I am thinking about buying a Scottie - does anyone know anything about their character's? Good? Bad?

Answer 1

We had one as a family pet when I was around six years old. Had two younger brothers & Bonnie was great with us all. I only remember her snapping once (when a visitor to the house tried to take her bone .... don't remember why the visitor was so stupid ... it was just a growl & a lunge, no biting. Though she did bite another dog once. A German Shepherd that ran into our garden while we were playing outside. I think she was protecting us.)

Unfortunately, when she was around seven she was knocked over by a car. Fortunately, she survived but had her front leg in plaster. For years afterwards (she lived until she was 15), whenever she wanted a treat or some special sympathy, she would limp up to us, holding her paw off the ground. It did heal perfectly, honest, this was just play acting.

The only bad thing I remember was her tendency to escape from the garden. She'd usually be found outside the butchers shop (sometimes in it - oops). There she'd be, looking pathetic, one little front paw held up ....

There are some reviews of Scotties by actual owners on this site:
http://www.hoflin.com/BR/Scottish%20Terrier
Hope that they're useful.

Answer 2

Scotties can be very loving dogs, but can also be very protective possesive over there owners although not in every case. I would not call this a childrens dog. Try rescuing a dog that you know the history about or getting a puppy if you have the time!

Answer 3

basically what leann said, i find that the vast majority of Scotties seem to be under the impression that they are something the size of a Great Dane, in that they will stand their ground against anything and are vey possessive of of their owners. I dont personally like the small breeds of dog in general because of the insessant yapping tied in with their territorial behavier, but at least Scotties have a real personallity and sence of fun to counter ballance it.

Answer 4

My grandmother has a Scottie -- he's a funny little guy. Not overly barky, although she did take him to Puppy Kindergarten classes and really worked on his training.

He is a very calm, reserved fellow. Likes to chase birds and critters in the backyard (very much a Terrier), puts up with the younger grandkids, or goes and lays in his crate if he's tired of them.

He has been a great companion for her, gets her out walking, etc.

Here's more info on breed characteristics:
http://clubs.akc.org/stca/InfoPamphlet.htm#Ref3

Good luck!

Answer 5

Temperament
The Scottish Terrier should be alert and spirited but also stable and steady-going. He is a determined and thoughtful dog whose "heads up, tails up" attitude in the ring should convey both fire and control. The Scottish Terrier, while loving and gentle with people, can be aggressive with other dogs. He should exude ruggedness and power, living up to his nickname, the "Diehard."

Here is some more info on them--
Scottish Terrier Breed Standard
Terrier Group

General Appearance
The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and substance. His head is long in proportion to his size. He has a hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. These characteristics, joined with his very special keen, piercing, "varminty" expression, and his erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. The Scottish Terrier's bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package.

Size, Proportion, Substance
The Scottish Terrier should have a thick body and heavy bone. The principal objective must be symmetry and balance without exaggeration. Equal consideration shall be given to height, weight, length of back and length of head. Height at withers for either sex should be about 10 inches. The length of back from withers to set-on of tail should be approximately 11 inches. Generally, a well-balanced Scottish Terrier dog should weigh from 19 to 22 pounds and a ***** from 18 to 21 pounds.

Answer 6

need professionally hand stripping 3 times a year which can be expensive. Are typical tenacious stubborn terriers. If you don't like terrier type temperament, don't get one. I like most breeds of dog but wouldn't want a scotty. I hated grooming them when I was a groomoer as they always seemed to be rather nasty and wanted to bite.

Answer 7

My friend had one a few years back...cute little dogs. The only "problem" was that he used to dig huge holes in the yard. So if you're growing prize petunias you may need to look at another breed.

Answer 8

very snappy round young children be careful.

Answer 9

Yappy little sods, bark at everything, cant be doing with them. sorry.

Answer 10

depends whats under their kilt