Author: Dog Treats

A Black Scottish Terrier

Weight: 17-22 lbs

Height: 10 inches

Length: 11 inches

Coat: Short and Wiry on top; soft undercoat

Color: Black, Brindle, Weaten

Appearance

Scottish Terriers are a short, stocky breed, with a muscular body and an often appear barrel chested. They have large paws adapted for digging, erect ears and an erect tail.

Temperament

Scottish Terriers are great family dogs that are known for being alert, quick, feisty, independent, self-assured, playful, intelligent, and determined. Their stubborn nature can make them tricky to train, but so long as they are given a gentle hand when young, they are very trainable and make great house dogs. Originally bred to hunt and fight badgers, they have a strong prey drive towards small vermin (squirrels, rats, mice, etc.) and will need to be kept on a leash when walked. Their determination is seen in everything from digging to working over a bully stick.

Health

Scottie's don't have any congenital health problems like some breeds, though they have shown a predisposition towards some types of cancers. With few if any physical issues, they often live to be upwards of 15 years old.

Famous Scottie's and Scottie Owners

Franklin D. Roosevelt – Fala, Duffy, Mr. Duffy

Humphrey Bogart

Shirley Temple

Bette Davis

George W. Bush – Barney, Miss Beazley

Ronald Reagan

Jock – Lady and the Tramp

In light of the election being less than a month away, I thought it prudent to look at the history of some of the most beloved inhabitants of the White House – the Presidential Dogs. While living the life of luxury in DC has its perks (lots of space to run around in and dog treats that are checked by the Secret Service), there is a certain dignity and air of sophistication that a Presidential Pooch must project. Here's a look back at the First Dogs since our country began.

George Washington

As our first President, George Washington was also the first to have a First Pet. While his dogs didn't get to live in the White House, one can assume they had plenty of time to run around. George Washington had seven dogs – three Staghounds (Sweet Lips, Scentwell, and Vulcan), and four Black and Tan Coonhounds (Taster, Tipler, Tipsy, and Drunkard). It's safe to assume that his Coonhounds liked to get into the Presidential liquor.

John Adams

Continuing the tradition of the First Dog, John Adams only had two dogs while President, though they were the first to stay in the White House. While the breeds have been lost to time, we're sure that he loved his two dogs (Juno and Satan) despite their naming.

Thomas Jefferson

We know that Thomas Jefferson had two Briards, and while one's name has been lost to time, the other, Buzzy, probably got to enjoy his time at Monticello.

James Monroe

Picking up where Thomas Jefferson left off, James Monroe Read more