Reply #21: Scotties can be very fierce... [View All]

[Hepburn]

...they were originally breed to hunt "varments." They are VERY fast in a short run, have very large and powerful jaws for a dog of their size and will invade, for example, a badger hole and corner the animal. Scotties have an instinctive trait - because of going down holes after animals - that when they do not like something, they will lower their heads, shake the head (i.e., clears the dirt) and then will back away - as if backing out of a hole - with their head lowered and shaking. Watch Barney sometime. It is clear the way he backs away from Bush, that he does not like GWB. Scotties do not turn their backs and run away from something they do not like - they go backwards with their heads down and shaking. Note the picture above of Barney and his posture towards Bush. To anyone who has Scotties for a lifetime as I have, it is clear that the wee beastie Barney, does NOT care for GWB in any manner whatsoever. Like I said, Scotties are VERY smart little dogs! And, notice another trait of Barney when Bush holds him, Barney keeps his head away from GWB. That is another indication, at least to me, that wee Barney does not care for Bush. Scotties by their nature are very stand-offish and will usually only "bond" to someone with whom they are very secure and feel loved. Then and only then will you see a Scottie put his or her head close to the master he or she trusts.

BTW: If you have never had a Scottie and you are looking for fine wee pet, please consider one. They are best described as a big dog in a small dog's body. Not yippy or nervous and very fine companions.