Scottish Dogs: A Deep Dive Into The Majestic Breeds of Scotland 

Scotland, with its endless beauty stretching from rolling hills and majestic mountains to windswept shores, maintains an unusual connection between the land and its breeds of dogs owing to its weather: a tough climate of cold and rain. At the same time, Scottish dogs are equally strong, intelligent, and sometimes very hard-working.

Their differences may be in every sense as unique as the land they hail from.

The typical Scottish canine breeds in this article, Scottish Terrier, Border Collie, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, West Highland White Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Skye Terrier-will be discussed, considering their origin, attributes, and usefulness in the Scottish landscape. 

1. Scottish Terrier: Dignified And Has An Attitude

Scottish Terrier, also known as “Scottie,” is arguably the most celebrated dog breed from Scotland.

Moreover, with its unique combination of look-wiry coat and spirit, the Scottish Terrier has always approved itself as a fitting companion to both the royalty and commoners among men.

Breed Overview Table

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small (10 inches in height)
Weight	18 – 22 pounds
Coat Type	Wiry, Harsh
Color	Black, brindle, wheaten
Temperament	Loyal, independent, bold
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	12 – 15 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism

2. Border Collie: Ultimate Working Dog

Getting back to Border Collies, are among the most intelligent, agile dogs, known for first and foremost herding.

The dogs were bred in the 18th century in the Scottish English Border to handle cattle, mostly sheep. Moreover, their cleverness and boundless energy make them well-matched to the active lifestyles of their owners.

In addition, the Border Collie was bred in the Scottish-English border area to manage livestock. 

Breed Overview Table: 

Characteristics	Details
Size	Medium (18 –22 inches)
Weight	30 – 45 pounds
Coat Type	Medium – length rough or smooth
Color	Black, white, tricolor
Temperament	Energetic, intelligent, focused
Exercise Needs	High exercise
Life Expectancy	12 – 15 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy

3. Rough Collies: A Stylish And Noble Companion

The Rough Collie has always been admired for its long, silky coat and calm disposition as a family companion.

In addition, the breed gained fame with the hit TV series “Lassie.” In fact, Rough Collies make ideal family dogs with children because of their gentle disposition towards them.

Breed Overview Table

Characteristics	Details
Size	Medium to large (22 – 26 inches)
Weight	50 – 70 pounds
Coat Type	Long, thick double coat
Color	Sable, tricolor, blue merle
Temperament	Gentle, friendly, and loyal
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	12 – 14 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, Collie eye anomaly

4. Smooth Collie: A Short-Haired Cousin Of The Rough Collie

The Smooth Collie is a short-haired cousin of the Rough Collie that requires quite a bit less maintenance.

Also, they are equally intelligent and loyal, with a placid demeanor and affectionate disposition that makes them family-friendly.

Breed Overview Table

Characteristics	Details
Size	Medium to large (18 – 24 inches)
Weight	40 – 60 pounds
Coat Type	Short, dense, smooth coat
Color	Sable, tri-color, blue merle
Temperament	Gentle, intelligent, social
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high
Life Expectancy	12 to 14 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, autoimmune diseases

5. West Highland White Terrier: Small, Spunky And Bright White

The West Highland White Terrier or Westie is a quintessential Scottish breed famous for its white coat and personality.

Moreover, designed to hunt small vermin, West Highland Terriers are spirited dogs bursting with personality, something most people would consider a true “terrier,” less so with their hunting ability.

Breed Overview Table

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small (10 inches in height)
Weight	15 to 20 pounds
Coat Type	Dense, wiry, white coat
Color	White
Temperament	Outgoing, independent, friendly
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	12 to 16 years
Common Health Problems	Allergies, hip dysplasia

6. Cairn Terrier: Tenacious And Lovable

Yet another smaller Scottish breed with lively spirits and a history of having hunted vermin, the Cairn Terrier is much better characterized by its tough temperament, a rather serious proclivity for digging.

So, with their high adaptability, Cairns can make fine companions in both the city and the countryside.

Breed Overview Table:

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small (9 to 10 inches in height)
Weight	13 to 14 pounds
Coat Type	Wiry, dense coat
Color	Grey, black, red
Temperament	Curious, alert, friendly
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	12 – 15 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, allergies

7. Skye Terrier: The Rare And Elegant Terrier

The Skye Terrier, an ancient and proud Scottish breed, is characterized by long silky hair and deeply set eyes.

Gentle and placid, this breed easily bonds with its owners. So, a few breeds are rarer and more historic than this terrier, which has played an essential role in Scottish history.

Breed Overview Table

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small (10 inches in height)
Weight	19 – 23 pounds
Coat Type	Long silky coat
Color	Grizzle, black, tan or blue
Temperament	Loyal, dignified, independent
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	12 to 14 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease

8. Border Terrier: The Kind And Compact Companion

The Border Terriers have yet another special trait-their small stature and affectionate nature. They are native to yet another Scottish breed from the Scottish-English border.

In addition, by nature, these dogs are generally quiet and friendly and considered good companions for families and individuals. 

Breed Overview Table: 

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small (10 inches in height)
Weight	11 pounds
Coat Type	Wiry, dense coat
Color	Red, blue, grizzle, tan
Temperament	Affectionate, alert, gentle
Exercise Needs	Moderate
Life Expectancy	12 to 15 years
Common Health Problems	Cataract, heart disease

9. Golden Retriever: A Scottish Favorite With Universal Appeal

Most commonly, those in North America would assume that the dog Golden Retriever is an indigenous breed of North America, but its ancestry dates way back to Scotland.

The Golden Retriever has been bred since the middle decade of the year in Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth, so this breed is so up to scratch in the retrieving work of a hunter.

