The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is characterised for its classic terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.

The personality and characteristics and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its origins.You should compare characteristics with with the other major dog breeds, of which there are many.

The Aberdeen Terrier is often given the nickname of "little diehard". Originally given in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, supposedly so brave that they were nicknamed “Diehards” and were the stimulation for the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, "Dumbarton’s Diehards".

It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Scottie, but it was bred for killing small rodents in Scotland for centuries. It could be the oldest of the five Scottish Terrier breeds , with some references back to the 16th Century.

The origin of the name "terrier" is the Latin terra denoting "earth". The Highland Terrier was a hunter where these small legged, sturdy dogs were designed and built for the function of killing small pest animals such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their burrows.

Scottish Terriers looks are characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The stiff coat exists in many colors, including black, brindle or wheaten of any shade. Scotties with 'Wheaten' (straw to nearly white) coats may occur, but may be Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
Scottish Terriers are sturdy, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Scottie has a long head in proportion to its body which averages about 10 or 11 inches high. The Scottie has rigid ears and tail. Theywere bred with strong tails so that their owners could pull them out of tunnels when they were caught after tunnelling after vermin and voles.

Scottiehave petite, intense almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Highland Terrier personality is one of freedom and will power. Often people say a Scottie thinks he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the point that he is quite fearless that sometimes appears idiotic in the face of a much larger dog, when he realises that he is only ten inches high. Professional dog walkers, such as London Dog Walking love to walk them, they are never feel frightened by the larger dogs!

Scottie have similar height and weigh for both sexes, roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from withers to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh 8–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female from 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). Scottish Terrier are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Highland Terrierare very attentive, light-hearted and confident. Highland Terriers typically live from 11 and 13 years.

Highland Terriers, whilst being very loving, can also be irritatingly obstinate. Because of this stubbornness, a Scottish Terrier needs strong, but kind handling from a puppy or it will dominate the household. Every new Highland Terrier addition needs to have a clear puppy training plan.

The Highland Terrier makes a great watchdog because it generally only barks when essential and generally only for strangers. Dog socialisation is vital as it is a courageous breed that may be aggressive around other dogs unless educated and introduced to other dogs whilst a puppy or young.

Because the Aberdeen Terrier were used to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they are prone to dig as well as chase small pests, such as mice, rats and squirrels. Yet another reason to recommend that they are kept on a leash.

Whilst Aberdeen Terriers are generally a robust breed they do have a greater chance of developing some cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified six cancers that Highland Terriers are more likely to be at risk of ( when compared to other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract (more usual in older dogs and more common in females so watch for blood in the urine, problems to urinate and often urinating – and get veterinary help); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.

Common prevention for dog cancer includes, ensure that your dog has minimal contact to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; use caution when treating dogs with some flea medications; give a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and regularly exercise.
Two other genetic health concerns in the Scottie breed are von Willebrand disease (vWD) which is diagnosed with varying degrees of bleeding tendency, normally easy bruising, nosebleeds and bleeding gums.

The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); often known as lion's jaw, that causes extensive bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions stop progressing after a year, and may regress. The solid swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and difficulty in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if extensive, could be difficult for the dog.

Because of these inherited diseases it is highly recommended to buy direct from a breeder, who can show he has not had a problem with these diseases.

Famous Scotties include former President George W. Bushs’ Barney and Roosevelts – Fala. Infact the Scottie is the only breed of dog that has lived in the White House more than three times.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Scottish Terrier include: Bette Davis; Julie Andrews; E.B. White; Ronald Reagan; Shirley Temple; Tatum O'Neal owned a Scottish Terrier. She was said to be so saddened by her dog's death to old age and cancer that she fell back into drugs.

The Scottie is also a key part of the Monopoly board game, as the popular player token. An Aberdeen Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier are pictured on the Black & White whisky label. In Enid Blyton's Mystery Series books, there is Buster a Scottish Terrier, who is often part of the mysteries.

So all in, a rightfully popular dog breed, particularly in character per lb, but you will need to train and be firm with your Aberdeen Terrier.