Scottish Terrier and Dog News

Video: How to hand strip a West Highland Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:00:00 +0000

Need a demonstration of terrier stripping techniques? We start here with the head and then move on to the body. Check out these and several other detailed Westie grooming videos at WatchDoIt.

Handstrip the Head - West Highland White terrier

Handstrip the Body - West Highland White terrier

West Highland Terrier Wednesday: Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Tearfree) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Chin Deep In Leaves!! 37/52, originally uploaded by ellenc995.

Apologies for missing the last Westie Wednesday.

Remembrance Day: Yorkies welcome soldier home

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:16:00 +0000

This video comes from the fantastic selection of dogs welcoming soldiers home at Mental Floss. Since they didn't have Scottish Terriers, we opted for Yorkshire Terriers. Besides, it's a good contrast to the whole Ken Doll episode.

Meanwhile at the Daily Dachshund, check out the wiener dog welcoming committee.

Let's talk about Scottish Terriers in the show ring

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:22:00 +0000

I must admit, I have been becoming more and more uncomfortable with the idea of purebred dogs as of late. I still get a kick out of dog shows, especially the big ones like Westminster, in the same way that I like going to zoos. But, but, but ... I'm finding it increasingly hard to justify the practices behind both these institutions.

I am getting the feeling we are approaching a turning point on this whole issue. Here's what Joseph Harvill, publisher of Great Scots Magazine, has to say:

Judges who make pronouncement upon breed ‘perfection’ based upon atypical, one-dimensional, solely appearance-based assessment, and those whose selective breeding is influenced by such parodies of true breed assessment, in truth know little of the breed. The modern Scottish Terrier, the contemporary poster-dog for the National Institutes of Health’s genetic bladder cancer research because our Scotties are 20 times more at risk for bladder cancer than any other dog, is broken and we broke him with our trivial pursuits. The Scottish Terrier needs friends of deeper connection than the superficial, friends who reject quick, shallow appraisal of perfection in this ‘garden.’

For too long we’ve abdicated the Scottish Terrier to showring culture to trivialize our dogs’ function as well as our breed’s health and well-being. The Scottie’s future depends upon a new breed of friends who will circle slowly, walk through lingeringly and intimately and compassionately, and who will thereby become true defining instruments to fire the old ‘gardener’ if necessary or at least the old practices as needed to cultivate in the Scottish Terrier authentic “well-bred” perfection that embodies life and health, not mere show.

Please add your opinions and I would really like to hear from those who show Scottish Terriers as well as breeders.

Scotland with a Scottish Terrier: the tour continues

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:37:00 +0000

When last seen on the Scottie News, Gretna the Scottish Terrier was taking in the Edinburgh festival. This time round, she's hitting the beach.

Barbie's Ken gets a West Highland Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Here's the back story on Westie-owning Ken and the double entendre that is his official name:

"The 'Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken' is actually part of the adult Barbie Collector Line," a spokeswoman (for Mattel) told the New York Post. "It is targeted toward adults."

And before anyone thinks the "Sugar Daddy" title refers to an older man with a younger lover, Mattel says that there's a much more innocent explanation.

"The little dog's name is actually Sugar," said the Mattel spokeswoman. "That's where the name comes from. He's Sugar's daddy, as a reference to the dog."

A Scottie definitely would not go as well with his outfit although perhaps a Wheaten would do in a pinch.

Read more about prominent men who like small girly dogs. (And those that diss them)

Scottish Terrier Friday Photo Op.

noreply@blogger.com (Tearfree) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:41:00 +0000

, originally uploaded by dzinik.

In Australia, Scottish Terrier Clara has 3 puppy boys

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:39:00 +0000

Congratulations to Clara the Scottish Terrier mom, and let's hope she recovers from your c-section soon.

Oh, yes, and to your human, Louise, the Scottie News wishes her a full night's sleep before all those boy puppies start destroying the house.

Louise, who drops by and comments here from time to time is blogging the Scottie puppy experience so go check it out.

