Temperament

There is a quality known as "terrier character," which is indispensable in all terriers if they are worthy of the name, and this quality is possessed in opulence by the Scottie. He is game and egotistic; you can see it at a glance that he is not going to be one of the oppressed races if he can help it, and when he is on his mettle he gives you the impression that he is the king of the canine castle. That little swagger of his as he pads along in front is a truly pleasant thing to behold, and when he barks defiance at the big Alsatian he looks--and no doubt feels--immensely brave. "There is no better dog living than yours faithfully," he seems to be telling you. I'm small but I'm great." Yet it is not pomposity, it is not vainglory, because he actually is a courageous little chap and not a bit of a poltroon.

Rowland Johns

Although the Scottish Terrier standard has no actual disqualifications listed, the following language constitutes a "virtual" disqualification: "No Judge should put to Winners or Best of Breed any Scottish Terrier not showing real Terrier character in the ring." When judging, this means that you can eliminate all of the timid dogs, regardless of their other outstanding qualities. Too often, when faced with an otherwise excellent dog skulking around the ring and a poor quality dog showing up a storm, judges award ribbons to the skulking dog. This is contrary to the standard. If you only have one dog showing correct temperament, and you don't like it, withhold the ribbons.

What is "real Terrier character?" A real Terrier is confident, active, alert, fearless, and scrappy.