History
This small wire-haired terrier has been living in Scotland since ancient times. Scottish Terrier (Scottie or Scotty – in short) is an old breed. More than 400 years ago they were bred in the Hebrides Islands for hunting various field and home pests. These small wire-haired terriers of strange exterior got used to the isolated mountainous Scotland regions and severe climate. They hunted rats, foxes and badgers. Brave terriers didn’t fall back even in the presence of do-or-die moments. Small but of stubby figure and strong constitution they worked joyfully in caves. Rough fur was a good protection against severe climate, furthermore a small dog was easy transportable for distant hunting. Massive teethe were also useful for hunting. Their strong tails of tight stem were good for pulling dogs from caves.
Breeders demonstrated Scottish Terriers in exhibitions together with their closest relatives – Sky, Dendy Dinmont, Kernas and West Hihgland White Terriers. As a separate group they were distinguished and examined in Brighton (England) exhibition in 1875 and in 1882 the first Scottish Terrier fan club was established in England. Seven years later they announced the breed’s standard.
Those times terrier wasn’t presentable, its fur wasn’t black but brindle. Only its muzzle was black. In the course of time dog’s exterior has been changing: the head became longer, legs – shorter, body – massive and movements more beautiful.
After the First World War the breed became popular not only in Britain but also in Europe. This might be explained by those time accepted and up to nowadays popular Scottish hairstyle. 1930 – 1940 were the years of love peak for the Scotties in Great Britain. In 1935 a record number – 4 531 – of dogs was registered in the breed’s club.
A stunning exterior of the Scottie entranced the hearts of designers, artists – for many times they have been painted and filmed. Even the producers of Scottish whisky were entranced by the charm of the bearded and on the label of “Black&White” there are two terriers – the black one and the white.
The Scotties are dogs of big cities, swell society emphasizing the elegance and origin of the owner.
American cynologies are thankful to the USA President F.Roosevelt who had two Scottish Terriers. One of them, the bitch Fala, used to follow the President everywhere and every time, it used to participate in the leaders’ meeting of Antihitler coalition in Jalta. By the way the nowadays President G.Bush has got Scottish Terrier, called Barney in the White House…
In the neighbourhood Russia the famous clown Karandash (actor M.N.Rumiancev) who entered the scene with his beloved Kliaksa took off these dogs. By the way 17 actor’s Scotties were hidden under this pseudonym. The success of this creative tandem breaks down all the arguments of the sceptics that Scottish Terriers are stubborn and untrained.
And the famous Russian poet V.Majakovski has been reading his poems in the presence of the beloved Scott.
Unfortunately, as it often happens, fashion might affect the evolution of a breed. As mushrooms after rain appearing new commercial breeding-grounds “produced” a lot and whatever dogs and the time was needed in order to rehabilitate the breed of Scottish Terriers.
Still some researches are being done while the dogs are sent after the prey. But at the time lots of the Scotties are home dogs and the participants of exhibitions. They might be easily trained and get various hunting titles but this needs persistency.