FDR's beloved Fala featured in really bad novel

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:32:00 +0000

In the best case scenario, this dismal excerpt from a novel about President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his Scottish Terrier, Fala, is satire. In the worst case scenario it's just really bad writing.

I don't have the wherewithal to figure it out, dear readers, so I leave it up to you:

A half a world away, President Roosevelt took a deep breath and stretched his legs on the south lawn of the White House. Standing next to him was Herbert Hoover, dressed in a long coat and his Stanford scarf. Tucked under his right arm was Roosevelt’s faithful Scottish Terrier Fala.

“Is this really necessary Herbie?” mumbled the President under his breath.

“You know it is Franklin. I don’t want you just fast, I want you quick too. Now get to it,” with that Hoover tossed the startled dog to the ground and Roosevelt began to scamper after him.

“Damn you Hoover, why does everything have to be so hard?” coughed Roosevelt, regretting his morning smoke.

“Because anything worth having is going to be hard Franklin. You Democrats need to learn that. It can’t all be government hand outs,” laughed Hoover.

And so it began. Carefully, hidden from view of the Washington press corps, Hoover trained Roosevelt every day. By May, the Olympics were looming and Roosevelt’s 100 meter time was still only 10.6, a full .3 seconds slower than Jesse Owens. He’d never be able to compete with the Germans at this rate. He couldn’t help, but wonder why winning meant so much to him now. He was brought up to believe that participating in athletic competition was victory. Now, he was training with the single minded determination he didn’t know he had within himself. He knew now, he would do whatever it took to run their socks off.

California Scottish Terrier returns after 4-years away - test republish

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:20:00 +0000

The Times-Herald, a Bay Area newspaper, reports:

The Lucases say they believe Lady was stolen from their yard, that someone called out to her from a car and she just ambled over. The dog, besides having a microchip implanted under her skin, was also wearing a name tag with her owners' home address. If someone had come across Lady by accident, there were plenty of ways she could have been returned, they said.

"The thing that upset me the most was to really believe somebody took her," Connie Lucas said. "People don't understand that when you have (a dog), they become part of the family."

Now, Lady is home, freshly groomed and in the company of the couple's two other Scottish terriers, Buddy and Mac, one of which was purchased to replace the missing Lady.

What happy news after such a long time!

Scottish Terrier stars on BBC show on opera-singing dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:01:00 +0000

Basil, the opera-singing Scottish Terrier, starred on the BBC's Graham Norton Show yesterday, stealing the spotlight from Welsh classical singer, Dame Katherine Jenkins with whom he performed a duet. Two other opera-singing dogs were also featured, but they did not have a starring role.

Given that the Scottish Terrier and Dog News has its world headquarters in Toronto, Canada, the staff was extremely proud to see Basil perform on cue despite rather disparaging remarks made about both him and our home and native land by the host.

Bravo, Basil, you shone. And we're proud to say we knew you back when.

We sort of which we'd know Harry before he hit it big too.

Oh, and bravo to Basil's rock star-like owner while we're at it.

Kentucky Fried Scottish Terrier Chickens

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:45:00 +0000

Check out all the fantastic costumes and the rare crowing wheaten Scottish Terrier over at Bricolage, an all around wonderful blog. the colonel also puts in an appearance.

Scottish Terrier puppy frolics at the park

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Something to help you lighten up on the Monday after daylight savings ends: Olive the Scottish Terrier puppy.

Beware the Scottish Terrier Skunk

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:28:00 +0000

She lurks among the autumn leaves even after Halloween has passed.

Give it up, everyone, for Miss Beazley.

No, not that Miss Beazley.

Halloween: Keep your Scottish Terrier safe

noreply@blogger.com (Tearfree) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Halloween Foxgloves, originally uploaded by Little Miss Romp!.

Minimalist costumes for Scottie Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:48:00 +0000

For those who prefer a "less is more" approach to dressing up for Halloween, Huckleberry Finn of scottydog.com shows off an excellent look. Be sure to check out his site, which, unlike Huck, takes the view that "more is more" when it comes to Halloween. And for more Scotties in traditional attire, there's this classic of dogs in kilts post, originally put together for Robbie Burns day, but good at any time of year.

