Tell me about Scottish terriers....

[Aria20]

I have the opportunity to take in a 12 week old Scottish terrier from a family member. I have wanted a dog for many years but then had my youngest child 3 years ago and didn't want a dog and baby at same time... children are now 12, 9 & 3 - all love dogs, but this would be our first family dog.

I do not work as I am studying at home and carer for one of my children so I am home to look after a dog and train it. We have an enclosed garden and live near woods, parks and river for walks.

I don't have much experience of Scottish terriers and am not sure what they are generally like with children and whether it's a good idea to take this pup on... He ticks the boxes of small and non shedding.... but wasn't a breed I'd previously looked into so if anyone can recommend or has any experience of them please share - positive or negative!!

Stubborn, grumpy and distinctly scottish....

I've had two. My first was an adorable big furry lump who loved nothing more than cuddles. After we lost him we had another who's now 7. He hates people outside of our family and likes to snooze. He's not a dog for around kids as the noise and fuss annoy him, but that said, he's never been raised around them so it's understandable. He also absolutely detests walks, whereas number one would go for miles. They really are chalk and cheese.

All terriers have the potential to be a bit snappy. I'd worry a little about the 3 year old knowing when to let him have space but if they are mature enough to understand then I think you'd be fine with a Scott.

They are fiercely loyal to their families, they are a bit stubborn (mine answers back with a funny vocal noise that sounds for the world like he's saying no) but persist and they can be well trained.

I groom mine myself (because he's grumpy) and it's not a tricky cut so in theory you could also learn to do that, otherwise haircuts are around 8 - 12 weeks here.

I'd have another in a heartbeat, for all his little foibles I do love him.

Here’s the grump

Not quite the same breed - 2 Westies here. One is very much cat like and not at all dog in that he climbs things and loves hiding in small spaces. He’s very uncomplicated and not at all ‘terrier’ in personality. His bother, on the other hand, typical terrier and grumpy to boot (with other dogs mainly but will only tolerate the DC for so long). The grumpy one is by far the DC’s favourite. I have no idea why. He’s lovely but the other dogs are way more friendly and easy to be around. Dog came before the DC so we had to be extra careful and even now we don’t leave them on their own (DV are 8 and 9).

I guess my point it, the dogs personality and attitude go a long way and it’s too early to say what your little pup might be like. What’s his life been like to date. A well trained, well socialised and well worked dog should be a well behaved one but that’s not always the case.

With the 3 year old, I’d be using baby gates to ensure the dog and DC have space away from each other at times you can’t supervise. We taught our DC the signs to look out for and to be respectful of the dogs but that’s really only been understood in more recent years.

Terriers have big personalities and can be more problematic but if you’re willing to put in the effort it shouldn’t be an issue. A bit like most things in life.

@Mumtothelittlefella I had a westie too at the same time as the first Scottie. A more different personality could not be had. Chalk and cheese those two.

I was brought up with a Scottie-he was the most stubborn, fierecly loyal fab wee dug! typically scotties are standoffish but friendly with family. Ours was brought up with us kids, we were taught to respect him tho. He would have died for us, never growled or snapped.
If your kids give him peace and space, I'm sure it'll work out fine. He's young enough to learn the right way to behave with kids. Calm training of both pup and kids, you'll have a friend for life!
Scotties can be proud, stubborn wee buggers, like most terriers! But I love them!
Go for it OP, you can ask your vet for advice if not sure.
P,s if you don't want him, I'll have him!!!

Alan, that we always our plan - a Scottie and a Westie - but managed to end up with two Westies. Can’t beat a Scottie. One day...

@Mumtothelittlefella

Alan, that we always our plan - a Scottie and a Westie - but managed to end up with two Westies. Can’t beat a Scottie. One day...

We started with the westie and then one day I was out and about and spotted a Scott, fell instantly in love and found a breeder. Everywhere we went we’d get cries of ‘black and white whisky!’ Even though the Scott was the youngest he was absolutely the boss and the westie was happy for him to crack on with it. Sadly we lost the Scott at just 8 to liver disease but the westie trundled on without a days illness to 14. When he died I said no more. A month later we’d got the terror I posted above.

I’d dearly love a second dog and I’d like a dachshund, but..... my daughter has a sausage and you can see the look of horror on my boys face when he visits. He really wouldn’t tolerate another dog I don’t think so he’s destined to remain an only dog.

