Alt Names: None Country of Origin: Scotland

History: They were originally bred in Scotland (their first name was the Aberdeen Terrier) in about the 1700s, but had achieved their final size and shape by 1890. Scotties are natural "diggers", like other terriers, whose name derives from the same root as "terre", French for "earth". Their nickname is "little diehard" from James Francis Edward Stuart, the King descended from the Scottish line.

Appearance: A Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a small but resilient terrier. Scotties are fast and have a muscular body, often appearing to be barrel chested. Its traditional grooming is shaggy-to-the-ground. The usual coat color ranges from dark gray to jet black. Scotties with Wheaten (straw to nearly white) coats sometimes occur, but should not be confused with the Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.

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."