About US
Emmerson Scotties NZ was established in 2008.
We live on a farm south of Timaru and enjoy life together … whether that be off to the shows or out on the farm.
We live on a farm south of Timaru and enjoy life together … whether that be off to the shows or out on the farm.
Our History
Why Scotties? When I was a child, my grandfather gave me a scotty dog made from rabbit skin, he brought it back from Scotland for me. He was called Scotty and I had him all my childhood, until my sisters fed him to our dog, then I wanted a real one. So my kennel name comes from my Grandfather, my mother's maiden name Emmerson.
Our first Scottie arrived May 2001, Fraser a brindle from breeder Wendy Hicks was my dream dog, after breeding Alaskan Malamutes. This short stocky breed captured my heart – Fraser was perfect, I was hooked on the breed and soon Emmerson Scotties NZ was established, our New Zealand Kennel Club #093323. I am firmly committed to maintaining the Scottish Terrier breed standard and tracing the lineage of all the dogs I breed is very important - all lines go back to Fraser. Our aim is to breed quality Scottish Terriers of sound temperaments, adventurous dogs with great personalities. As a hobby breeder, it is the most rewarding experience seeing a healthy, happy puppy settle into a loving home.
We have really enjoyed working over the years with Gillian at Gillecky Kennels in New South Wales, Australia, Helen at Tartaned Dog Kennels in Rongotea, Linda at Macscott in Whangarei, and Jeanette at Braemore Kennels, as we all work growing the scottish terrier breed lines in New Zealand. It has been so encouraging to see the breed strengthen in numbers, as these established breeders continue to work together.
We have shown our dogs over several years. Lochiel Craigh Na Dun (otherwise known as Fraser the Crusader) became an officially recorded
champion by the New Zealand Kennel Club on 22 March 2003 and we have had several confirmation champions since in his line.
Our aim is to breed quality Scottish Terriers of sound temperaments, adventurous dogs with great personalities.
About Scottish Terriers New Zealand
Scotties are different than many dogs – which is one reason you will find their owners so attached. They are independent, determined and certainly intelligent, at times a little aloof to some. At the same time, they are sensitive and can be very attached to their owners. Unlike many small dogs in general and terriers in particular, Scotties are not snarly, excitable, vicious, or yappy. A good alarm dog, Scotties can be a challenge to train, not because they are not quick and intelligent, but because they may have a different ‘opinion.’ They react much better to positive re-enforcement training techniques. Scotties may get bored during extended training – so they will do better with short, positive and fun, lessons. One thing for sure – training a Scottie will be fun and full of laughter. The Scottish Terrier is a “big dog” in a small package. Just look at those teeth – bigger than you might expect! Scotties have very little fear and will not back down from challenges by much larger animals.
Scotties are different than many dogs – which is one reason you will find their owners so attached. They are independent, determined and certainly intelligent, at times a little aloof to some. At the same time, they are sensitive and can be very attached to their owners. Unlike many small dogs in general and terriers in particular, Scotties are not snarly, excitable, vicious, or yappy. A good alarm dog, Scotties can be a challenge to train, not because they are not quick and intelligent, but because they may have a different ‘opinion.’ They react much better to positive re-enforcement training techniques. Scotties may get bored during extended training – so they will do better with short, positive and fun, lessons. One thing for sure – training a Scottie will be fun and full of laughter. The Scottish Terrier is a “big dog” in a small package. Just look at those teeth – bigger than you might expect! Scotties have very little fear and will not back down from challenges by much larger animals.
Personality- Though extremely loyal and attached to their people and willing to please, Scottish Terriers may want to do things on their terms. They are unlike most dogs because of this singular trait. Some Scotties like to sit in your lap, but often as not they just want to be nearby, but not too nearby. A true pub dog – the Scottie may be happier laying near your feet than on your lap.
Grooming – While not considered high maintenance, every two to three months your Scottish Terrier needs some grooming. Because they do not shed – this is more than just brushing. There are good grooming videos online that can help you understand how to can groom your Scottie. You may need the services of a professional groomer to strip or clip, bathe, clipper, scissor trim the coat, and cut the toenails. The coat and furnishings must be home brushed regularly.
Barking- A good alarm dog, a Scottish Terrier will bark loud and long when strangers approach, but given a modicum of kind correction, he will also be still upon your command. They are protective of their turf and usually bark if they sense anyone, or anything like another animal, they see as a threat.
