The Scottish Terrier is a breed of dog that was developed in Scotland in the early 1600s. Also known as the Aberdeen Terrier and the Skye Terrier, the Scottish Terrier is on average ten to eleven inches tall and weighs between nineteen and twenty three pounds. It has a lifespan of up to 15 years, but has been known to live longer. It was originally bred to hunt and kill small vermin such as mice. Scottish Terriers are perfect dogs for small houses and apartments. They are said to be self-assured, confident, affectionate and loyal.The Scottish Terrier has long been a popular breed of dog for the average person, United States presidents, and royalty. King James VI of Scotland (James I of England) was an early fan of the breed, giving several Scottish Terriers as gifts to the French. President Franklin D. Roosevelt had a few Scottish terriers; the most famous was named Fala who went everywhere with him. According to Eleanor Roosevelt, Fala never got over his master's death. When Fala died he was buried next to his master in Hyde Park, New York. Most recently, President George W. Bush had two Scottish Terriers named Barney and Miss Beazley. Barney even had his own home page on the White House web site.
Scottish Terriers are known for their loyalty towards their masters. The most famous example of this is Greyfriars Bobby. John Gray was a police constable in Edinburgh in the late 1800s. He was required to have a watch dog and he acquired a Scottish Terrier puppy named Bobby. When John Gray died of tuberculosis not very many years afterwards, Bobby became a regular visitor to his grave at Greyfriars Kirkyard. In fact, he spent every day on the grave, only leaving at 1pm daily for food. Greyfriars Bobby, as he came to be called, did this every day for 14 years until he himself died. While he couldn't be buried in the cemetery near his master, Bobby was buried just inside the church yard. A famous statue of Greyfriars Bobby stands in downtown Edinburgh. Three separate movies have been made about this most famous of Scottish Terriers.
