The SCOTTISH TERRIER CLUB OF CALIFORNIA thanks you for inquiring about our favorite breed. We want you to purchase a healthy, well-bred Scottie puppy with a fine disposition. We also want to be sure that you receive full value for the price you pay. Scottie pups are sometimes available from other sources, but your best assurance of satisfaction is to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder.
The Reason Being:
It is important that you see under what conditions the puppy was raised, and that it is healthy and has been reared in a sanitary, parasite- free environment.
You want to be sure that your puppy has had its necessary shots against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis, that it has been wormed, if need, and that it has been tested for VWD (Von Willebrand's Disease). These safeguards will keep your veterinary costs to a minimum.
When you buy from a reputable breeder, you can usually see some of the puppy's relatives and know that when your pup reaches maturity, it will look and behave like a true representative of the breed.
Most breeders supply a feeding schedule for your guidance and will be on hand throughout your Scottie's long life to assist you with any problems that may arise.
A good breeder will only sell his or her puppies to good homes, never to wholesale or retail outlets. Also, breeders understand that all pedigreed Scotties are not breeding stock, and will explain to you the benefits of spaying or neutering. Pet shops sell puppies to anyone with money, even if the buyer would be better suited to a different dog. They generally buy in litter lots from breeders whose only goal is to breed more puppies. Such puppies are seldom, if ever, tested or screened for genetic disorders. This can result in "surprise" health problems later in life. And often they sell puppies shipped immediately after weaning (3 to 5 weeks), which have not been properly socialized
Looking For a Scottish Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier, or "Scottie" as they are commonly called, are first and foremost a terrier. They typify "power in a small package" and are on of the more aggressive breeds in this group as exemplified by their true and complete terrier qualities. They are classified as one of the short-legged terrier breeds.
We know that Scotties are not the breed for everyone, so we try to make sure that you know something about this breed before you make the long-term commitment to care for and love each other. They do need to be primarily inside dogs and we will not place dogs that will be left outside for extended periods. They do need to be professionally groomed on a regular basis (6-8 weeks) and brushed and combed at least once a week and, of course, kept free of fleas. The decision to add a Scottie to your life is not one to be made lightly or on impulse. You must first evaluate your needs, the needs of your family, what you want in a dog and whether this breed is the one for you. Adopting a dog -- any dog -- is a long-term commitment; with proper care, many Scotties can live 12 or more years.
Before you make any decision, make sure you know exactly how a Scottie will affect your life. Dogs require a substantial time commitment from you. A Scottie will need to spend time with you; after all, you are getting a dog for companionship, aren't you? And that takes time to develop and nurture. Your Scottie will also require grooming, training play times and exercise. All of these things take time. Small things that need to be done daily take time, too. Dogs need to be walked, and their feces need to be picked up and disposed of. The dog's water needs to be changed regularly and, of course, the dog must be fed. He needs regular grooming, which should include bathing, teeth brushing, ear cleaning and toenail trimming. (The more you walk, the fewer toenail trimmings are required.)
Dogs need to be part of a pack and if you are to be this Scottie's pack, he needs to be part of your life. If some of the family members are less than pleased at the prospect of adding a dog, the dog will sense it and suffer for it. One person's animosity, lack of caring, anger, neglect or abuse could severely traumatize the dog. Everyone must agree to adopt a dog and that the Scottie is the right dog.
Spring Puppy Match Coming This April
The SCOTTISH TERRIER CLUB OF CALIFORNIA will be holding the annual Spring Puppy Match this coming April. The puppy match is located at Palm View Park in West Covina. Click on the entry form for the downloadable PDF. Fill this out and return it to us to ensure your entry.
STCC Offers Statue By Artist Al Jennings for 2011 Annual Raffle
Posted by Jeanie Jennings, President
The STC California is offering a limited edition bronze sculpture by artist Al Jennings. Tickets are available now and the drawing will be June 25, 2011 at the Reef Restaurant. This is a great opportunity to own a stunning piece of art that captures the beauty of the Scottish Terrier.
Proper care of our senior scotties will insure them spending many wonderful years with their families. Thank to Julie Hill for contributing this article.
The last time you went to your doctor, did you talk about things to watch for until your next yearly exam? Keep the same thing in mind for your aging canine friends. While the life expectancy for the average American is around 80 years, the same can’t be said for our furry friends. If we’re very lucky and are blessed, we can hope for 12-15 years with them. Don’t rely completely on your veterinarian for everything. It’s up to you to notice the subtle changes in your pet on a day-to-day basis. Are they drinking more water? Do they have horrible breath? Do they ignore you (more than normal)? How long has that bump been there and has it grown? Most of us are constantly petting our dogs every day. While you’re doing that, use it as a time to check them over for any strange lumps or bumps. Do you see where your dog goes to the bathroom in the yard? Does it look the same or has that changed? All these things need to be addressed and brought to your family veterinarian. As our pets age, they can develop diabetes, liver or kidney problems, arthritis, and gingivitis, which can lead not only to the loss of teeth, but to the liver or kidney or even heart disease. Then next time you schedule an appointment with your vet, be sure to check for a more senior physical. Ask about doing a more complete exam of your aging pet besides just a hands-on exam with the vaccinations. Talk to your vet about doing a chest x-ray, a blood screen with a thyroid check, an EKG especially for older pets could be very important in detecting early heart disease. Talk to your vet also about proper nutrition as your dog gets older. Would they benefit from a supplement such as Dasequin/Cosequin for their joints? Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the simple things, too, like fleas or nails that are a bit long, that can cause discomfort to your aging friend. We owe it to them to keep them as healthy as we can, for as long as we can.
Proper care of our senior scotties will insure them spending many wonderful years with their families. Check back for informative information we will be posting shortly.
