Do you want to discover dog breeds from Scotland? Recognizing and studying a dog’s breed is important to help co-exist peacefully with your companion. Scotland is known for its stunning castles, Scotch whisky, and plenty of special Scottish dog breeds. These dogs originating from Scotland range widely in appearance and temperament.
For instance, some species are quite small while others are massive. Also, some dogs have used herding, while others are for hunting; what unites these breeds is their place of origin.
This article includes dog breeds’ short background history, personality, and the most commonly asked questions. We have enlisted the 15 Best Scottish dog breeds. Check out this dog breed!
15 Best Scottish Dog Breeds
Here are the 15 Best Scottish Dog Breeds. Learn about their personality, physical traits, and more.
1. Scottish Terrier
The Aberdeen Terrier was the former name of the Scottish Terrier. As their prominence developed across Scotland and the UK, they became known as the Scottish Terrier. They bred to chase vermin in the Scottish Highlands. If you have one, you will realize that Scotties are incredibly quick and cautious.
They love pursuing balls, and little creatures, so watch out! Get a firm top choice to keep their fun-loving minds dynamic and tire them out prepared for some couch time.
2. Border Collie
The name Border Collie is very strict. These Collies come from the borders of England, Scotland, and Wales, to be exact. There, Border Collies reproduced to chip away at ranches crowding animals. In addition, they’re athletic canines, extremely fast learners, and profoundly enthusiastic.
To the extent that owners will tell you that they require huge day-by-day practice. Additionally, they need consistent mental incitement. So, get your strolling boots on.
3. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland Terrier is firmly identified with the Scottish Terrier. They both come from central Scotland with comparative purposes. Initially, Westies were ‘ratters’ or ‘warthogs’ that eliminated rodents and mice from grain stores and ranches. In 1896, they made their first show.
Something of this rodent hunting family line stays in the demeanor of the advanced Westies. These little terriers are spunky and speedy, with a solid prey drive. Moreover, they are profoundly steadfast, cheerful, and keen. Without any rodents to chase, they’re well-known buddy canines and family pets these days.
4. Bearded Collie
This enormous dark and white wad of the kind cushion is a herder. They are particularly part of the Pastoral gathering of dogs. Admirers of the breed referred to the Bearded Collie as a Beardie. It first showed up in 1912, utilized by Scottish shepherds to crowd the herd.
Polish Lowland Sheepdogs and Hungarian Komondor followed the underlying foundation of Bearded Collies. In addition, Bearded Collies are incredibly fiery, intelligent, and adoring. They likewise need a great deal of adoration and consideration with a brush to keep their long coat sans matt.
5. Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setters are bird-hunting canines in Scotland. Gordon Setter’s name began from the Duke of Gordon, who presented these semi-coated dogs at Banffshire, Scotland. As a breed, the Gordon Setters are extremely quick, and insightful, and need delicate care.
Moreover, Gordon Setters have heaps of adoration to provide for their people. Nonetheless, apartment tenants should be careful. These canines need a lot of activity to consume their high energy. If you can give them a lot of space to play for everyday strolls, this might be the best Scottish dog breed for you.
6. Scottish Deerhound
Studies revealed that Scottish Deerhound had effectively existed before the sixteenth century but under various names. Superb and huge, the Scottish Deerhound is a goliath, harsh-covered Scottish canine variety.
It was firmly identified with the Irish Wolfhound. Those long, slim Scottish Deerhound legs were reared for flowing through the forest. They were also used for pursuing deers, twice their size. So, while you may believe they’re laid-back, touchy couch huggers.
Undoubtedly, if they spot something this dog thinks needs chasing – they’ll be off instantly.
7. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is a touchy, light-footed canine. It initially started in the Shetland Islands. Moreover, they are quick, little, and spry at hopping. They need a ton of activity and testing games. It keeps their Sheltie minds cheerful, engaged – and polite.
Whatever their character, Shelties like to be with their kin consistently and will follow them from one space to another for the day. Like all canines, Shelties need early socialization and openness to various individuals.
Indeed, socialization guarantees that your Sheltie doggy grows up to be a well-rounded breed.
8. Scottish Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is an uncommon, little canine breed that originated from the Isle of Skye. It was a hilly island toward the west of mainland Scotland. However, presently, they are quite possibly the most spoiled pet. Although, it is hard to follow this present variety’s accurate history: for a few centuries.
In 1600, they were saved for badger and fox hunting. Thus, their legacy comes. Moreover, Skye Terriers are one of the most extraordinary Scottish varieties. Indeed, they’re among the most endangered local UK breeds, with only 53 little dogs enlisted in 2019.
9. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers are one of the oldest terrier breeds and the most established known working canine. The most popular Cairn was Toto in the Wizard of Oz. Cairn Terriers started from the Scottish Highlands. They earned their name by pursuing prey between the cairns.
Initially, this breed was reproduced in Scotland to identify and uncover little rodents. These Scottish dog breeds are also used to chase huge creatures in tunnels and even foxes. As dynamic dogs, cairns need a daily walk and play activities to keep them intellectually animated.
