Scottish Dog Breeds

Scotland’s home-grown dog breeds are a bit like the country itself: ancient, rugged, full of character, and occasionally full of surprises.

Every breed that hails from this wild and weathered land has been shaped by it. Built to handle the cold, the hills, the heather, and the hard graft. Back in the day, Scottish dogs weren’t just pets; they were workers, hunters, herders, and guards. But make no mistake, they were also loyal companions, loved like family.

Some of the breeds in this article will be instantly familiar. You’ll have seen them trotting along pavements or perched proudly in TV adverts. Others are more obscure, hidden gems that only real dog lovers or Highland locals might know about.

Since this site dives into all things Scottish, I really enjoyed digging into the history behind these breeds. It’s a part of our heritage that’s often overlooked, but well worth a closer look.

Feel free to jump ahead using the list below or read on and discover something new.

List of Dog Breeds from Scotland

When it comes to dogs, Scotland doesn’t mess about. Every breed from this part of the world was bred to do a job - whether it was herding sheep, hunting game, or chasing rats down holes. These dogs weren’t meant to sit around looking pretty. They were built for work, and plenty of it.

Scottish breeds tend to fall into three broad groups. You’ve got the herding dogs, the hunting dogs, and the terriers. Each one has its own personality, but they all share a certain hardy, no-nonsense attitude that suits the Scottish landscape perfectly.

Here are the fifteen breeds still going strong today:

• The Bearded Collie, a classic herding dog with a scruffy charm.

• The Border Collie, famously clever and full of energy, also a herder.

• The Border Terrier, small but tough, bred to bolt foxes from their dens.

• The Cairn Terrier, known for its scrappy spirit and working roots.

• The Dandie Dinmont Terrier, low-slung with a big personality.

• The Golden Retriever, originally a hunting dog and a natural swimmer.

• The Gordon Setter, a sleek and steady bird dog with a loyal streak.

• The Rough Collie, best known as Lassie, bred to herd and guard.

• The Scotch Collie, similar to the Rough Collie but less refined and more rustic.

• The Scottish Deerhound, tall and elegant, once used to hunt red deer.

• The Scottish Terrier, often called a Scottie, bold and independent.

• The Shetland Sheepdog, a smaller herding breed from the Shetland Isles.

• The Skye Terrier, long and low to the ground, with a fearless nature.

• The Smooth Collie, closely related to the Rough Collie but with shorter hair.

• The West Highland White Terrier, or Westie, plucky and full of charm.

There were also a few Scottish breeds that didn’t make it into the modern day. These ones are sadly extinct now:

• The Blue Paul Terrier, a muscular fighting dog once popular in Glasgow.

• The Paisley Terrier, a silky-coated lapdog that faded out in the 19th century.

• The Tweed Water Spaniel, a hunting dog that played a role in creating the Golden Retriever.

They may be gone, but they’ve all left their pawprints on Scotland’s canine history.

 

About Scottish Dog Breeds

Scottish dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from wiry wee terriers to towering deerhounds. They might look worlds apart, but they’ve got more in common than you’d think.

In the Highlands and islands especially, working dogs had to be tough. That meant a weatherproof coat to stand up to biting winds and lashing rain, a strong frame to handle rough terrain, and a brave heart to match. The kind of coat you’ll find on many Scottish breeds isn’t just for show - it’s a practical bit of kit. Whether it’s the thick, fibrous outer layer of a terrier or the long, double coat of a collie, it was designed for function first.

These dogs had to match the spirit of the people who owned them - crofters, shepherds, hunters, farmers. People who worked hard and needed dogs who could do the same.

Although Scottish breeds vary, most trace their roots back to a blend of native dogs and others brought in by traders, sailors, and even invaders. Over time, that mix was refined through careful (and sometimes accidental) breeding into the types we recognise today - mainly terriers, herders, and hunters.

