10 Scottish Dog Breeds You Should Know

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Every nation has its unique culture, language, and many other things which they do differently. So, it is also the case with dog breeds.

However, we will be discussing Scottish dog breeds in this article.

Though these Scottish breeds differ in appearance and temperament, they fall under the same category.

Some dog breeds are large, while others are small. Also, some are for breeding, and others are hunting dogs.

However, let us look into the ten most popular Scottish dog breeds we have compiled.

1. Scottish Terrier

The Scottish terrier dog breed is one of the most popular breeds. It is not difficult to tell that this breed originated in Scotland from its name.

The breeders developed this breed to hunt vermin, but it is also a family dog, and the American Kennel Club recognizes it.

However, it was difficult to train Scottish terriers because they were taught to do almost everything without their owner’s control.

Don’t make your Scottish terrier dog feel bad by giving it aggressive training, as it sees the whole thing as you being harsh.

More Facts

The breed weighs about 18 to 22 pounds.
It is 10 inches tall.
Your Scottish Terrier needs to exercise often.
It has a double coat.
It is a low-shedding breed.

2. Border Terrier

Border Terrier breeds are usually small dogs. Despite their size, they are intelligent, courageous, and independent.

These dogs are loud barkers, so if you live where you have many neighbors, this breed is not the best choice because their loud barks are frequent.

These dogs love to explore, so the dog owner shouldn’t keep them in a place that is not fenced.

Furthermore, one of this breed’s personalities is to chase prey.

So, we can say they are very adventurous, and this can kill them faster than old age.

More Facts

This breed weighs about 12 to 15 pounds.
It is also about 12 to 15 inches tall.
It comes in a double grey, brown, and white coat.
Your Border Terrier needs exercise every time.
It is an average shedding breed.

3. Bearded Collie

You should know the Bearded Collie dog breed is among the Scottish dog breeds.

They were bred to be hunting dogs; we can trace them to the Scottish conquerors’ dogs.

This breed is full of life and has a high energy level. The dog owner can also trust this dog to be protective of them.

However, the dog breed earned its name from its hair, which starts from the chin and forms a beard.

However, with all these qualities, not everyone can own a Bearded Collie because not everyone is always hyperactive, as the dog demands several outdoor activities often.

More Facts

The breed weighs about 45 to 50 pounds.
It is about 22 inches tall.
The coat is double and thick.
It has high exercise needs.
It is also a high-shedding dog breed.

4. West Highland High Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier dog breed is among the most popular Scottish dog breeds.

People also call them “Westie,” we can trace their roots to the Cairn terrier bloodline.

Though they were bred for hunting, this breed likes to be alone but is also a great family companion.

However, this breed enjoys being involved in competitions rather than hunting, so if you are a game person, this dog suits you perfectly.

Furthermore, the West Highland White Terrier dog is playful and is comfortable with everyone, even strangers.

More Facts

This breed weighs about 20 pounds.
It is 11 inches tall.
Its coat is double.
It has high exercise needs.
And it is a high-shedding dog breed.

5. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever dog breed is another popular Scottish dog breed. Though it is famous in the United States, its roots trace back to the Scottish Highlands.

This breed is playful and full of life but does not mature quickly. So, at age four, expect your Golden Retriever to remain as silly as ever.

However, this dog breed requires the owner to involve it in several fun games, and because they were bred to work, the dog owner should assign them little chores.

More Facts

This breed weighs about 70 pounds.
It is about 24 inches tall.
Its coat is double.
Your Golden Retriever requires regular exercise.
And it is a very high-shedding dog breed.

6. Gordon Setter

This Scottish dog breed, Gordon Setter, is the largest of all Setters and one of the most popular dog breeds.

Like the Golden Retriever, this breed might refuse to mature and have puppyish traits, but it is an active and loyal dog.

Originally, they were bred to hunt birds, but as time passed, people didn’t mind having them in their homes as family dogs.

However, the dog owner should understand that this breed doesn’t like to stay away from family for too long, as this can cause some anxiety that could make them destructive.

More Facts

This breed can weigh up to 80 pounds.
It is about 27 inches tall.
Its coat is single.
Your Gordon Setter needs lots of exercise every day.
And it is a very high-shedding dog breed.

7. Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier hails from the Isle of Skye and is one of the most endangered Scottish dog breeds.

They were bred to hunt vermin but later became pampered pets in the royal home. Thus becoming one of Queen Victoria’s favorites during her time on earth.

This dog could be a great watchdog, and its small size attracts dog owners because they can adapt to any environment.

More Facts

This breed weighs about 45 pounds.
It is 10 inches tall.
Its coat is double.
Your Skye Terrier doesn’t require much exercise.
And it is an average shedding dog breed.

8. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound dog breed is one of the most popular Scottish dog breeds.

Back in the day in Scotland, they called the Bloodhound ‘sleuth-hound’, and they were bred to catch thieves and raiders.

Though this breed originates from Belgium, they were bred in Scotland. However, this breed is a great dog with an intelligent personality.

The Bloodhound dog breed might not be the best for you if you can’t endure it because it is stubborn and somewhat destructive during puppyhood.

But you can bring out its best character if you bring it home to the right family.

More Facts

This breed weighs about 110 pounds.
It is 27 inches tall.
Its coat is short and dense.
Your Bloodhound requires much exercise.
And it is a high-shedding dog breed.

9. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland sheepdog is also called a Sheltie. We can trace its origin back to when collies came to the Scottish mainland and diversified into different breeds.

These dogs are smart, and they make excellent companions to their parents.

Also, they are protective of their owners, and this trait makes them bark at any slight suspicion.

However, if you won’t have enough time to train your dogs, it’s best not to go for the Shetland sheepdog because it requires much training.

More Facts

The Shetland sheepdog weighs about 25 pounds.
It is about 16 inches tall.
Its coat type is dense.
Your Shetland sheepdog requires frequent exercise.
And it is a very high-shedding dog breed.

10. Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier dog breed is the last on our list of Scottish dog breeds, but this doesn’t make it any less good.

We can trace this breed’s origins back to the Western Highlands. They were bred to hunt rodents, but as time went by, they became family dogs.

Cairn Terriers are affectionate, friendly, and independent.

However, if you are a busy dog owner, this dog is unsuitable for you because it loves its owner, keeping it active often and being with it during the day.

Further, this breed understands training easily and can get lots of tricks with proper training.