Cairns are not difficult to train and can learn tricks as quickly as possible. Training them in stunts is a decent method to coordinate their energy into appropriate behavior.
10. Border Terrier
Like the Border Collie, the harshly covered Border terrier got its name from the boundaries of Scotland. They reared to assist with the fox chase because of the Border Terrier’s little ‘otter’ head and long legs.
Moreover, Boundary Terriers have difficult streaks. So, to keep them out of mischief, these functioning dogs will react well to a great deal of mental incitement.
11. Scotland’s Bloodhound
The Bloodhound was known in Scotland as the sleuth-hound. They sniff out raiders and cattle thieves in the Middle Ages. The kind-natured scent-hound is gentle and loving. Moreover, this wrinkled dog is delicate and warm, though initially bred for hunting.
Also, living with Bloodhound means long strolls each day. The Bloodhound belongs to a group of dogs that chase together by scent, known as Sagaces. The Latin, which has a similar root as “insightful,” alludes to the characteristics of sharp insight and savvy instinct.
12. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier or Dandie is another ‘border’ terrier originally from Scotland and England. This old Scottish breed was only registered in 1700.
It was assumed to be a crossbreed between local Terriers and the Dachshund. Dandie Terriers are small, making them very special, with their long body, short legs, and mop of hair. Moreover, Dandies can dive into profound openings in brief time frames.
13. Rough Collie
Lassie is the other term for Rough Collies. It is the canine hero who rescues Timmy. These dogs are dubbed to be an average herders and furiously faithful. The Rough piece of their name has something to do with their flawless coat that plumes out when they run.
As a dog breed, they originally started in Scotland and Wales as herders. Nonetheless, they’re extremely anxious to learn. Watch for them nipping at your heels, attempting to group you. Also, make sure to flourish them with a lot of space.
14. Smooth Collie
The smoother-coated version of the Rough Collie, the Smooth Collie, is a different breed. Even though they look so similar to the Rough Collies, they are friendly dogs who love exercise. Collies are tranquil with different pets and well mannered with outsiders.
Hence, Collies’ training should start from an early stage to develop their personalities. Also, this Scottish dog breed has a gentle-to-direct difficult streak. However, they’re sensibly simple to train if you keep a quiet voice and a light hand on the chain.
Normally they need just verbal adjustments, delicate chain direction, and bunches of acclaim and support.
15. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever was first reared in Scotland to retrieve birds and other wildfowl in the nineteenth century. Presently, Golden Retrievers are one of the most famous and dearest family canines on the planet.
A certain breed is effectively teachable. Likewise, Golden Retrievers are amazingly family-accommodating and unquestionably savvy, making them the ideal assistance dogs. Moreover, these breeds are genuinely simple to train and get along in any home or family.
They’re incredible with kids and exceptionally defensive of their owner. Therefore, if you need a dependable and adoring partner, consider embracing one of these little guys into your pack.
Scottish Breeds: FAQ
Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions about the best Scottish dog breeds:
Scotland’s most popular pooch is the Labrador retriever. The breed is used for retrieving games and assistance dogs for ‘sniffer’ dogs for drug and arms detection. It is thought that they originated on the coast of Newfoundland, where anglers were seen to use a dog to retrieve fish.
Labrador retrievers are known as good-natured and friendly companions, probably why they are welcomed into Scottish families.
According to the Scottish Kennel Club, only about 15 breeds can trace their roots back to Scotland. That includes Terrier groups, Collies, and Retrievers.
The Scottish Terrier is often mistaken for the Schnauzer as they have a similar appearance. Meanwhile, their personalities are very different. The standard Schnauzer is described as smart, fearless, and spirited.
However, it has an equal temperament to the Scottish Terrier. However, the Schnauzer may be a bit easier to train, as the Scottie tends to be more stubborn.
Scottish Terriers raised with children may be suitable as a family pet. However, the breed is not recommended for kids who do not have experience with dogs. When properly socialized with children, Scotties happily act as a protector on their behalf.
Scottie takes his job as protector of the home quite seriously. They will alert you to any newcomers. He has a big dog bark, which he may use to scare away potential intruders.
It might be unbelievable, but it is the unicorn. The unicorn is the official national animal of Scotland.
Their adoration for this well-known animal goes back hundreds of years. Unicorns have been highlighted in many societies. That includes the antiquated Babylonians and the Indus human advancement.
The unicorn is an image of virtue, innocence, and force in Celtic folklore with its white pony-like body and single spiraling horn.
Legend likewise tells that their horns can decontaminate harmed water, such as the strength of their mending power. These pleased, wild animals are savagely autonomous and broadly hard to catch, which will sound natural to any individual who has pursued their Scottish history. Even though unicorns are legendary, Scots have consistently felt attracted to what they represent.
If you’re thinking about one of these breeds, ensure you can give them adequate mental incitement, to fulfill their hard-working attitude. Keep in mind that each breed is like a person with its personality and characteristics. Having background knowledge about them is only one way to understand our dearest companions.