So, the mythic praise for such a dog in modern times is that now the dog is regarded as among the jolliest animals worldwide. 

Breed Overview Table

Characteristics	Details
Size	Medium to Large (21.5 -24 inches in height)
Weight	55 to 75 pounds
Coat Type	Long and wavy or straight
Color	Golden and cream
Temperament	Friendly, loyal, and intelligent
Exercise Needs	High
Life Expectancy	10 – 12 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia and heart disease

10. The Shetland Sheepdog: A Miniature Collie

In a nutshell, the Shetland Sheepdog, “Sheltie,” can be defined as a smaller version of the Rough Collie.

Distinguished by long hair and gentle temperament, he would be outstanding in agility and obedience training.

No doubt, these canines would rank mercy on a long list of the country’s most popular dog sport competitors and family pets.

Breed Overview Table:

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small to medium (13 to 16 inches)
Weight	15 – 25 pounds
Coat Type	Long hair, thick, double coat
Color	Sable, tricolor, blue merle
Temperament	Intelligent, affectionate, energetic
Exercise Needs	Moderate to high
Life Expectancy	12 to 14 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism

11. Bearded Collie: The “Beardie” With A Joyful Spirit

Known as the “Beardie,” the breed is renowned for its flowery long coat and jubilant temperament.

Also, they were once sheep-herding dogs, so these animals are very active, full of energy, and need scope for exercise and much attention from their owners.

Breed Overview Table: 

Characteristics	Details
Size	Medium (20 to 22 inches)
Weight	45 – 55 pounds
Coat Type	Long and shaggy coat
Color	Black, blue, brown or fawn
Temperament	Friendly, playful, outgoing
Exercise Needs	High
Life Expectancy	12 to 14 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism

12. Gordon Setter: Culture Of The Hunter

The largest and heaviest of the setter breeds, the setter Gordon is descended from birds originally shot with it.

Such powder in black and tan of their coats can match that in the strong athletic carcass of the dog-type retrieving and pointing.

Such a breed was formerly known only for work, but now lives well with the family, thanks to its greatly dependent and friendly nature.

Breed Overview Table: 

Characteristics	Details
Size	Large (23 to 27 inches)
Weight	45 to 80 pounds
Coat Type	Long, silky coat
Color	Black and tan
Temperament	Loyal, affectionate, and dignified
Exercise Needs	High
Life Expectancy	10 to 12 years
Common Health Problems	Hip Dysplasia, hypothyroidism

13. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: The Uniquely Adorable Terrier

 The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is one of Scotland’s oldest terrier breeds. Small but with a strong character.

Also, identified by its “topknot” of hair on the head, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier has an affectionate but independent temperament. 

Bred originally to hunt otters and badgers, it is popular today as an “everywhere” companion animal.

Breed Overview Table: 

Characteristics	Details
Size	Small (10 to 11 inches)
Weight	18 to 24 pounds
Coat Type	Long, silk coat
Color	Pepper or mustard
Temperament	Affectionate, independent, confident
Exercise Needs	Moderate to Low
Life Expectancy	12 to 15 years
Common Health Problems	Respiratory problems, hip dysplasia

14. Scottish Deerhound: The Grand Hunter

The Scottish Deerhound is the most graceful and largest among the breeds in Scotland and is believed to be the oldest dog breed in Scotland.

Originally bred for hunting deer, it has a majestic appearance, and a noble dignified demeanor, and is popularly referred to as “a gentle giant” with a calm demeanor but fondness in nature.

Breed Overview Table:

Characteristics	Details
Size	Large (28 to 32 inches)
Weight	75 to 110 pounds
Coat Type	Rough, wiry coat
Color	Grey, blue, brindle
Temperament	Gentle, calm, affectionate
Exercise Needs	High
Life Expectancy	8 to 11 years
Common Health Problems	Hip dysplasia, Bloating

Adaptation To The Scottish Climate

In Scotland, over the years, dogs have developed to survive in such a grim and cold environment. So, the Scottish breeds possess thick, dense fur coats that keep them away from the heat.

Moreover, the ones that look like the most common examples of Border Collies and Scottish Terriers are known to be well-adaptable to wet and cold conditions, making them best fitted for outdoor professions and active lifestyles in the rugged Scottish Highlands. 

Grooming Necessities

Each breed has different grooming requirements as regards the type of coat it has. For example, brushing of Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog should be performed regularly to prevent matting.

In the case of the Scottish Terrier, a hand-stripping mechanism should be employed as its wiry coat needs it to keep its texture.

Moreover, coats and long-haired breeds such as Golden Retriever, and Steel Collie involve intensive care to avoid tangling and keep clean. 

Health and Fitness

Known to have high energy Scottish dogs are also required to exercise quite regularly. For instance, the Border Collie may need an hour or a bit more of work time to burn up its energies per day.

The Scottish Deerhound, however, will easily be satisfied with moderate exercise. So, routine checkups by the vet would also be necessary to check the dog for any breed-specific health problems, for example, hip dysplasia or hypothyroidism. 

Nutrition And Feeding

Most Scottish dogs are active, and with that, a balanced diet is expected to sustain energy and take care of their health needs.

Moreover, high-quality protein is significant in maintaining muscle mass and energy, particularly in working breeds, such as the Border Collie or Golden Retriever.

Additionally, portion sizes should be adapted depending on the dog’s activity and other aspects such as breed characteristics. 

Are Scottish Dogs For You?

From feisty terriers to graceful collies, Scottish dogs appear very diverse in skin color, temperament, and ability, but share a lot through their rugged beauty and extreme environment.

Everyone has a Scottish breed that can fit exactly into his or her needs, from energetic working partners to loyal family dogs.

Their adaptability, intelligence, and strikingly good looks make them precious companions in Scotland and even beyond.