It didn’t happen overnight. Selective breeding took generations, with certain dogs standing the test of time and others fading out. Some breeds, like the Border Collie, have changed very little. Others, like the Scotch Collie, nearly disappeared before being revived by a few passionate enthusiasts.

Sadly, not all made it through. Of the eighteen Scottish breeds covered here, six are now on the Kennel Club’s list of Vulnerable Native Breeds. Three are extinct. And a fourth - the Scotch Collie - came dangerously close. That means more than half are either already lost or teetering on the edge.

These dogs are part of Scotland’s living heritage - and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

The Hard-Working Dogs of Scotland

Scotland’s history is full of dogs - and not just the famous ones. By the late 1800s, there were thought to be over a thousand distinct varieties, including mixed breeds often known as "curs".

Terriers have been around for centuries. The word itself comes from the Latin "terraii", meaning "workers of the earth" - and that’s exactly what they were. These dogs were built to dig, chase, and root out "vermin" like foxes, rats, and badgers.

One of the earliest known references to terriers appears in a 14th-century French poem by Gace de la Vigne, which, when translated, reads:

"Go fetch him in the ground
With his good terriers
That we put in the burrows."

Terriers have been part of Scottish life for an incredibly long time. The American Kennel Club even points to a tiny carving on a farm wall in the Highlands, possibly dating back to 200 AD, showing a prick-eared, short-legged dog barking from a wheelbarrow. If that’s not pedigree, I don’t know what is.

Terriers, by nature, are a feisty bunch - independent, bold, and full of beans. Some are cuddlier than others, sure, but most are scrappy, tenacious, and not the type to back down from a challenge.

Herding dogs, on the other hand, are the thinkers. Quick on their feet, clever as anything, and always looking for a job to do. Give them space to run and a task to focus on, and they’ll thrive. In the home, they often take well to obedience training, agility work, and dog sports like flyball.

James Hogg, the Scottish poet and shepherd, said it best in 1824. In his work The Shepherd’s Calendar, he wrote:

"Without the shepherd’s dog, the whole of the open mountainous land in Scotland would not be worth sixpence. It would require more hands to manage a stock of sheep, gather them from the hills, force them into houses and folds, and drive them to markets, than the profits of the whole stock were capable of maintaining."

Hunting dogs, too, have long been part of Scottish life. Sensitive, smart, and eager to please, they’re naturally in tune with their owners and tend to work brilliantly in teams. Like the herders, they’ve likely been around for thousands of years. Some stories suggest long-haired working dogs were present in Britain as far back as 2000 BC.

The thing is, most Scottish dogs weren’t bred for looks. Farmers, crofters, and hunters needed a dog that could get the job done - nothing more, nothing less. If a dog could work hard and survive the rough conditions, it earned its place. If not, it didn’t. Breeding choices were practical, not pretty.

Records were rarely kept. What we know about many breeds comes from scraps of history - folk tales, old paintings, poems, and the occasional book or letter. Pulling together the story of each breed is like trying to untangle a box of Christmas lights... blindfolded.

Still, even the wildest legends usually spring from some kernel of truth. Where there’s smoke, there’s often fire.

As for which breed came first? That depends on who you ask. Fans of nearly every Scottish breed will insist theirs is the oldest. And honestly, after researching all this, I still haven’t found a clear answer.

But that’s part of the charm. These dogs aren’t just pets - they’re threads woven into the fabric of Scotland’s past. And their stories, however muddled or mysterious, deserve to be told.

Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a true Scottish worker - bred to herd and drive livestock across tough terrain for generations of farmers, crofters, and shepherds. These shaggy-coated dogs are full of energy and heart, and they’ve been part of Scotland’s rural life for centuries.

It’s thought that Bearded Collies were already in Scotland as far back as the 1600s, and possibly even earlier in the 1500s. Despite their long history, the breed wasn’t officially recognised by the Kennel Club in Britain until 1959. They made their way to the United States in the 1950s and were formally recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1976.

