyroid disorders and more. This doesn't mean that every dog has any or all of these problems, but its something that the future owner should be aware of before getting a Scottie. Allergies seem to be the most prevalent problem, and can cause the owners and the dogs financial and physical discomfort respectively. Some dogs even have to be on weekly allergy shots to provide relief, as steroids--over the long term--can do more harm than good, and alternative therapy's such as diet change and hyposentisization shots should be looked into. So if you aren't prepared to pay for extra and added medical expenses, then a Scottie might not be for you.

Scotties tend to be one person/one family oriented dogs. They tend to bond very strongly with one owner, and are very protective of their families. Again, Scotties tend to be stubborn control freaks, so families with small children or children who haven't been taught how to respect a dogs needs and boundaries and dogs who haven't been taught how to tolerate or avoid children is just a recipe for disaster. So if you don't have the time to teach your children *and you NEIGHBORS children as well* how to behave around a dog, and have time to teach the dog how to behave around the children, then a Scottie might not be for you.

Dogs, like children, need discipline in order to be cherished and valued members of the family. Let me say again that Scotties are not the easiest dogs in the world to train, but patience, persistence and above all consistency are key! So if you haven't prepared yourself or your budget to take at least one obedience class or do some at-home training, then a Scottie might not be for you.

But...

If you don't mind the occasional dead bird, squirrel, chipmunk, or mole dropped at your feet...

If you don't mind a dog that's often times aloof, and more like a cat than a dog *prefering to walk on the back of the couch rather than the floor*...

If you don't mind the extra grooming and expense required to keep them looking their best...

If you are prepared to deal with potential health problems that might arise...

If you have taught your children how to respect your dogs personal space...

If you are prepared to teach your dog to tolerate your children...

AND...

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE METTLE TO ACTUALLY TRAIN ONE....

Then you just might be right for a Scottie. And if you are, you will be rewarded a hundred fold by the joy and companionship that these dogs will give to you over a lifetime, and you will never want to be without one again!