If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies surged in the last couple of years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
You might also want to consider where a dog was first bred – with many breeds native to Scotland currently on the Kennel Club’s ‘at risk’ register due to dwindling numbers.
So, here are 10 breeds of dog that have Scottish heritage.
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5. Gordon Setter
The Duke of Gordon gives his name to the Gorden Setter. The aristocrat first bred the distinctive black and brown dogs at his castle in Banffshire in 1827. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. Shetland Sheepdog
Also known as the Sheltie, the Shetland Sheepdog comes from the Scottish Shetland Islands and was bred to withstand the harsh conditions that existed there in the 19th century. They were originally called Shetland Collies, but Rough Collie breeders successfully campigned for a name change to further differentiate the similar dogs. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Skye Terrier
Scotland's most famous dog, the loyal Greyfriars Bobby who kept vigil at his master's grave, was a Skye Terrier. As the name would suggest, these wee dogs were first bred on the Isle of Skye, their popularity exploding after becoming associated with Queen Victoria. They are now sadly at risk of extinction in Scotland. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. West Highland Terrier
The Westie was first bred in the middle of the 19th century by Edward Donald Malcolm, the16th Laird of Poltalloch, in Argyllshire. His aim was simply to create a white breed of the normally-dark terrier. Photo: Canva/Getty Images