Scottish Terrier Club of Tampa Bay

Puppies are cute and precious when they're born.

Puppies are cute when they're young.

Puppies can be fun during the holidays

But puppies will still need you when they're growing up (and become more handsome than cute)

And most of all..puppies will need you when they're old.

• Only sell you a puppy if they’re sure the Scottish Terrier is really the breed for you.
• Carefully choose the sire and dam of each puppy to breed healthy, happy, and handsome Scottish Terriers.
• Socialize the puppies during the critical 6 to 12 week period when they learn to become people-oriented.
• Be aware of genetic health problems and breed to avoid them.
• Always be available to you to answer questions about your dog and the Scottish Terrier breed.
• Maintain membership in breed clubs, such as the Scottish Terrier Club of America and the Scottish Terrier Club of Tampa Bay to help keep ethics and education to the highest standard. A reputable breeder will have a good reputation and be well thought of throughout the Fancy.
• Discuss pedigrees, breed characteristics and health problems with you and provide testing information.
• Provide a clean, well-lighted environment to raise clean and friendly puppies free from parasites and with current immunizations.
• Provide a happy, healthy environment for their adult dogs too.
• Understand that all pedigreed dogs are NOT breeding stock and explain to you the benefits of spaying and neutering.
• Be willing to take return of the puppy at any time in its life should your circumstances change.
• Not try to sell you a puppy -- you will have to convince him you are good enough for his puppy!

A Pet Shop or Backyard Breeder Will...

• Sell puppies to anyone with the money -- even if the buyer would be better suited to a different dog.
• Buy in litter lots from breeders whose only goal is to breed more puppies regardless of their health and welfare.
• Buy from breeders whose breeding stock is seldom, if ever, tested or screened for genetic disorders. This can result in "surprise" health problems later in life.
• Sell puppies immediately after weaning (3 to 5 weeks), poorly socialized (if at all). This practice often leads to long-term behavior problems, e.g. wetting on the floor, fear biting, etc.
• Not be well-versed in information about the breed and will be of little help to you after the sale.

Characteristics and Temperament

The Scottish Terrier, or "Scottie" as they are commonly called, is first and foremost a Terrier. They typify "power in a small package" and exhibit typical terrier temperament -- alert and active -- making the Scottie a loyal watchdog and companion.

They are classified as one of the short-legged terrier breeds. Their hard-coated, muscular body is set on short, powerful legs with a proportionally long head. These characteristics, along with their keen, piercing expression, erect ears and tail, provide the most obvious features of the breed.

The Scottie is extremely sensitive to praise and blame. Properly bred, trained, and respected, he is a gentleman and devoted companion to both man and child. His independent spirit may not be suitable for every taste, but to those who appreciate his unique character, no other breed compares.

Grooming

The Scottie is a double-coated breed with a hard outer coat and a soft undercoat. To maintain his distinguished appearance, the coat of the companion Scottie should be clipped every two months. The Scottie who is being exhibited at dog shows has his coat "stripped -- the dead hairs are removed at regular intervals by plucking with the fingers or by the use of a stripping knife. This is necessary as the terrier coat does not "shed" like many breeds; however, dead hair does fall and collect.

Health Considerations

There are a number of genetic disorders common to the Scottish Terrier. Your breeder should be able and willing to discuss your concerns. Do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the quality of your breeder’s Scotties.

Don’t Buy On Impulse

The Scottish Terrier is not the breed for everyone – there is no single breed that is! Take your time to choose a breed that fits your lifestyle, you family situation, and your expectations of what your dog should be like. This will be an important member of your family for many years to come, so make your choice wisely.