Below is Angus, outfitted in orange. In this attractive ensemble, he could stay home and answer the door tonight or go out clubbing. That's the beauty of the right dog coat - it goes anywhere and everywhere.

And one final word: This is probably getting old, but I haven't had a lot of time lately and the Scottish Terrier and Dog News has suffered a bit. I have tried to monitor the mail and make sure that I posted all the pictures of costumed Scottish Terriers that were sent, but I have a bad feeling that I've misfiled one or two. If it was your dog, let me know and I will post their pic.

Scottish Terriers fight over bed

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:04:00 +0000

And you thought you had problems bed sharing.

West Highland Terrier Wednesday: Therapy Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Hamish the West Highland Terrier has been named a finalist in the Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog of the year awards. Read more.

bzzzz! A stinging Scottish Terrier

noreply@blogger.com (Tearfree) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:56:00 +0000

bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, originally uploaded by diaraqmon.

Leno laughs it up over Scottish Terrier's death

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 05:57:00 +0000

Calm down everyone, it's not as bad as it sounds.

Texas comedian Ron White is actually rather charming as he relates the story of how his wife Barbara's Scottie dog died shortly after she met Ron.

Here are photos of Ron and Barbara with their two Scottish Terriers, Bertie and Bogie.

Scottie News to-do list: Pick up pumpkin

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:26:00 +0000

Scottish Terrier Molly of Houston got her pumpkin last weekend. If you haven't got yours yet, we recommend you do it today before all the good pumpkins are taken by Westies.

Junk science watch: Dog has bigger carbon footprint than SUV

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Yeah, right.

I would like to officially take this opportunity to come out of the closet as a global warming skeptic. Yes, I believe the planet got warmer for a period, but I am deeply skeptical of the claims that CO2 emissions were the cause and that the climate models created to forecast the future are in any way accurate.

I am also in very good company as you see here in this slide show of the 10 most-respected Global Warming Sceptics. I especially like this quote from the late Michael Crichton:

Let’s be clear: the work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics. Science, on the contrary, requires only one investigator who happens to be right, which means that he or she has results that are verifiable by reference to the real world. In science, consensus is irrelevant. What is relevant is reproducible results. The greatest scientists in history are great precisely because they broke with the consensus.

So sorry New Zealand eco-freaks, I'm keeping my dog and I don't even feel the slightest bit guilty about it.

Get dog flu update from Daily Dachshund

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:56:00 +0000

There's video and links to a New York Times backgrounder.

Movie director known for Scottie dog paintings

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:47:00 +0000

The Scottie News has learned that Michael McWillie, whose stoner horror movie, Gravestoned, stars a Scottish Terrier, has a second career as a Scottish Terrier painter whose clients include the former first lady Laura Bush. Visit his site to see his witty artwork. You can also read the story of the White House painting of Barney Bush shown above. Here's a brief excerpt:

Around that time, Michael became aware that the new First Dog was a Scottish Terrier and sent The President and The First Lady a portfolio of his art explaining that his specialty was painting artwork centered around his favorite muse, the Scottie and that he would love to paint Barney. Apparently Laura Bush fell in love with Michael’s art and Michael received the assignment from the staff of The First Lady to paint Barney, The First Dog. It was to be a gift for The First Lady from her staff on the occasion of Barney’s birthday that was coming up in October.

Stencil yourself a Scottish Terrier Pumpkin

noreply@blogger.com (Dog Twitterer (AB.com)) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Better Homes and Gardens is offering downloadable dog stencils for those of you who think Halloween's about carving your favourite breed into pumpkins.

Personally, I'm not much for the crafty stuff, but one year when it was super rainy and the local pumpkins were, as a result, not very orange, our babysitter Nina painted our pumpkin black and turned it into a cat. It was terrific.

So for all you creative types out there, consider trying a pair of black and orange Scottie dog pumpkins.