Skye Terrier

Known for speed and a fearless attitude, the Skye Terrier has a distinctive, long straight coat with a long fringe that covers the eyes. The breed gains its name from Scotland’s most northern isle and was originally bred as a working farm dog. The elegant breed was particularly popular among Victorian aristocracy thanks to Queen Victoria’s affection for them. A Skye Terrier now known as Greyfriars Bobby is also probably the most legendary of all Scottish dogs. The story goes that little Bobby was adopted by a night watchman named John Gray in 1850’s Edinburgh. After Gray died of tuberculosis, Bobby refused to leave his master’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard for 14 years, until his own death in 1872. Although there is doubt over the validity of the story, a commemorative statue still stands at the cemetery today and remains one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions.

West Highland White Terrier

Also known as the Westie, this dog is one of the most iconic Scottish breeds. As its name suggests, the breed originated in the West Highlands, and was created in the mid-19th century by the Malcolm clan of Poltalloch in Argyllshire, from the white offspring of Cairn and Scottish Terriers. The white coat was preferable for a hunting terrier that stood out from the heather. Known for white coat and pointy ears, Westies remain popular choices with advertisers, their images being used to sell everything from dog food to Scottish whisky.

Cairn Terrier

Known for their courageous attitude and determination, the Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds originating from the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. The name ‘Cairn’ refers to the mounds of stones erected as memorials or markers on top of Scottish hills. The most famous fictional Cairn Terrier must be Toto, in The Wizard of Oz, depicted by Terry in the 1939 film.

Border Collie

Considered to be one of the most intelligent and agile of dog breeds, the ‘border’ of Border Collie refers to the borders of England, Scotland and Wales, where the dogs were bred for herding. The quintessentially Scottish poet Robert Burns loved his Border Collie, Luath dearly. Luath's tragic death in 1786 inspired Burns' poem, The Twa Dogs, in which he described the essence of the Border Collie as “honest” and “faithful”. Multiple statues of Robert Burns include Luath by his side. Border Collies also hold several world records including having the largest vocabulary of a dog, fastest 100 meters on a skateboard by a dog, fastest non-electric car window opened by a dog and fastest 100m with a can balanced on the head by a dog.