Are Scottish Terriers Good With Kids?

It is an age-old question that comes up ever so often and something I've often wondered myself: are Scottish Terriers good with kids? With their stubborn character and strong-willed nature, you'd think the answer would be a certain "no" - and that's been the word on the street (and nowadays, the Internet). I'm not convinced the answer is quite so black-and-white. There a number of variables that determine whether Scottish Terriers will be good with kids and having watched my Scottie crew interact with children for the first time over the last year, my experience confirms it.

Mr. K and my niece (future Scottie Mom, for sure!)

First, it is important to know not all Scotties are alike. So, what works for my Scottie crew may not work for yours. If you have experience with Scottish Terriers and children, I welcome you to contribute to the conversation by leaving a comment below. My goal in sharing these experiences is to help current, future and potential Scottie Moms and Dads make an informed decision when considering to expand the family - whether they are wanting to introduce a fur or human child. 

I wondered for years how my Scottish Terriers would react to young children and it wasn't until my niece (and future Scottie Mom!) arrived that I got to see how very differently each interacted with her. Heather immediately took to her as if the child were her own. Mr. K kept his distance with a watchful eye before fully accepting this newbie into his circle. Nibbles and Pudley are still figuring it out, mostly going about their own way and only paying attention to her when she lets out a loud squeal - to which they respond with coordinated head tilts that only make my niece laugh more.

Psst...check out fashions of a future Scottie Mom here!

Heather, by far, was the most tolerant of the Scottie crew with my niece. She let my niece pull on her beard on several occasions (while we immediately set to work to loosen her grip on the hairs). Heather responded to my niece bopping her on the bottom by turning around and walking back to her with a smile looking to nuzzle her head against my niece's tummy. Mr. K also has let other children bop him on the head without issue but I know his tolerance would wear thin after repeated offenses. The key is knowing your Scottie and their limits. It is equally important to know the child and to make sure you're fostering a culture of mutual respect.

With my niece and her family living four hours away, the Scottie crew only sees her once per month. This slower than usual period of integration may prove especially helpful for Nibbles and Pudley who are still learning to be comfortable around adults visiting the Scottie House. Each time we visit, Mr. K appears more comfortable around this tiny human. He even rolled over for belly rubs and allowed her to hold his toy. Though their bond isn't as strong as what my niece and Heather had, I'm confident there is a budding relationship there. All they need is a little patience and to take baby steps.

I'm also a firm believer that our beloved Scotties adopt to the environment around them. If you're overly anxious or nervous about the Scottie dog being around a child, the Scottish Terrier will be, too. However, if you've eased them into the experience of being around a child and feel cautiously optimistic that all will go well then they, too, will feel good about the situation and will exercise that same caution around tiny humans. Now, it is your turn to share your experience with Scottie dogs and children. Would you say that Scottish Terriers are good with kids?

5 Signs You Are Meant To Be A Scottie Mom

It's true: Scottish Terriers aren't necessarily for everyone. But if you're one of the lucky ones who finds themselves enamored by the breed, you know you're in for an adventure. Here are five signs that show you just might be destined to be a Scottie Mom (if you're not already).

- You're one tough cookie. Scotties were nicknamed the Diehards for a reason. If you're tough on the outside but a little soft on the inside (although you'd never admit it...you have a reputation to uphold!), you'll easily relate to a Scottish Terrier's character. Scottie dogs come ready to take on the world and are fearless in their quests. What remains to be seen is who is the more stubborn of the two: a Scottish Terrier or the Scottie Mom (or Dad)?

- You dig tartan. As a kid, you gravitated toward the clothes with little black Scottie dogs worked into the pattern, especially if the garments were black, red, white, tartan or any combination of the aforementioned. As an adult, your taste has matured - perhaps for the finer things in life. Acquired taste and selectiveness is not necessarily a bad thing though...just ask the "Snotty Scotties."

