Scottish Dog Breeds

8 December 2022

There are lots of Scottish breeds to discover so we are taking a look at 5 Scottish dog breeds. With an interesting history, these breeds have some stories to tell...

West Highland Terrier

The first of two dog breeds on our list to be popularised by King James VI of Scotland, the Westie was first recorded during his reign in the 16th and 17th centuries. He bred them in the dozens to gift to France.

The West Highland Terrier breed may have descended from Spanish terriers of similar size who were reported to be washed ashore on the Isle of Skye after a ship from the Spanish Armada was wrecked nearby.

Golden Retrievers

Marloe, a fluffy Golden Retriever puppy, sits side ways looking towards camera in a field of long grass — Doggy member Marloe

This incredibly popular breed was originally bred for use during wildfowl hunting. As their name suggests, they are excellent at retrieving and were used to retrieve the game from both water and land in the 19th Century. Now a lot of them happily retrieve your slippers for you!

Bearded Collie

The legend goes that Polish sheepdogs were abandoned on Scottish shores in the 16th century and bred with local dogs to create the Bearded Collie.

They may have actually been part of a trade between a Polish and Scottish Merchant who saw their abilities and wanted to breed them with their own breeds. Either way, they are still excellent working dogs today, and are often now found as loving family pets too.

Scottish Terrier

The oldest breed on our list, the Scottish Terrier has an unclear and undocumented origin. There are records of similar dogs dating back to 1436 and we know that King James VI also gifted 6 of them to France. He helped popularise them across the world!

Skye Terrier

Sadly, the Skye Terrier is one of the most endangered native breeds. However, they were once the favourite of Queens. Mary Queen of Scots famously had a loyal dog under her skirts when she was executed and this dog was reported to be a Skye Terrier. Later, Queen Victoria kept the breed and helped breed them.