Scottish Terriers: Scotland’s Small Hound with a Big Personality
September 6, 2024 • Grace Micere
When it comes to dogs with personality, the Scottish Terrier stands out. Fondly known as Scotties, these Scottish terriers are one of the most iconic and beloved breeds in history. Just like the Scotts, they have a distinctive beard, bushy eyebrows, and an unmistakable air of dignity.
Today, we’ll take you through some fun facts about Scottish terriers, their cultural significance, and where they stand on the endangered animal list. We’ll also let you in on how you can contribute to their welfare by simply buying a pair of socks!
Fun Facts about Scottish Terriers
We found lots of interesting facts about Scottish terriers and compiled them into the list below.
- They have an Iconic silhouette - Scotties have an instantly recognizable silhouette with a compact body, short legs, and a peculiar beard and eyebrows. The look is often used as a symbol for the breed itself. In fact, even our Bare Kind Scottish dog socks have adopted this unique silhouette.
- They are royal pets - Several queens, kings, and U.S. Presidents have owned Scottish terriers in the past. The most famous ones are Queen Victoria and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt’s Scottie, Fala, became almost as famous as the president himself and accompanied him everywhere.
- They have an independent spirit - Scottish terriers are bold and have big personalities. Scotties tend to be independent and sometimes stubborn. While they are loyal and affectionate to their families, they can be a bit aloof with strangers and other animals.
- They are brave - Scottish terriers have a big-dog attitude. They are confident, brave, and can be quite feisty. This is a reflection of their history as hunting dogs that were bred to go small game.
- They have a double coat - These Scottish terriers have a dense, soft undercoat and a harsh, wiry outer coat. Much like most Scottish breeds like the highland cow, this coat was originally developed to protect them from the harsh weather and tough terrain of Scotland.
- They are loyal companions - Scottish terriers create strong family bonds and are highly protective of their owners, this makes them great watchdogs.
- They are highly trainable - Scottish terriers are very intelligent dogs. So despite their being independent-minded, they can be trained. This is especially so if the training sessions are made fun and engaging. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency.
- They can’t swim - Scottish terriers aren't natural swimmers because of their short legs and dense coat. Unlike some other breeds, they may struggle in water.
Scottish Terriers’ Cultural Significance
Scottish terriers have a long and storied history, dating back to the rugged Highlands of Scotland. Scotties were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin, such as rats, foxes, and badgers. This means that they needed to be tough, determined, and independent—traits that Scotties still display in abundance today.
Photo by FreeImages.com/lioiner
These dogs needed to be small enough to dig into burrows, but strong enough to take on prey much larger than themselves. Even though most modern Scotties are more likely to be found in a cozy living room than in the wilds of Scotland, they still carry that same fearless spirit.
Today, Scotties remain a popular choice in advertising and pop culture. Scottish terriers appeared in movies, advertisements, and television shows. They have even been featured in board games like Monopoly where the Scottie piece is one of the most popular playing tokens.
Why We Should Care About Scottish Terriers
The fact that there are 12 million dogs in U.K. households shows that they are a cherished part of many families here. Dogs provide companionship, joy, improved physical and mental health.
Photo by FreeImages.com/micky007
However, the well-being of these beloved animals depends on how responsible the owner is and how much they understand and address their needs.
Despite the love and care that many dogs receive, there are significant welfare issues affecting dogs in the UK. One of the primary concerns is the rise in the number of dogs being abandoned or surrendered to shelters.
Every year, thousands of dogs find themselves without a home due to various reasons. Changes in their owners' circumstances, behavioural issues, and the lack of commitment from their owners are among the most common ones.
Additionally, many dogs suffer from inadequate living conditions. Issues such as neglect, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and insufficient veterinary care are sadly becoming more common. The problem is also increased by illegal breeding practices and puppy farms, where dogs are often kept in inhumane conditions and bred irresponsibly. This then leads to health and behavioural problems.
Bare Kind wants to help support the improvement of dog welfare across the U.K. We plan to achieve this by supporting a U.K. charity that rescues and cares for dogs without safe and loving homes.
Our Contribution to Scottish Terrier Protection
£0.20 of every sock sold from our cat & dog bamboo sock range will be donated to Battersea Dogs & Cat Home via Work for Good.
We normally do 10% of profits from the sock go to the animal. But to be able to work with Battersea on these socks we had set a specific amount.
You can help protect our bearded friends, too! Be part of the royal movement by simply buying some Scottish dog socks. These are yellow socks with brown accents, featuring Scottie motifs all around.
Our novelty socks are made from bamboo fiber. Bamboo socks are as soft as cashmere but last much longer. They are engineered to conform to the contours of your feet, with highly elastic precision knit for a snug fit.
In addition to being made from eco-friendly material, bamboo animal socks are breathable, moisture-wicking, and comfy. These are thermal socks that remain cool in the summer and warm during winter. Get a pair and use them as work socks, dress socks, bed socks, or even loungewear socks.
In addition, we use zero-plastic packaging throughout our manufacturing process. This makes our animal socks great for your feet and awesome for the planet too.
In a Nutshell
The Scottish terrieris among the most famous and iconic dog breeds in Scotland and beyond. It is a small dog with a big personality that’s well-loved by kings, presidents, and everyday people alike. They are currently “at watch” after registering only 406 puppies in 2023.
At Bare Kind, we make novelty socks from bamboo fiber and donate 10% of all our profit to 35+ charity partners. We are B-Corp Certified, use 100% plastic-free packaging, and are 100% carbon neutral. The bamboo itself is 100% sustainably grown and great for the planet.
In the past, our efforts have helped save 887 acres of tropical rainforest, fund 209 boxes of fish for penguins, adopt 12 giraffes, and so much more. You can be a part of the movement by buying the world’s most comfortable socks that save animals. It’s an easy but effective way to make a pawsitive impact from the comfort of your home or office.
Explore our wide selection of colorful animal bamboo socks. We guarantee you’ll find something for everyone in the family – kids, and adults alike!
Invalid Password
Enter
