Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Scottish Terrier is one of the oldest British breeds, originating from the rugged Highlands of Scotland. Its ancestors were working terriers used for hunting foxes, badgers, and rodents. As early as the 16th century, these dogs were renowned for their bravery, endurance, and ability to work underground. The modern breed type was developed in the 19th century through selective breeding and standardization. The Scottish Terrier quickly gained popularity not only as a hunter but also as a loyal companion. Its recognizable silhouette, dense coat, and determined nature made it a symbol of Scottish pride and English style.
General Appearance
The Scottish Terrier is a low-set, sturdily built dog with a powerful frame and distinctive outline. The body is compact, slightly elongated, with a deep chest and straight back. The head is long in proportion to the body, featuring a full beard and eyebrows that give the breed a serious, confident expression. The ears are small and erect, the tail of medium length, carried upright. The limbs are short but strong, providing stability and power in movement. The overall impression is one of strength, determination, and energy — a combination of hunting purpose and noble elegance. The Scottish Terrier embodies character, dignity, and inner strength.
Important Proportions
The Scottish Terrier has compact, well-balanced proportions. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, giving the dog a stretched yet sturdy form. The head is long but in balance with the body, its length about one-third of the total body length. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows, and the distance from withers to ground equals the length from elbow to paw. The back is straight and strong, the croup slightly sloping. The overall proportions create an impression of strength and stability without heaviness, reflecting the breed’s combination of power, endurance, and elegance.
Behavior and Temperament
The Scottish Terrier is brave, self-confident, and possesses a strong sense of dignity. Independent by nature yet deeply loyal to its owner, it is calm, intelligent, and emotionally stable. Despite its small size, it is fearless and determined, with a strong hunting instinct. Reserved with strangers but never aggressive without reason, the Scottish Terrier is affectionate and playful with its family. It enjoys active walks and engaging mental challenges. Its personality combines nobility, restraint, and spirited energy, making it an ideal companion with a strong and distinctive character.
Head
The head is long, strong, and narrow, with a flat skull and a clearly defined stop. The skull is moderately broad between the ears, tapering smoothly toward the eyes. The muzzle is powerful and wedge-shaped, nearly equal in length to the skull, with a straight nasal bridge. The jaws are strong with a tight scissor bite. The nose is large and black. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark, and deeply set, expressing intelligence and alertness. The ears are small, pointed, and erect, set high. The overall impression is one of determination and seriousness, typical of the breed.
Facial Region
The facial part is elongated, strong, and expressive. The muzzle is deep and powerful, with a straight, broad nasal bridge tapering slightly to the black nose. The lips are tight and dry, covering the teeth completely. The chin is well-developed, adding to the strength of the jaw. The flat cheeks and characteristic long facial hair — beard and whiskers — give the breed its recognizable, somewhat stern expression.
Eyes
The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, deeply set, and widely spaced. Their expression is intelligent, observant, and slightly wary, reflecting the breed’s independence and resolve. The iris color should be dark brown, harmonizing with the black nose. The gaze is confident but calm, never aggressive.
Ears
The ears are small, thin, sharply pointed, and erect, set high on the skull. They form an isosceles triangle and align harmoniously with the head’s outline. The base is narrow, and the ears are carried straight upward, not too close or too far apart. They emphasize the breed’s alert and intelligent expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular, and slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders. It is strong yet elegant, allowing the dog to carry its head proudly. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. The neck should express strength and balance between the powerful body and long head.
Body
The body is strong, compact, and slightly elongated, with well-developed muscles and solid bones. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and broad, the chest deep and oval, extending nearly to the elbows. The ribs are well sprung, the croup broad and slightly sloping. The abdomen is slightly tucked up. The entire body conveys a sense of balance, power, and endurance in a small frame, ideal for working underground.
Tail
The tail is of medium length, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip, and covered with dense, coarse hair. It is set high, carried upright or slightly curved. In motion, the tail is held confidently, never curled over the back or to the side. It complements the dog’s firm, noble outline.
Forequarters
The forelegs are short, straight, and powerful with strong bones and well-developed muscles. The shoulders are long and sloping, fitting closely to the body. The forearms are straight, the elbows close to the chest, pasterns short and vertical. The feet are round and compact with thick pads and strong claws, slightly turned outwards for digging stability.
Hindquarters
The hind legs are strong and muscular, providing powerful drive. The thighs are broad, the stifles well bent, and the hocks low and straight. The feet are compact and round with firm pads. The structure ensures stability, endurance, and an energetic gait.
Gait and Movement
The movement of the Scottish Terrier is steady, energetic, and straight. The rear provides strong propulsion, the front legs reach freely, and the back remains level. The gait is coordinated, balanced, and springy, showing confidence and endurance.
Coat
The coat consists of a hard, dense outer coat and a soft, thick undercoat. The outer coat lies close and straight, forming protection against moisture and cold. On the muzzle, it forms the characteristic beard and eyebrows. The coat on the ears and tail is shorter and harsher. Regular trimming maintains the correct texture and outline.
Permitted Colors
Recognized colors include black, wheaten, and all shades of brindle (black, gray, or red-brindle). The color must be even and rich throughout the body. The nose is always black. White markings, especially on the chest or feet, are undesirable.
Size
Height at the withers: 25–28 cm.
Weight: 8.5–10.5 kg.
The compact build conveys strength and agility despite the dog’s small stature.
Faults
Faults include disproportionate body length, weak musculature, light bones, narrow chest, or straight hind angles. Other faults: soft or long coat, lack of facial furnishings, pale eyes, incorrect ear set, timid or overly excitable temperament.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults include aggression, extreme shyness, serious deformities, incorrect bite, missing teeth, light or blue eyes, docked ears or tail, curled tail, white markings on body or chest, and mixed-breed characteristics.
Conclusion
The Scottish Terrier embodies strength, courage, and dignity in a compact, powerful form. It combines the working ability of a true hunter with the poise and loyalty of a companion. Its distinctive beard, intelligent expression, and proud posture make it one of the world’s most iconic breeds — a true symbol of Scottish nobility and determination.
