Scottish Highland Dog Breeds
The Scottish Highland dog breeds stand out due to their small size, which makes them suitable for living in small city apartments.
The Scottish highlands known for films such as Braveheart, for the vast expanses of meadows and for the fortresses that stand there, are also known for some breeds of dogs that originate from here.
In today’s article we talk about the dog breeds of the Scottish Highland, a magical and historic region.
What are Scottish Highland dogs?
Some are known worldwide, others are only found in the surroundings of this area. Certainly Scottish Highland dogs all have a common origin and similar favorite activities, one of all hunting. Here are the breeds from this region:
1. West Highland White Terrier
Let’s start with the most famous of the Scottish Highland dogs, popularly known as the “westie” and known for its all-white coat. Just like other terriers, this breed is also energetic, brave, and quite barking.
It was created for hunting hare and birds, and its white color was designed precisely so as not to confuse it with the color of its prey.
The West Highland White Terrier – featured photo of the article – has small dimensions: it measures no more than 30 cm in height and 10 kg in weight.
It has a tail in the shape of a “carrot” of about 15 cm. As for its fur, it is of medium length and disheveled, especially on the muzzle.
2. Scottish Greyhound
Called Deerhound in its homeland, the Scottish Greyhound is a very ancient hunting dog (it appears in the paintings at the feet of the feudal lords). The breed risked extinction when the “fashion” of hunting deer with rifles was introduced; however, the breeders made sure that this aristocratic breed survived.
The Scottish Greyhound has a disheveled appearance, the body resembles that of the galgo – it belongs to the same family – and has long extremities.
The chest is deep, has an arched back and a very long and thinned tail at the tip. As for the character, it is a docile dog, ideal as a companion dog and is characterized by its loyalty and tenderness.
3. Cairn Terrier
Among the dog breeds from the Scottish Highlands, this is the oldest and also gave rise to other breeds (including the westie).
It is a working dog used for hunting and for catching prey that hid in the burrows in the mountains of the region.
It is no coincidence that the word cairn in Gaelic means pile of rocks, favorite places for foxes and badgers to hide.
The Carin Terrier is active, hardy, cheerful and suitable as a pet as it is very easy to train. It also adapts well to any environment, both in the home and in city apartments. Likes to dig holes in the ground, does not bark a lot and can get bored if left alone for too long.
4. Scottish Terrier
Also known as the Aberdeen Terrier or ‘scottie’, this is another breed from the Scottish Highlands.
Its origins date back to the eighteenth century, but it wasn’t until 1890 that it was recognized as a breed in its own right – until then the Scottish Terrier, West Highland and Cairn were considered a unique breed.
It is a natural small digger, albeit very resistant and fast thanks to its muscular body. Its fur is tough and can be black, wheat-colored, or brindle.
The long muzzle and pointed ears always upright attract attention, reflecting its alert character.
5. Skye Terrier
The last of the dogs from the Scottish Highlands actually originated on the Isle of Skye, from which it takes its name, but was born from the cross between the Scottish Highland Terriers and Maltese dogs that survived a shipwreck in the sixteenth century.
IS
a breed at risk of extinction due to the scarcity of births of “pure” specimens in the United Kingdom. This dog is strong and elongated in body, has a strong muzzle, erect ears, wide neck and short but muscular legs.
His hair is very long, so much so that it almost completely covers his eyes.
Scottish Highland dog breeds – with the exception of the greyhound which requires more space – are perfect specimens for the city.
The small size allows these animals to adapt to any environment.
