Within this section we always feature a different breed profile. With the title of Crufts Best In Show 2015 going to Knopa, a Scottish Terrier this month we take a closer look at these hardy little dogs.
History: The foundation dog of the Scottish Terrier can first be found as far back as Roman times with Pliny the Elder writing in 55BC “They found, much to their surprise, small dogs that would follow their quarry to the ground.” There are further mentions of a similar formed dog in ‘The History of Scotland’ in 1436, then by the early 1800’s most writers distinguish between the rough haired Scottish Terrier and the smooth haired English Terrier. Originally bred for vermin control.
Height: 10inch to the withers
Weight: Between 9kg – 10kg. Females nearer 9kg
Lifespan: 11 – 13yrs
Class: Terrier
Coat: Topcoat of hard, wiry hair and undercoat of soft, dense hair. Does not shed much but hair keeps growing. Needs weekly grooming. Most common colour is black but can also be grey or steel, brindle or wheaten.
Health: More prone to cancer than many breeds. A condition known as ‘Scottie Cramp’ is thought to be harmless to the breed as they live long and healthy lives with the condition. Symptoms of an arching spine, over flexing hind legs and forward legs moving side to side creating a ‘goose step’ gait can occur when the dog is stressed or over stimulated. Some dogs can temporarily lose their ability to walk or run. Treatment is not necessary for this disorder.
Temperament: Serious and aloof, independent and very smart. Slow to accept strangers but legendary devotion to their family. Needs lots of socialisation from a young age. Brave and jaunty, often known as the ‘aristocrat’ of the dog world. Fantastic with children, but as with all breeds caution with babies or toddlers.
The Scottish Terrier has been included in many period paintings. In more recent years Barney and Miss Beazley two Scottish Terriers were regularly seen on TV.
The pair quite often accompanied their proud owners the former American President George Bush and the First Lady Laura Bush on presidential duties. Both dogs were adored by the Bush family and greeted by many VIP’s on their travels.
Sadly, there comes a time when we have to say goodbye to our loyal companions. The post on George Bush’s facebook page on February 1st 2013 on the loss of Barney shows how much they had loved their dog. It read as follows;
Statement by President George W. Bush on the passing of Barney Bush:
Laura and I are sad to announce that our Scottish Terrier, Barney, has passed away. The little fellow had been suffering from lymphoma and after twelve and a half years of life, his body could not fight off the illness.
Barney and I enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to accompany me when I fished for bass at the ranch. He was a fierce armadillo hunter. At Camp David, his favorite activity was chasing golf balls on the chipping green.
Barney guarded the South Lawn entrance of the White House as if he were a Secret Service agent. He wandered the halls of the West Wing looking for treats from his many friends. He starred in Barney Cam and gave the American people Christmas tours of the White House. Barney greeted Queens, Heads of State, and Prime Ministers. He was always polite and never jumped in their laps. Barney was by my side during our eight years in the White House. He never discussed politics and was always a faithful friend. Laura and I will miss our pal.
Barney was survived by Miss Beazley, who later died in 2014.
Barney and Miss Beazley are honoured with a bronze sculpture at the George W. Bush Library.