Hardly know he’s here to be fair, spends almost all day curled up like a cat in the bay window leaving the occasional bit of nose art on the glass for me to clean.

One thing I will say OP is they are diggers so make sure your fences are secure. Some can be quite prey driven too. Mine isn’t as that’s probably too much effort for him, we actually joke he suffers from cat blindness.

Ah it's nice to hear the love for them. Our neighbour has a westie and she's lovely.

My 3 year old is my worry too - she loves dogs, probably a bit too much.... and I worry if scotties are notoriously grumpy he might not like being fussed over... I obviously wouldn't leave them alone and would make sure she didn't get too much for him but I guess it's a worry, he hasn't been around children - is 11/12 weeks too late for him to be socialised with them? He's apparently a bit wary of other dogs in the park.

The pup is fully vaccinated, and kc registered etc. Apparently he's sleeping through already and almost house trained. Are puppy classes going to resume face to face soon?

Why is he being re-homed at such a young age?

The main socialisation window ends at 16 weeks so if you're going to take him on and get him used to your DC then you need to do it now.

He might not have been around kids but at 11-12 weeks he's at the ideal age to learn not to be afraid. Showing wariness of other dogs is typical of any pup at that age. Your vet may run puppy parties or if you know a friendly older dog to give him confidence?
If you get pup a roomy crate and use stairgates to ensure he has space, 3 year old will learn as well as pup. My kids know not to touch dogs in their crates, that's dogs space
Honestly, I'd give him a try. He's just a baby, young enough to learn that kids mean good things!
Good luck!
P.s pic of said puppy is mandatory!

We had a Scottie when my dd was 5. They grew up together, sisters. I remember one night we had a huge thunderstorm. Scottie managed to break out of the kitchen and was found in my dds bed, cuddled up.
Our little Scottie was as soft as anything. But if she thought there was a threat to ‘her family’ woe betide.
Our little Scottie lived for 15 years.

Decided not to take on the puppy. I think we need to wait another 6 months to a year for my 3yo to be a bit maturer and know when to give a puppy space! I was just not sure on going for a breed that can be a bit tricky with children either and combined with the fact that he hasn't been socialised with children yet it just felt a bit risky and I didn't want to take him on and then feel like it was a mistake.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

We have one, who is lovely, she is so funny, clever, sarcastic but I’ve just seen your update, we are looking for a companion for ours who is now four if the puppy is looking for a home still 😍

@Aria20

Decided not to take on the puppy. I think we need to wait another 6 months to a year for my 3yo to be a bit maturer and know when to give a puppy space! I was just not sure on going for a breed that can be a bit tricky with children either and combined with the fact that he hasn't been socialised with children yet it just felt a bit risky and I didn't want to take him on and then feel like it was a mistake.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Sensible decision. I'll take him 😂

They are going to send him back to the breeder which was based in north London. So you could try looking for them via kennel club on there.

@Aria20

They are going to send him back to the breeder which was based in north London. So you could try looking for them via kennel club on there.

Why is he being sent back at such a young age if you dont mind me being nosey?

The breeder will be best placed to find him the right fit. FWIW it must have been extremely difficult for you to some to a decision. Scottie pups are rather cute and it's great that you've not been blinded by that. When I had my first Scott I think DD was about 5 so a bit better at leaving him be. They are amazing little dogs, but maybe not the right fit just yet.
Good luck with your future pup!

I think you've made the right decision, OP. Good luck finding the right dog down the line.

@AlanThePig the family member had a bereavement and foolishly thought a puppy was a good idea but quickly realised that they couldnt cope so soon after a loss and thought it would be best to give the pup up while it's still young enough to resettle. I think they hoped we'd take him so they could still see him on occasion and hear how he was getting on etc rather than a stranger. But I had to be sensible and not get swept away by cuteness!

[quote Aria20]@AlanThePig the family member had a bereavement and foolishly thought a puppy was a good idea but quickly realised that they couldnt cope so soon after a loss and thought it would be best to give the pup up while it's still young enough to resettle. I think they hoped we'd take him so they could still see him on occasion and hear how he was getting on etc rather than a stranger. But I had to be sensible and not get swept away by cuteness![/quote]
Oh thats sad, but very sensible. He's still young enough to find the perfect home and I'm certain he will. Good KC Scottie breeders are getting rarer by the year so someone will jump at the chance to give him a loving home.