Terriers of Scotland

West Highland White Terrier pupsWest Highland White Terrier pups

All Terriers of Scotland were historically all called 'Scottish Terriers' until the advent of dog shows. The name 'Scottish' is not to be confused with 'Scotch' which today more generally relates to the people of Scotland or their Whiskey! From common original stock, the 4 different breeds of Scottish Terriers considered here emerged. This chapter explores how and why each developed their own general appearances and characteristics.

Skye Auld Jock with Greyfriars Bobby

Scottish Terriers in Stories and Fables

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, stories abounded across English speaking countries about small dogs, often Scottich Terriers. Here we feature 3 of these stories - a Cairn 'To-To' from America, a Skye 'Bobby' from Scotland and a Scottish Terrier 'Scotty' from Australia. »» Read more...

Cairn Terriers Sydney Haynes

Rough Coated Terrier (now extinct)

First documented in 1848, the Rough Coated Terrier' is the name Australians gave to small terriers that accompanied the British military deployed to supervise convicts sent to Hobart Town in Tasmania[2]. These small terriers' arrival preceded the First English Stud Book which had its beginnings in 1859. In the absence of any British name, Australians called this little dog the ... »» Read more...

Cairn Rebel Lying

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier is a small, alert terrier that is easy to train. Devoted to his family, whether elderly, children or energetic teenagers he reliably adapts to modern society. In Britain, the Cairn's initial establishment as a pure breed took 36 years! These small rough coated terriers were named after after the cairns of Isle of Skye where these terriers ... »» Read more...

Westies 2 playing

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier was originally developed to hunt underground creatures like foxes and otter that lived in the rocky Highlands of Scotland. So he had to be not only courageous, but also he had to have the physique to wriggle though passages between narrow rocky entrances, and retreat backwards! »» Read more...

Scotty profile per Unden

Scottish Terrier

Modern Scottish Terriers are different to their working ancestors. First bred to work underground, their solid, low construction reflects the type of work these terriers were originally expected to perform. Today, as a pure breed, the capacity to do this work gives an alternative approach to understanding how and why modern exaggerations now typify this breed. »» Read more...

Skye Terriers pair Gimp

Skye Terrier

The first Terrier of Scotland to be named in the English Stud Book, the Skye Terrier of today is easily recognized by his glamorous coat. But don't be fooled - they are a one-man dog, suspicious of strangers so must always be approached with caution. Their long body sits on short, strong legs. They come in two different ear types, ... »» Read more...


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