35th Annual
San Diego Scottish Highland Games & Gathering
of the Clans
June 28 & 29, 2008
Vista, California

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The Dogs of Scotland

  One of the most popular competitions in the Scottish Highland Games and Gathering of Clans is the sheep dog trials, where the Border Collie shows off his or her expertise in rounding up sheep at the masters command.
  The original form of the Scottish Highland sheepdogs is the Bearded Collie, a dog closely resembling the Old English Sheepdog, but is smaller, thinner and has a body that is longer than it is tall. The Border Collie stems from dogs brought into Scotland by the Vikings in the last half of the 8th century. These dogs were used to herd Reindeer. The Viking dogs were crossed with the local valley sheepdogs and eventually became known as Border Collies since they lived in the border counties of England and Scotland.

  The Collie was originally known as the Scotch Collie since they were used for centuries to herd sheep in Scotland. The Collie became one of the most popular dogs in the world through the publicity the breed received from Lassie, the Rough Collie of film and television fame.

English Shepherds (Please click on photo to enlarge) are descendants of the Shepherds' dogs of Scotland and N. England. This group also gave rise to modern "show" Collies and Border Collies. English Shepherds differ from their cousins in having been bred primarily for an upright, loose-eyed herding style, and by the continuous selection for all-around ability. These abilities include not only herding but also guarding and hunting. The surge in popularity of dog shows and sheepdog trials in the 20th century resulted in increased demand for the Collie types which these venues were designed to showcase. English Shepherds have never been primarily show dogs or trial dogs, but rather practical versatile workers for farmers who were interested in function rather than flash.  Excerpt from www.englishshepherd.org

  The Deerhound is a large hunting dog indigenous to the Scottish Highlands. The Wolfhound is thought to be this breeds ancestor. The Deerhound is extremely loyal and obedient to it's owner and one of the best natured dogs a family can have. It is gentle but protective of children and resembles a large greyhound but with a wiry coat.
  There are several terriers that come from Scotland. These small but brave little dogs were used for hunting and various forms of work. The Border Terrier comes from a breed that lived in the Cheviot Hills on the border of England and Scotland. It's talent for killing foxes and other animals that made it a habit to hunt livestock, made it popular with farmers.
  The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terriers and it comes from the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Made popular by Toto in the Wizard of Oz, they are named after Scottish cairns--stones gathered into a mound and used as memorials or landmarks. Small rodents and animals favor the heaps of rocks as places to hide. Cairn Terriers are experts at squeezing into crevices and exterminating the hiding rodents.
  The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, named after the main character in Sir Walter Scotts novel, Guy Mannering, this breed comes from the border between England and Scotland. It hunts small animals and was once used as an otter catcher by poachers and Gypsies. It is a stubborn little dog and loyal to just one person, however they are very trainable.
  One of the most recognized Scottish dogs is the Scottish Terrier, once known as an Aberdeen Terrier since it originated in Aberdeen, Scotland. This little guy is also stubborn, proud and loyal to just one master. It was bred to hunt fox and weasels.
  The Skye Terrier is one of the oldest terriers and comes originally from the Hebrides. It is known for it's vengeance in hunting vermin, but also for it's uniqueness as a show dog. It was the favorite breed of Queen Victoria and her favorite pet, Boss, was immortalized in a painting by Sir Edwin Landseer. It is an excellent watch dog and very protective of it's family.
  The West Highland White Terrier, known as a Westie, comes from the Cairn and Scottish terriers. It is also an excellent hunter and a very happy little dog. It likes to be the only dog in the house, does not like other breeds, and is a great watch dog. They make good pets and are curious, alert and observant.

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