This is an essay about
Scottish Terriers. To learn more about this breed of dog, click here.
To meet the author and
find out how she came to write this essay, click here.
To meet the photographer and
find out more about her Scotties, click here.
Over a thousand years ago, terriers were the only kind of dogs that peasants could own in England. The noblemen of the time gave their dog breeds fancy names to help show their own high position on the social ladder. Unlike the noblemen, though, the peasants did not care about giving their little terriers specific breed names. The peasants only wanted spunky and sturdy little rascals who were as tough and scrappy as their owners. These characteristics are still very much a part of each little Scottie dog's personality that we encounter today. No other breed of terrier is as lovable as this impish little "tike." They are very easy to get along with and are ideal pets for children.
The Scottish terrier breed originated in Great Britain around 1859. The English word "terrier" means "go to the earth for their prey." Their primary use was for routing various small animals, such as the fox, from their dens. Noblemen carried these active little dogs in a basket strapped to their saddles as they rode their horses on hunting trips. Once the noblemen chased the foxes into their dens, they would place the Scotties on the ground where the aggressive little dogs continued the chase following the fox into the hole. This caused the frightened fox to run back out another hole and the chase by horse would begin once again.
In 1882, officers from England and Scotland organized the Scottish Terrier Club. John Naylor brought the first two Scottish terriers into this country in 1883. One was a male named Tam Glen, and the other a female named Bonnie Belle. The United States now has its own Scottish Terrier Club.
The Scottish terrier is a frequent winner in dog shows throughout the world. Recently, a Scottie named Galeforce Post Script (nicknamed Peggy Sue) won the championship held in New York City. Once a year a major city hosts the annual show of Scottie merchandise. Various items, ranging from coffee mugs with pictures of Scotties on them to Scottie flags, are on display for sale or trade. You can be sure that many little Scotties will also be present keeping their owners company at this big event.
Fala was the name of a little black Scottie dog who belonged to one of our Presidents. On July 20, 1941, the newspapers printed a picture of him riding in a limousine sitting next to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It was inauguration day and President Roosevelt was on his way to the White House where he was sworn in as our 32nd President.
Do you have a Scottie? Do you know any funny or interesting stories about Scotties? We would like to hear from you, and include your comments on this page. Use the comment form link below to contact us with your Scottie news.
What did you think about this
essay? Please send us your comments!
Return to the Table of Contents.