Today, the Bearded Collie is one of several Scottish breeds listed on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list - a reminder that even much-loved dogs like this aren’t as common as they once were.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is one of Scotland’s most iconic exports - a whip-smart herding dog with a striking black and white coat that’s recognised just about everywhere.

This clever breed descends from the old shepherd’s dogs of Scotland, the same ones that worked side by side with crofters and farmers to keep flocks safe across the wild and windswept hills. Their job? Guiding and protecting sheep through some of the most unforgiving landscapes in the country.

One of the most fascinating traits of the Border Collie is its unique herding style. Instead of barking or nipping at heels, they use an intense, almost hypnotic stare to guide livestock. It’s a calm but powerful gaze that seems to get the job done without a fuss.

While they’re still top dogs in herding trials and farm work, Border Collies also shine in other areas - formal obedience, agility courses, flyball, and just about any canine sport you throw at them. They live for a challenge.

The breed was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1976, and by the American Kennel Club in 1995.

Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is a small dog with a big personality, bred in the rugged borderlands between Scotland and England. You might also hear it called the Coquetdale Terrier or Reedwater Terrier, depending on who you ask - but whatever the name, this is a hardy little working dog through and through.

Originally, farmers bred these dogs to help protect their flocks. Foxes were a constant threat, and the Border Terrier was perfect for chasing them down. When fox hunting became a popular sport in the 19th century, these dogs proved themselves all over again. While the hounds followed the scent, Border Terriers had the job of going underground after the fox if it tried to hide. Thanks to their slightly longer legs, they could keep up with the hunt on foot but were still small and agile enough to fit into tight spaces.

The breed was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1920 and by the American Kennel Club a decade later, in 1930.

Cairn Terrier

The Cairn Terrier might be small, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in attitude. This tough little character is one of the oldest of all the Scottish dog breeds, with roots going back hundreds of years in the Highlands and on the northern islands - including the Isle of Skye, which also gave rise to the Skye Terrier.

The breed gets its name from the rocky cairns dotted across the Scottish landscape. These stone piles, often used as markers or memorials, were a favourite hiding spot for rats and other pests - but not for long if there was a Cairn Terrier about. With their sharp senses and relentless drive, these dogs were experts at rooting out vermin from even the tightest spots.

Back in the day, most Scottish terriers were lumped under the name “Scotch terriers.” It wasn’t until the 1800s that breeders began to separate them into distinct types. For a while, the Cairn Terrier was even called the “Short-Haired Skye Terrier” before earning its own identity.

Despite their size, Cairn Terriers were never just lapdogs. They were brave enough to take on foxes, badgers, and even otters. Not bad for a dog you could carry under one arm.

The breed was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1910 and by the American Kennel Club shortly after, in 1913.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is, quite possibly, the most charming little dog you’ve never met. It's the rarest of all the Scottish breeds, and also one of the earliest to be recognised as a distinct breed, with records going back to the early 1700s.

This low-slung, long-bodied terrier hails from the hilly border country between Scotland and England. Like other Scottish terriers, it was bred for a tough job - hunting down rats and other vermin in rugged terrain. But the Dandie’s story has something most working dogs don’t: a dash of literary fame.

The breed owes its rather fancy name to none other than Sir Walter Scott. In the early 19th century, Scott encountered the breed and was instantly taken by it. So much so, he featured a version of the dog in his 1815 novel Guy Mannering. The fictional farmer in the story was called Dandie Dinmont, and he owned six terriers named for their distinctive coat colours - Mustard and Pepper. The public loved the book, and soon people began calling the real-life version of the dog the Dandie Dinmont. The name stuck, and the breed’s identity was born.

Sadly, despite this burst of fame, the Dandie Dinmont never really caught on with the masses. Even now, it’s one of the UK’s most endangered native breeds. It’s on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list, with numbers worryingly low. It was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club back in 1886, but oddly enough, the exact date the British Kennel Club recognised it is a bit of a mystery.

