The Scottish Terrier also known as the Scottie or the Highland or Aberdeen Terrier is reknowned for its distinctive terrier personality. There are four other Scottish Terrier breeds, Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland White Terriers.
The traits and individuality and more importantly the dog care of the Scottie comes from its origins.You should compare characteristics with with the other top dog breeds, of which there are many.
The Scottie is often called by the nickname of “little diehard”. Originally coined in the 19th century by George, the fourth Earl of Dumbarton. George IV had a pack of Scottish Terriers, supposedly so valiant that they were given the nickname “Diehards” and were the idea for his Regiment name, The Royal Scots, “Dumbarton’s Diehards”.
It is impossible to be sure of the real origins of the Highland Terrier, but it was bred for clearing small rodents in Scotland for many years. It could be the oldest of the five Scottish Terrier breeds , with some historical evidence dating back to the 16th Century.
The origin of the name “terrier” is the Latin terra meaning “earth”. The Scottie was a hunter where these petite legged, sturdy dogs were bred for the reason of rooting out small pest animals such as badgers, foxes and rats out of their burrows.
Scottish Terriers looks are  characterised by long fur, heavy eyebrows and whiskers. The wiry coat can be found in many colors, including black, brindle or wheaten of any shade. Scotties with ‘Wheaten’ (straw to nearly white) coats may occur, but should not be confused with the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier or West Highland White Terrier.
Scotties are robust, with a muscular body and a long neck. A Aberdeen Terrier has a long head in proportion to its body which averages just under a foot high. The Scottish Terrier has  rigid ears and tail. Aberdeen Terrierwere bred with strong tails so that could be pulled out of burrows when they were wedged after tunnelling after vermin and voles.
Scottiehave small, bright almond-shaped and dark eyes.
The Aberdeen Terrier personality is one of autonomy and spirit. Often people say a Scottie thinks he is an Irish Wolfhound in height! To the extent that he is quite fearless that often appears stupid in the face of a larger dog, when he suddenly realises that he is less than a foot in height. Dog walkers love to walk them, they are never feel frightened by the larger dogs!
Height at withers for both sexes of the Aberdeen Terrier should be roughly 25 cm (9.8 in), and the length of back from withers to tail is roughly 28 cm (11 in). Generally a well-balanced Scottie dog should weigh 8–10 kg (19–22 lb) and a female from 8–9.9 kg (18–22 lb). Scottie are about 11–15 inches (28–38 cm) in height.
Aberdeen Terrierare very attentive, jovial and sure in themselves. They typically live about twelve years.
Highland Terriers, whilst being very loving, can also be especially obstinate. Because of this stubbornness, a Scottish Terrier needs firm, but calm handling from a puppy or it will rule the household. Every new Aberdeen Terrier addition should have a clear puppy training plan.
The Highland Terrier makes a great guard dog because it generally only barks when necessary and usually only for strangers. Dog socialisation is important as it is a courageous breed that is often aggressive around other dogs unless introduced and trained to other dogs whilst a puppy or young.
Because the Scottie were  bred to fight and hunt badgers and other vermin they love to dig as well as chase small vermin, such as mice, rats and squirrels. For this reason it is recommended that Scottish Terriers are kept on a leash.
Whilst Highland Terriers are normally a robust breed they have a propensity of going down with specific cancers than other purebreds. Research has identified six cancers that Scotties are more likely to be at risk of (versus other breeds) are: (in descending order) bladder cancer and other transitional cell carcinomas of the lower urinary tract (more usual in older dogs and more frequently in females so watch for blood in the urine, straining to urinate and frequent urination – and get veterinary assistance); malignant melanoma; gastric carcinoma; squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; lymphosarcoma and nasal carcinoma.
Common prevention for dog cancer includes,  ensure that your dog has minimal exposure to herbicides, pesticides, solvents and cigarette smoke; use caution when treating dogs with some flea medications; give a healthy, vitamin-rich diet (low in carbohydrates, high in vegetables) and plenty of exercise.
Two other genetic health concerns in the Scottie breed are von Willebrand disease (vWD) which is diagnosed with varying degrees of bleeding tendency, normally easy bruising, nosebleeds and gums that bleed.
The second is craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO); often  known as lion’s jaw, that causes extensive bony modifications in the mandible and skull. Normally occurring between the ages of 3 and 8 months. The lesions stop progressing after twelve months or so, and may regress. The firm swelling of the jaw, drooling, pain, and difficulty in eating. This is also an inherited disease and if major, could be difficult for the dog.
Because of these inherited diseases it is highly recommended to buy direct from a breeder, who can show he has not had a problem with these diseases.
Famous Scotties include Roosevelts – Fala and former President George W. Bushs’ Barney. Infact the  Scottie is the only breed of dog that has lived more than three times in the White House.
Other famous people who are known to have owned the Scottie  include: Bette Davis; Liza Minnelli; Queen Victoria; Theodore Roosevelt; Dorothy Lamour; Tatum O’Neal owned a Aberdeen Terrier. She was said to be so saddened by her dog’s death to old age and cancer that she relapsed into drugs.
The Highland Terrier is also a player token in the board game, Monopoly.
 A Scottie and a West Highland White Terrier are featured on the Black & White whisky label. In Enid Blyton’s Mystery Series books, there is Buster a Scottish Terrier, who is often part of the mysteries.
So all in, a rightfully popular dog breed, particularly in personality per lb, but you will need to train and be firm with your Aberdeen Terrier.