Scoland Terrier
The Scoland Terrier is a cross between the Scottish Terrier and the West Highland White Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Scoland Terrier. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a small but solidly built dog that presents a distinctive silhouette recognized worldwide. Standing approximately 10 inches at the withers, this compact breed weighs between 18 and 22 pounds, with males typically at the higher end of that range. The Scottie possesses a thick-set, cobby body suspended between short, heavy legs that give the breed its characteristic low-to-the-ground stance. Despite their small stature, these dogs are remarkably powerful and muscular, bred originally to pursue quarry underground where their compact build proved advantageous. The body is well-proportioned with a moderately short back and deep chest that would appear nearly heart-shaped if viewed in cross-section. The Scottish Terrier's head is one of its most striking features, being long in proportion to the overall size of the dog. The skull is slightly domed and covered with short, hard hair, while the muzzle is approximately equal in length to the skull with only a slight taper toward the nose. The distinctive beard and eyebrows frame expressive, dark eyes that convey the breed's characteristic keen, piercing expression often described as varminty. Small, erect ears sit high on the skull and contribute to the alert, intelligent appearance that defines the breed. The nose is always black regardless of coat color and projects somewhat over the mouth. The breed's double coat is a hallmark feature consisting of a hard, wiry outer coat approximately two inches long and a soft, dense undercoat. Acceptable colors include black, wheaten, and brindle in any shade, with many black and brindle dogs showing sprinklings of white or silver hairs that are considered normal. White markings are permitted only on the chest and chin in minimal amounts. The longer furnishings on the beard, legs, and lower body may be slightly softer than the body coat but should never appear fluffy. Regular grooming including hand-stripping maintains the coat's proper texture and the breed's classic silhouette.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While affectionate with their families, Scottish Terriers are not typically suited for households with very young children, as they value their personal space and do not tolerate rough handling. They have strong prey drives inherited from their vermin-hunting ancestry and may chase small animals. Socialization from an early age helps temper some of their more stubborn tendencies, though prospective owners should understand that Scotties consider themselves companions rather than pets and expect to be treated accordingly. Their independent nature and specific care requirements make them better suited to experienced dog owners who appreciate their unique personality.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Scottish Terriers have a significantly elevated risk of bladder cancer, specifically transitional cell carcinoma, with studies indicating they are 18 to 20 times more likely to develop this cancer than mixed breed dogs. This predisposition makes regular veterinary checkups and prompt attention to any urinary symptoms particularly important. Other conditions seen in the breed include patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, and various skin allergies. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions and maintain careful records to reduce their occurrence. Regular health monitoring and a relationship with a veterinarian familiar with the breed's specific concerns will help ensure your Scottish Terrier lives a long, healthy life.
West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier, affectionately known as the Westie, is a small, compact terrier with a distinctive all-white coat that makes the breed instantly recognizable. Standing approximately 10 to 11 inches at the withers and weighing between 15 and 20 pounds, with males typically heavier than females, the Westie presents a sturdy, well-balanced appearance despite its modest size. The breed possesses a strong, compact body with good bone and substance, built low enough to navigate rocky Scottish terrain while hunting vermin. The back is relatively short and level, and the chest is deep, providing the lung capacity needed for an active working terrier. The Westie's head contributes significantly to the breed's charming expression, appearing somewhat rounded due to the characteristic grooming style that frames the face with fluffy white fur. In reality, the skull is slightly domed and tapers gradually from the level of the ears to the eyes. The muzzle is somewhat blunt with a large black nose that forms a smooth contour with the rest of the face. Dark brown, almond-shaped eyes convey a lively, intelligent expression, while small, triangular ears are set wide apart, carried firmly erect, and covered with short velvety hair. The tail is compact, strong, and straight, often compared in shape to a carrot, and is carried jauntily. The breed's double coat is perhaps its most defining physical feature. The outer coat consists of harsh, straight hair approximately two inches long that provides weather resistance, while the undercoat is soft, dense, and resembles fur. This combination protects the dog from the harsh Scottish climate and rough terrain. The coat is always pure white with no other acceptable colors. Grooming a Westie properly requires regular brushing and either hand-stripping or clipping every four to six weeks to maintain the coat's texture and appearance. The traditional show trim creates the rounded head appearance and neat silhouette that defines the breed's classic look, though many pet owners opt for simpler maintenance cuts.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The Westie's earthdog heritage means they retain strong prey drives and may chase small animals with enthusiasm. They enjoy digging and investigating their surroundings, behaviors rooted in their original purpose of hunting rodents and other vermin. Westies can be good with children when raised with them and treated gently, though they may not tolerate rough handling from very young children. They generally get along well with other dogs when properly socialized but should be supervised around smaller pets given their hunting instincts. Their energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior or excessive barking. Westies thrive when included in family activities and given plenty of attention from their human companions.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations West Highland White Terriers have an increased risk of chronic hepatitis and liver disease, with studies showing they are significantly more likely to develop these conditions compared to other breeds. This predisposition may be related to a familial tendency to accumulate copper in liver tissue, though the exact relationship between copper accumulation and liver disease in the breed remains under investigation. Hyperplastic dermatosis, also known as Armadillo Westie Syndrome, is a severe skin condition found exclusively in Westies that causes thickened, darkened skin and hair loss. Patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are additional conditions with elevated prevalence in the breed. Regular veterinary care, awareness of these potential issues, and selecting puppies from health-tested parents help ensure the best outcomes for Westie owners.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Scoland Terrier may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Scottish Terrier and West Highland White Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.