Personally, I grew quite fond of this unique little dog the more I read about it. It would be a real shame to lose such a special part of Scottish canine history.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of Scotland’s most famous four-legged exports - and one of the most beloved dog breeds across the globe. Friendly, intelligent, and ridiculously photogenic, it’s no wonder the Golden has fans in every corner of the world.

This breed was first developed in the Scottish Highlands (Guisachan House) during the 19th century. The goal? To create the perfect gundog - one that could retrieve shot game from both land and water with a soft mouth and a reliable temperament. To get there, breeders combined the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel with the wavy-coated retriever, and possibly a few other breeds along the way.

The result was a dog that wasn’t just a capable working companion, but one that charmed everyone it met. Strong, athletic, and eager to please, the Golden Retriever quickly earned a place not only in the field but also in the heart of the family.

The breed was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1913 and by the American Kennel Club in 1925.

Gordon Setter

Setters are bird dogs by nature - bred to find and point out game birds like pheasant, partridge, and grouse for their hunting partners. And when it comes to Scottish setters, the Gordon is the heavyweight champion of the group.

The Gordon Setter has deep roots in Scotland, likely used from as early as the 1500s to hunt in the rocky hills and glens. The breed as we know it today was refined and developed at Gordon Castle in the late 18th and early 19th century by Alexander, the fourth Duke of Gordon. He had a passion for breeding strong, reliable bird dogs, and his line of “black and tan setters” became so well recognised that the breed was eventually named in his honour.

The Gordon Setter is the largest of all the setters - strong, athletic, and full of enthusiasm. Their glossy black and tan coat is not only stunning but also instantly recognisable. These dogs love to move, work, and be part of whatever’s going on. Despite their size and energy, they’re also affectionate, loyal, and great company.

They were officially recognised by the Kennel Club as the Gordon Setter in 1924, though before that they were known as the Black and Tan Setter, which had been listed as a breed since 1872. The American Kennel Club first recognised them as the Gordon Castle Setter in 1884, later simplifying the name to Gordon Setter in 1893.

Today, the breed is on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list - a reminder that even strong, capable breeds can quietly slip out of popularity.

Rough Collie

If the name doesn’t ring a bell, saying “Lassie” probably will. The Rough Collie shot to fame thanks to the classic TV and film dog, and ever since, it’s been one of the most recognisable breeds in the world. But long before the bright lights of Hollywood, this elegant herding dog was working the hills of Scotland.

The Rough Collie traces its roots back to the 18th and 19th centuries, where it developed from the broad pool of herding dogs used across rural Scotland. For a time, it was simply called the Scotch Collie. Later, towards the end of the 1800s, selective breeding shaped the breed into what we now recognise as the modern Rough Collie - giving it a longer face, a more dramatic coat, and a refined overall appearance. The working stocky farm dog evolved into a more graceful, show-ready version, though it kept its bright mind and gentle nature.

Beneath the lush coat and noble look, the Rough Collie is still a herder at heart. They're intelligent, friendly, and full of energy. They make brilliant family dogs - great with children and generally good with other pets - though they can be a bit reserved around strangers. Give them a task or some positive attention and they’ll be in their element.

The Kennel Club recognises the Rough Collie and the Smooth Collie as two separate breeds. Both were officially recognised in 1895, while the American Kennel Club had already registered them under a shared breed name, Collie, in 1885.

Scotch Collie

The Scotch Collie is a bit of an oddity among Scottish dog breeds - it’s both an old breed and, in a way, a new one. Sounds confusing? Let’s clear that up.

A few hundred years ago, Scotland’s hills and farms were full of hardy, clever, collie-type dogs. These were the original Scotch Collies - working dogs bred for herding, guarding, and doing just about everything else a crofter might need. Over time, selective breeding led to the development of the Rough Collie, the Smooth Collie, the Bearded Collie, and the Border Collie - all of them descendants of that original Scottish stock.

