The AKC Standard
The official Breed Standard for the Scottish Terrier was developed by the STCA in accordance with AKC guidelines. The current version was submitted to the AKC and approved on October 12, 1993.
The most frequent use of the standard is by AKC judges when evaluating dogs in the conformation ring. The standard is also used by Scottie breeders to evaluate their own breeding program.
History of the Scottish Terrier
When you see a Scottie you are visiting with dogs of long ago and witnessing living history, meticulously preserved and brought forward to cherish today.
The reasons why the Scottie’s characteristics developed and still exist today are explained in this section through visual timelines and articles.
If you admire this breed you will appreciate what it took to perpetuate this iconic dog.
The Scottish Terrier has been a recognizable breed since the late 1800’s, thriving in the rough and rugged terrain of the Scottish Highlands. Given his origins, the Diehard is known as a tough, generally healthy dog protected from the elements by a thick double coat and from illness by an overall strong, disease-resistant constitution.
Conscientious breeders work diligently to identify healthy breeding stock when producing their litters. When vaccinated during puppyhood and at appropriate times during his lifetime to protect him from preventable diseases, and given the benefits of modern-day veterinary care, a Scottie usually thrives for many years.
On average the Scottie lives about 12 years, and it’s not uncommon to encounter healthy seniors who reach 14 years or more.
The Scottie Character
The Scottish Terrier is best recognized for its distinctive profile and hard, wiry, weather-resistant outer coat in a black, brindle or wheaten color. Its beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body furnishings are traditionally shaggy.
Like many breeds in the terrier group, Scotties are small yet strong and known as fast, alert and playful dogs.
The Scottish Terrier is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House three times, with Presidents Roosevelt and George W. Bush.
Pedigrees
The Scottish Terrier Club of America provides educational support for breeders seeking information and resources on the Scottish Terrier breed.
This includes links to our STCA Pedigree Database, Longevity Registry, Registry of Merit, and pertinent articles from our library to assist in making sound breeding decisions.