Overview
The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, was developed in the Highlands to go to ground after fox and badger, and the result is a compact, muscular dog with a wiry coat, a beard and a famously stubborn streak. It is loyal to its own people and civil to most others, but it rarely fawns and it does not enjoy being fussed by strangers.
Walking a Scottie is about respect rather than control. The dog wants to patrol its route, investigate every hole and make up its own mind about greeting other dogs. Push it and you get a planted set of feet and a hard stare.
Exercise and walking needs
Around an hour a day, split into two walks, keeps an adult Scottie fit and reasonably content. The breed is not fast and does not cover huge distances, but it has stamina for a steady march and a real appetite for sniffing and digging.
Short legs and a long body mean hills and steps add up, and the breed can run warm in summer under that dense coat. Older dogs often prefer a slower potter with plenty of stops.
On the walk
- Recall: Poor to indifferent in most individuals. A Scottie that has seen a rat or a squirrel will go, and terrier persistence means it will keep going. Off-lead work belongs in a secure field.
- Pulling: Strong for the size, with a low tugging lean rather than a jump. A harness gives you better control and spares the neck.
- Other dogs: Dignified at best and sharp at worst. Many Scotties take a dim view of bouncy strangers and will tell them so. Keep greetings on lead and short.
- Digging: Any hole, bank or molehill is an invitation. Allow a little of it, then move on before you lose the dog underground.
Tips for professional walkers
- Let the dog set the tempo. A Scottie dragged along at your pace will resist, and the walk turns into a contest.
- Carry a towel for the beard and legs; the wire coat collects mud and seeds and holds onto both.
- Pick calm, well-mannered companions for group walks and keep an eye on terrier tension before it builds.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog react to other dogs it does not know, and are there any it should avoid?
- Has the dog had any skin trouble or allergies, and is there anything on the route it should not eat or roll in?
- Does the dog ever come back when called, or is it strictly a lead and secure field dog?