The Scottish Terrier was developed in Scotland in 1700, but the dog with the size and shape we know today dates from 1890. The breed was first called the Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish town of the same name. Like many other long-low breeds, the Scottish Terrier was used to hunt den animals, particularly otter, fox, badger and rabbit. Today this stylish breed is primarily a companion, though he still retains his hunting instincts.

Appearance
A Scottish Terrier is a small but resilient terrier. Scottish Terriers are fast and have a muscular body and neck (a typical neck size is 14 inches), often appearing to be barrel chested. They are short-legged, compact and sturdily built, with a long head in proportion to their size.

The Scottish Terrier should have large paws adapted for digging. Erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. Their eyes are small, bright and almond-shaped and dark brown or nearly black in colour.

The Scottish Terrier typically has a hard, wiry, long, weather-resistant outer coat and a soft dense under coat. The coat is typically trimmed and blended, with a longer coat on the beard, eyebrows, legs and lower body — traditionally shaggy-to-the-ground. The head, ears, tail and back of the Scottish Terriers are traditionally trimmed short.

Character
The Scottish Terrier is a self-assured and alert dog breed that makes a good watch dog. Loyal with their owners, the Scottish Terrier may be aloof with strangers and aggressive with other dogs. Although the Scottish Terrier could live outdoors in a temperate to warm climate, it is far better suited as a house dog with access to a yard.
 

Temperament
The Scottish Terriers, like most terriers, are alert, quick and feisty — perhaps even more so than other terrier breeds. The breed is known to be independent and self-assured, playful, intelligent and has been nicknamed the 'Diehard' because of its rugged nature and endless determination.

Scottish Terriers, while being very loving, can also be particularly stubborn. Because the breed is inclined to be stubborn, it needs firm, gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household. They are sometimes seen as an aloof breed, although it is actually very loyal to its family and they are known to attach themselves to one or two people in their pack. The breed has been described as tempestuous, but also quite sensitive.

The Scottish Terrier is prone to dig as well as chase and hunt small vermin, such as Squirrels, rats, mice and foxes — a trait that they were originally bred for. For this reason it is recommended that they are walked on a leash.

Exercise/Training
The Scottish Terrier is a dog on the lookout for adventure, and it needs some excitement and exercise in its life every day. This can take the form of a moderate walk on leash, a boisterous game or an off-leash exploration in a safe area. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Scottish Terrier will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The usual coat color of the Scottish Terriers ranges from dark gray to jet black. Scotties with 'Wheaten' (straw to nearly white) or 'Brindle' coats sometimes occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.

Grooming
The wire coat of the Scottish Terrier needs combing two to three times weekly, plus shaping every three months. Shaping for pets is by clipping and for show dogs by stripping. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Scottish Terrier as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Scottish Terrier should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.