But as these newer types became more refined, the original Scotch Collie began to fade into the background. By the early 1900s, it had almost vanished entirely. There was some effort to revive it in Britain, but the movement never really took off.

Across the Atlantic, though, a few breeders in the United States had taken notice. They saw the value in preserving the classic Scotch Collie - the loyal, farm-ready all-rounder - and began the work of bringing it back. Thanks to their dedication, the breed was eventually recreated and given a new-old name: the Old-Time Scotch Collie.

While it hasn’t been recognised by the Kennel Club or the AKC just yet, the Old-Time Scotch Collie has found a loyal following and is steadily regaining ground as both a capable working dog and a devoted family companion.

Scottish Deerhound

The Scottish Deerhound - also known as the Royal Dog of Scotland and once referred to as the Scottish Wolfdog - is one of the most ancient breeds in the world. It’s a dog with history in its bones.

This noble hound likely lived alongside the Picts and Gaels long before Scotland officially became the Kingdom of Alba in the 9th century. Some evidence even points to its ancestors roaming around as early as the 1st century. In its earliest days, the breed was used to hunt wolves. Later on, it became the go-to dog for stalking red deer across Scotland’s rugged highlands.

Big, long-legged, and built for speed, these rough-coated hounds were sometimes nicknamed the Scottish Greyhound, Rough Greyhound, or Highland Deerhound. Their slim, graceful build gave them the speed they needed to chase down prey, while their calm, loyal temperament made them a favourite among Scottish nobility.

Like many traditional breeds, the Scottish Deerhound almost disappeared at one point. In the 1700s, Highland chieftains placed strict limits on who could own or breed these dogs, and numbers plummeted. Thankfully, the breed survived - but just barely. Today, it’s listed on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list, with numbers still far lower than they should be.

The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club all the way back in 1886.

Scottish Terrier

Often affectionately known as the Scottie, the Scottish Terrier is one of Scotland’s oldest and most iconic dog breeds. Originally called the Aberdeen Terrier or Scots Terrier, this feisty little dog was bred for a serious job - chasing down rodents and larger pests like badgers and foxes.

Back in 1675, a group of terriers owned by the first Earl of Dunbar earned the nickname The Diehard Pack thanks to their fearless nature. That nickname stuck, and honestly, it still fits. Scotties are known for their boldness, independence, and stubborn streak. They might be small, but they’ve got the heart of a lion.

Unlike many native Scottish breeds, the Scottie has never really faded from the spotlight. Though you might not see them on every street corner, they’ve kept a steady fan base over the years and are not on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list - a rare achievement for an old Scottish dog.

The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club way back in 1885.

Shetland Sheepdog

Also known as the Sheltie - and once fondly called Toonie Dogs - the Shetland Sheepdog comes from the wild and windswept Shetland Isles, perched off Scotland’s northern coast. It may look like a mini Rough Collie, and in many ways, it is. But the Sheltie has a distinct identity all its own.

The Shetlands are known for producing smaller, hardier versions of familiar mainland animals. That’s down to the harsh climate, limited food supply, and centuries of careful breeding. The Sheltie fits this mould perfectly - compact, clever, and more than capable of herding sheep across rocky, exposed landscapes.

As well as being valued workers, Shelties earned their keep as loving little companions. Their size made them ideal lap dogs and even handier foot warmers during long island winters.

Their stunning coat likely has roots in both local Collie types and Scandinavian spitz breeds, brought over by seafarers long ago. Over time, selective breeding shaped the Sheltie into a graceful, fluffy dog that performs just as well in the show ring as it does on the farm.

With a sharp mind, sweet nature, and gorgeous looks, it’s no wonder the Sheltie is one of Scotland’s most popular native breeds. They’re brilliant family dogs, especially in homes that appreciate a smart dog with a bit of bounce.

The breed was recognised by the Kennel Club in 1909 and by the American Kennel Club two years later, in 1911.

