"Can You Help
Me Find A
Scottie"

Carole Fry Owen
Scottish Terrier Author
Email > ritescot@aol.com

Check-list Test Questions
for Rating Breeders

Are you a member of a Scottie club?

Quality breeders join Scottie clubs to learn more about the breed and to establish friendships with owners working for the welfare of Scotties.

 

Do you sell other breeds besides Scotties?

Ideal breeders breed only Scotties. Breeders of multiple breeds are usually commercial producers who are less knowledgeable about Scotties.

 

What problems can I expect from Scotties?

If a breeder doesn't point out undesirable characteristics, you know you are talking to someone eager (or desperate) to sell dogs to the first comer.

 

Do you offer a trial period?

Many responsible breeders do and also offer to take the Scottie back at any time in its life. Responsible breeders want the buyer to have the "right" Scottie, and will stand by that Scottie for a lifetime.

 

Do you require spay or neuter?

Many responsible breeders require their puppies be spayed and neutered. Some offer refunds upon proof of spay/neuter. These breeders want to prevent descendants of their puppies from misuse by puppymills or backyard breeders. They also realize that spaying and neutering reduces the risk of various cancers.

 

Do you own both parents?

Veteran breeders sometimes own both parents, but more usually do not. Rather, they choose a male with qualities to complement their female, even if that male lives 1,000 miles away.

 

Do your Scotties have skin problems?

If a breeder answers "no," ask him what he knows about the parents, grandparents and siblings of his breeding stock. Most casual breeders know nothing about the health of their dog's relatives. Skin problems are hereditary and will be a 10-15 year pain and expense for you and your Scottie.

 

Have the sire and dam been DNA-tested "clear" of the vWD gene?

If the answer is "yes" for the parents, you guarantee your Scottie will not have vonWillebrand's Disease, a devastating bleeding disorder. Most commercial breeders are unaware of the vWD DNA test, or do not want to spend the money.

 

What can you tell me about Scottie Cramp, CMO and vWD?

If a breeder can't tell you lots about these diseases, they will know nothing about other Scottie health problems. You are playing Russian roulette if you buy from this kind of breeder.

 

May I see your sales agreement?

Responsible breeders use sales agreements in which they outline their own responsibilities to the buyer, and what they require of the buyer (terms like spay/neuter and right of "first refusal" if the buyer later does not want the dog). A simple bill of sale is not a sales agreement.

[Return] To main "Can You Help Me" article.

Copyright © 1999 Carole Fry Owen

This article is reprinted from the March/April, 1999 issue of Great Scots Magazine with the permission of Scottish Terrier columnist Carole Fry Owen and the magazine. The article appeared in Owen's copyrighted MacAnswers Column.  The author requests that the article not be reproduced or published elsewhere without prior permission.

For permission to reprint this entire column contact:
Carole Fry Owen 
Scottish Terrier columnist
1203 N. 9th St. 
Temple, TX 76501
e-mail: ritescot@aol.com

Need more information about the Scottish Terrier and how to locate a breeder? To obtain a free copy of the Scottish Terrier Club of America's Information Packet, contact: Joanne Kinnelly, STCA Public Information Chairman, 3684 N. Prospect Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Need information on how to purchase a Scottish Terrier puppy from a New England breeder?  Contact our club's Breeder Referral Contact.

Coat Colors:

Scotties come in a variety of coat colors, not just black. The title of this section is linked to the STCA web site where there is a more complete description of Scottie coat colors.
The following pictures are of Scotties owned by STCNE Club members.

The Black Scottie -- Bill and Jeni Walsh

The Brindle Scottie -- Jim and Linda Orsborn

A Wheaten Scottie -- Phyllis Kuhn

How to Evaluate Breeders
This sidebar check list accompanied Carole's original article "Can You Help Me Find A Scottie."  Many of the other Regional STC web sites have similar guideline information. [List of Regional STC web sites].

Excerpts from the Breed Standard

The title of this section is linked to a copy of the complete standard on the Scottish Terrier Club of America (STCA) website.
The STCA is the steward for our breed standard which is maintained by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and used by all AKC-sanctioned judges when they evaluate dogs in competition.
The following are excerpts from the standard.

General Appearance- The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and substance. His head is long in proportion to his size. He has a hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat and a thick-set cabby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. ... The Scottish Terrier's bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package.

Size, Proportion, Substance- The Scottish Terrier should have a thick body and heavy bone. The principle objective must be symmetry and balance without exaggeration. ... Generally, a well-balanced Scottish Terrier dog should weigh from 19 to 22 pounds and a bitch from 18 to 21 pounds.   

Excerpts for the STCA pamphlet, "A Study of the Scottish Terrier"

The STCA has also produced a phamphlet that is an explanation of the standard.  This pamphlet is available from the STCA.  Several excerpts from the booklet are presented below.

There appears to be a paradox created by the Scottish Terrier Standard which demands “symmetry and balance without exaggeration” in a breed with an 8” head and 4 ½” legs. The secret is to learn the correct proportions for the breed and to use those proportions to create a template. ...

There are several key features that distinguish the Scottie from his cousins, the Cairn and the Westie. One is his long, powerful head with its high-set ears and small, almond shaped eyes. ...