Scotinese

The Scotinese is a cross between the Pekingese and the Scottish Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Scotinese. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.

Pekingese

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a compact toy breed with a distinctive appearance that reflects its noble Chinese heritage, where it was bred exclusively for royalty. Standing 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 7 to 14 pounds, the Pekingese presents a surprisingly heavy feel when lifted due to its well-muscled, stocky build. The breed has a unique body structure featuring a broad, flat head, a wide chest, and a body that is notably heavier in the front than the rear. This front-heavy build, combined with short, bowed forelegs, creates the characteristic rolling gait that distinguishes the breed. The overall impression is one of a compact, lion-like companion with unmistakable dignity. The Pekingese head is its most remarkable feature, being massive and broad with a flat profile and a very short, wrinkled muzzle that defines the breed as brachycephalic. The skull is broad and flat between the large, prominent eyes, which are round, dark, and lustrous with a bold expression. The nose is black, short, and broad with wide-open nostrils to facilitate breathing. The ears are heart-shaped, set at the front corners of the skull, and hang close to the head with long, profuse feathering that blends into the mane. The underjaw is strong and slightly undershot, contributing to the characteristic flat-faced profile. The Pekingese coat is one of the breed's crowning glories, consisting of a long, straight, harsh outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat that forms a profuse mane around the neck and shoulders. The coat is particularly abundant on the ears, backs of legs, tail, and toes, creating luxurious feathering. All coat colors and markings are acceptable and of equal merit in show competition, including red, fawn, cream, sable, black, white, and various parti-colors. A black mask is desirable but not required. The tail is high-set and carried over the back to either side, heavily plumed with long, flowing hair that cascades attractively.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Due to their regal self-image and low tolerance for rough handling, Pekingese are generally not ideal for homes with young children. They prefer calm environments where they are treated with respect and may snap if teased, startled, or handled roughly. Pekingese can coexist with other pets if properly introduced, though they may attempt to assert dominance regardless of the other animal's size. Their exercise needs are modest, making them suitable for apartment living. These dogs are heat-sensitive due to their flat faces and prefer cool environments, often seeking out air-conditioned spaces during warm weather.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Intervertebral disc disease poses a serious threat to Pekingese due to their long backs and short legs, potentially causing pain, paralysis, and requiring surgical intervention. Owners should prevent jumping from heights and use ramps to protect the spine. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap dislocates, is common in the breed. Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease, affects many Pekingese as they age and requires monitoring through regular veterinary cardiac evaluations. The breed typically lives 12 to 14 years with proper care, though quality of life depends heavily on managing the health challenges inherent to the breed's unique structure.
Learn More About The Pekingese

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, and sturdy terrier breed that presents a distinctive silhouette recognized worldwide. Standing approximately 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 18 to 22 pounds for males and 18 to 21 pounds for females, the Scottie possesses a low-to-the-ground build with short legs that belie its remarkable strength and agility. The breed's body is thick-set and cobby, with a broad chest and well-developed hindquarters that contribute to its powerful appearance. The head is long and distinctive, appearing almost too large for the body, with a slight stop and a strong, moderately long muzzle that houses impressively large teeth for a dog of this size. The neck is moderately short but muscular and flows smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. The Scottish Terrier's coat is one of its most distinguishing features, consisting of a hard, wiry outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat that provides excellent weather protection for working in harsh Scottish terrain. The coat is longer on the beard, eyebrows, and legs, creating the breed's characteristic furnishings that give Scotties their unmistakable profile. Acceptable coat colors include black, which is most common, wheaten ranging from light straw to deep gold, and brindle in various patterns mixing dark and light hairs. The grooming requirements for this double coat include regular brushing several times weekly and professional hand-stripping or clipping every few months to maintain the proper texture and appearance. The breed's expression is enhanced by its small, almond-shaped eyes that are dark brown in color and set wide apart under prominent, bushy eyebrows that help protect the eyes during underground work. The ears are small, pointed, and covered with short velvety fur, carried firmly erect and contributing to the alert, keen expression that typifies this breed. The tail is moderately long, thick at the base, and carried upright with a slight curve, adding to the Scottie's dignified bearing. The overall impression is one of a compact, well-muscled dog with tremendous power in a small package, capable of the original work of going to ground after vermin and possessing the determination to see any task through to completion.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Scottish Terriers retain strong prey drive instincts from their vermin-hunting heritage and may display aggression toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex. Early socialization is essential to help manage these tendencies. While they can live harmoniously with children who treat them respectfully, Scotties do not tolerate rough handling or teasing and prefer calm, dignified interactions. Their feisty nature and tendency to stand their ground mean they should always be supervised around small children and unfamiliar animals.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include patellar luxation, where the kneecap can slip out of position, hypothyroidism affecting metabolic function, and various skin conditions including allergies and atopy. Craniomandibular osteopathy, though rare, can affect puppies between four and seven months of age, causing painful jaw bone abnormalities. Regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate health screenings before breeding, and awareness of breed-specific symptoms can help owners maintain their Scottie's health throughout its life.
Learn More About The Scottish Terrier

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 Scotinese 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 Pekingese and Scottish Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.