Skye Terrier

The Skye Terrier is a small dog with a big presence, hailing from the windswept Isle of Skye in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Like many island breeds, it was built to be tough - strong-bodied, fearless, and ready for whatever the harsh landscape threw at it.

Originally, these little dogs worked alongside larger herding breeds to protect flocks from predators. While the bigger dogs chased threats across open ground, Skye Terriers were sent into the undergrowth - burrows, rock piles, and tight spaces - to root out whatever was hiding. They were the no-nonsense pest control of the Highlands.

One of the more intriguing parts of the breed’s history is the theory that Viking dogs may have played a role in its development. When Norse seafarers arrived on the island, they likely brought their own spitz-type breeds with them - dogs like the Swedish Vallhund, which shares a similar shape and ear set. As with most old Scottish breeds, exact origins are a bit murky, but it’s fun to imagine the influence of Viking stock in the mix.

If the name Greyfriars Bobby rings a bell, that’s because the famous little dog who famously sat by his master’s grave in Edinburgh was a Skye Terrier. His statue still stands just across from Greyfriars Kirkyard - a tribute to loyalty that’s become part of Edinburgh’s folklore.

The Skye Terrier was also a favourite of royalty. Mary, Queen of Scots had one tucked under her skirts during her execution, and Queen Victoria kept several during her reign, helping the breed rise to popularity in the 19th century. But despite its royal connections, numbers have fallen drastically in modern times. Today, the Skye Terrier is listed on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list.

The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1887.

Smooth Collie

The Smooth Collie shares the same proud roots as its more famously fluffy sibling, the Rough Collie. Both descended from the old herding dogs of Scotland, and for most of their history, they were considered one and the same.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the two began to diverge, thanks to selective breeding - and possibly a dash of greyhound influence - which created two distinct coat types. The Rough Collie got the long, flowing glamour, while the Smooth Collie kept things practical with a shorter, dense coat. But underneath, they’re still very much the same smart, loyal, working dog.

Queen Victoria had a well-known love of Scottish breeds, and it’s said that one of her favourites was a Smooth Collie named Sharp. This royal approval helped raise the breed’s profile for a time.

Until 1994, the Kennel Club still classified the Rough and Smooth Collies as a single breed. Only then were they officially split into two separate breeds in the UK. Across the pond, however, the American Kennel Club still treats them as one, using a shared standard that only differs when it comes to coat requirements.

Despite its easy-care coat and wonderful temperament, the Smooth Collie has always seemed to live in the shadow of the Rough Collie - likely due to the latter’s show-stopping looks. Sadly, Smooth Collies are now listed on the Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list.

The AKC first recognised the breed back in 1885 - simply as the Collie.

West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier - or Westie, as it’s affectionately known - might be small in size, but it’s one of the best-known and most loved of all the Scottish terriers. With its snowy coat, bright eyes, and bold little stride, the Westie is full of character and charm.

As with many old Scottish breeds, this dog has worn a few names over the years. You might have heard it called the Poltalloch Terrier, the Roseneath Terrier, the White Scottish Terrier, or even the White Cairn Terrier. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the breed settled into the name we know today.

All Scottish terriers originally came from a rough and ready group of working dogs known as “earth dogs” - small, tough hunters bred to chase down rats, badgers, foxes, and anything else that scurried into a hole. Over time, and through careful breeding, these dogs began to split into distinct breeds. Some stayed rare. A few faded into history. But the Westie found its place and has never really left the spotlight.

Bright, bouncy, and full of personality, the West Highland White Terrier is one of the most enduringly popular Scottish breeds - not just in the UK, but worldwide.

The breed was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in 1907, and by the American Kennel Club a year later in 1908.

Extinct Scottish Dog Breeds

Scotland's native dogs have been around for centuries - some can even trace their roots back to the first century. So it’s no great shock that a few haven’t made it all the way into the modern age. Still, there’s something a bit sad about knowing they’ve vanished, their pawprints now only found in old drawings, dusty texts, or whispers of shared bloodlines in today’s dogs.