- You don't play by the rules. Neither does the Scottie. In fact, if you and a Scottish Terrier went to obedience school, a Scottie might actually do better than you. On second thought, maybe not.

- Your favorite character from Disney's classic movie Lady and the Tramp is Jock, even though the story centers on a Cocker Spaniel and a stray dog. Sure, he's a little grumpy in the movie but his character is so well-defined and loveable, you're able to overlook that small detail because his better qualities (loyalty, watchfulness and desire to protect) outshine everything else.

- Like the Scottie, you're passionate about the things in life you love and cherish. You may be a bit reserved when you meet someone but you bring nothing but smiles to those closest to you and you do everything in your power to look out for them.

Think you got what it takes to be a Scottie Mom? Take this Animal Planet quiz and see if a Scottish Terrier is your Top Dog and let us know your Scottish Terrier compatibility score!

Top 10: Things Every New Scottie Mom Should Know

Being a Scottie Mom has its advantages. Think: unlimited snuggles, undivided attention (once the toys have been destroyed and the squirrels chased out of the yard), and someone to look after us just as much as we look after our beloved pup. For first-time Scottie Moms, there can be a bit of a learning curve. Take it from one who had the honor of learning from the mischievous Mr. K. So, for new Scottie Moms or those considering becoming one, here are some things you might expect:

10. Scotties aim to please. Nothing makes Mr. K happier than to see me happy. Conversely, nothing saddens him more than when he thinks he has let his humans down. Go easy on the little one if he or she upsets you and keep your attitude in check. Scotties are sensitive creatures.

9. Your possessions become your Scottie's possessions. No further explanation needed. May I suggest, however, to pay special attention to the clothes in your laundry bin before they start disappearing.

8. Scottie-tude comes with the territory. As much as your Scottie loves you, he or she may not love other dogs and especially not cats. Socialize your pup as appropriate with other dogs...and as for the cats, few Scotties I've known have taken nicely to them so tread carefully.

7. There are no rules. Sure, you might say no dogs are allowed on the couch. You may even stack up the pillows on the couch to prevent them from climbing atop the sofa. Just don't be surprised when you come home to find paw prints on the pillows.

6. Anything within a Scottie's reach (and sometimes even those items that are not) is at risk. Leave a Scottie home alone without Scottie-proofing the house and you'll undoubtedly come home to a few surprises. Topping Mr. K's list are: an organic shampoo bar, a chewed up, nearly unrecognizable blue highlighter and a bag of cookies...and that was just one occasion.

5. Accidents happen. It's important to get your Scottie on a schedule to prevent accidents but sometimes, life happens and it gets thrown off. It may get frustrating, especially if your Scottie is like Mr. K and becomes acquainted with peeing in the house randomly and just minutes after you've walked him because he's "getting even" for being left alone. Lucky for this Scottie Mom, introducing Heather - the alpha (fe)male - was all that was needed to get rid of this nasty habit.

4. Scottie Security is legit. While your Scottie may not like everyone that walks through your front door, take special note of those that he or she does like. Scotties are incredible judges of character so if your Scottie doesn't approve of a date, perhaps it is time to reconsider.

3. Sometimes, Scotties stink. What did you expect? They're dogs! But, in addition to that fact that baths are a necessity in a Scottie's life, know that Scotties are notorious for clearing a room after passing gas. Beware the bottom!

2. Strength isn't measured by size. Scotties are a lot stronger than you might think. I've been told their jaws are the same size as that of a German Shepherd and I know they've got the fight of a big dog inside that tiny little body of theirs. My first weekend with Mr. K, he decided to challenge a Rottweiler. NO fun.

1. Expect the unexpected and enjoy every moment. Life with Scotties is never dull and there's no way to predict what tricks they have up their sleeves next. Whether it is spontaneously waking from a nap to zoomie around the house or stealing a shoe and shaking it until you chase after him or her, Scotties love to have a little fun and get a kick out of entertaining their humans. So sit back, relax and enjoy the Scottie show!