Let’s take a look at three of Scotland’s lost breeds - each with its own story, however brief or mysterious.

Blue Paul Terrier

Of all the Scottish dog breeds, the Blue Paul Terrier is probably the most elusive. Also known as the Blue Poll or Poll Terrier, this dog’s history is especially hazy - and that’s saying something for a country where even the best-documented breeds are shrouded in myth and guesswork.

The Blue Paul showed up in the 1800s and disappeared not long after, vanishing by the mid-1900s. Its short time on the scene may explain why so little is known about it. Unlike most Scottish terriers, it wasn’t a working dog bred for hunting rats or guarding crofts - it was bred to fight. With a build and temperament better suited to the ring than the field, it stood apart from other native terriers, both in appearance and in purpose.

Some accounts suggest it was muscular and smooth-coated, more like a bulldog than a scrappy farm terrier. Whatever its exact origins, the Blue Paul Terrier is now little more than a footnote in Scottish canine history - but an intriguing one nonetheless.

Paisley Terrier

The Paisley Terrier - also known as the Clydesdale Terrier or Glasgow Terrier - was a dainty little dog with a silky coat and a very short time in the spotlight. It hailed from the Scottish Lowlands, particularly around Paisley, and showed up in the late 1800s.

Physically, it was almost identical to the Skye Terrier - which is where things get murky. Was the Paisley its own breed, or just a slightly refined version of the Skye? Some historians think it was a transitional step between the Skye Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier. Others argue it was a true breed in its own right.

What’s clear is that Paisley Terriers were very real, and they were recognised - at least informally - during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were bred mainly as companion dogs and lap warmers, often favoured in urban households. But they quietly slipped away during the first half of the 20th century, likely disappearing altogether by the end of World War II.

Tweed Water Spaniel

The Tweed Water Spaniel - sometimes referred to as the Ladykirk Spaniel - was a strong, smart, and tireless dog that worked the rivers and shores of the Scottish Borders during the 1800s. These curly-coated brown dogs lived and worked alongside fishermen along the River Tweed and the Berwickshire coast, retrieving fish, gear, and game from the water with remarkable endurance and skill.

Despite the “spaniel” in the name, the Tweed looked more like an early retriever. It had the sturdy build, webbed feet, and water-resistant coat that made it ideal for working in wet and often dangerous conditions.

The breed may be gone, but it left behind something remarkable - the Golden Retriever. It’s widely believed that the Tweed Water Spaniel played a key role in the development of that now world-famous breed. So, in a way, it lives on - even if its name has faded from most people’s memory.

Like so many working breeds of the past, the Tweed Water Spaniel quietly vanished in the early 20th century, its purpose replaced and its lines absorbed into others.

While these dogs may no longer walk among us, their stories still deserve to be told. Whether they laid the groundwork for modern favourites or simply served their people well during their time, they’re part of Scotland’s deep and diverse canine history - and that’s worth remembering.

Is the Bloodhound a Scottish breed?

You’ll often see the Bloodhound popping up on lists of Scottish dog breeds, but that’s not strictly accurate. While it’s true they’ve been bred in Scotland over the years, their roots lie elsewhere. Most historians trace the Bloodhound back to around AD 1000, where they were developed in a monastery in what is now Belgium - possibly even parts of France. So although they’ve worked in Scotland and earned their place alongside Scottish hunters, they’re not native to the country.

Conclusion

Scotland has given us some truly remarkable dog breeds - shaped by work, weather, and the people who needed them. Some have become household names, others are at risk of disappearing, and a few have already been lost to time.

Whether herding, hunting, or simply keeping their owners' company, these breeds are part of the country’s living heritage. They deserve to be remembered, protected, and appreciated for exactly what they are: capable, characterful dogs with deep roots in Scottish soil.