Other House Pets – Scottish Terriers fit in with other animals when properly managed. But an important consideration is a Scottie has natural prey instincts, and will fight to protect himself if set upon by another animal.
Home Alone- Scottish Terriers are dependent upon being with people. It may seem strange, given their independent personality, but they like to be around their family. It is neither fair, nor healthy, to leave a Scottie penned up, crated, or on his own in the home all day on a regular basis. If people are away for long periods arrangements should be made to return, at least every four hours, to tend to his needs. It is unsafe for many reasons to leave a Scottie out in the yard during the family’s absence. A run where they can come in and out of the house, but are safely protected/confined while outside, may be a good idea.
Another important factor, Scotties cannot swim well! If you pick up a Scottie, you will find they are dense and heavy. With short legs and a heavy head – they cannot swim well and can easily drown (and do).
Common Hereditary Disorders
Scottish Terriers in New Zealand are fortunate to have relatively few serious genetic problems, and as a responsible breeder we work hard to minimize these problems in our breeding stock. Nevertheless it is good to be aware of the following genetic disorders reported in Scotties.
VonWillebrand’s Disease (vWD): vWD is the name given to a group of similar inherited bleeding disorders that occur in humans, pigs, dog and rabbits. This serious blood clotting disorder was previously recognized in the Scottie but today is not often seen thanks to the widespread use of a simple DNA test to identify the mutation. Affected dogs are removed from the breeding program, and the carrier dogs are monitored closely and eventually retired. This strategy has resulted in the near elimination of the disease in litters today. We recommend when looking for a Scottie pup, to always ask the breeder for evidence that parents are free of the vWD mutation.
Scottie Cramp: This is not actually a muscle “cramping” disorder, nor is it a seizure. Cramp is a genetic dysfunction of the chemical neurotransmitter made by the nerves that control the dog’s muscles. Affected Scottish Terriers are normal at rest and exhibit normal ability to walk until they become stressed. After several minutes of strenuous activity and/or excitement, an affected dog may arch its back, walk stiffly, become immobilized, and may even roll to its side. A short while after the stimulation abates, the dog will recover and appear completely normal. Scottie Cramp is a non-painful, episodic disorder, not constantly present; nor does it compromise the dog’s quality or length of life. Many affected dogs learn to manage the problem on their own and will stop running before symptoms appear. Treatment is considered unnecessary in nearly all cases however owners can consult their vet. Still the incidences of Scottie Cramp has dramatically decreased in recent years.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): Thankfully rare in the Scottish Terrier NZ, CMO is a genetic disease of the bones of the jaw, typically seen in the 4-7-month-old pup. The disorder causes over-growth and painful swelling in the lower jaw. The puppy may be feverish, reluctant to open the mouth or to eat. A diagnosis of CMO is confirmed by a veterinarian using x-ray. This disorder is transient and can be successfully treated with appropriate medication, mild cases respond to aspirin. Acute CMO cases may require steroids. CMO is self-limiting so an affected Scottie will seldom require long-term medication. As the dog matures, the abnormal bony growth abates and is often undetectable in the adult dog..
Cushing's Syndrome: This disorder is a collection of symptoms caused by an excess of a hormone called cortisol. There are 3 main causes of this syndrome. About 8 percent of cases are caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. These tumors are usually benign. Another 10 percent are caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland. The remaining cases are usually induced by veterinarians who over prescribe corticosteroids to treat skin conditions. This syndrome is very hard to diagnose, there are a number of tests that have to be done. If your Scottish Terriers has the following symptoms, he is likely to have Cushing's Syndrome. This syndrome is often associated with aging.
Cancer: Scottish Terriers like all dogs can develop cancer. The most frequent cancer diagnosed in Scotties is lymph sarcoma, followed by bladder and other cancers of the lower urinary tract, malignant melanoma and gastric carcinoma. Early detection is still the most beneficial factor in curing those forms of cancer that will respond to treatment.
Grooming – While not considered high maintenance, every two to three months your Scottish Terrier needs some grooming. Because they do not shed – this is more than just brushing. There are good grooming videos online that can help you understand how to can groom your Scottie. You may need the services of a professional groomer to strip or clip, bathe, clipper, scissor trim the coat, and cut the toenails. The coat and furnishings must be home brushed regularly.
Barking- A good alarm dog, a Scottish Terrier will bark loud and long when strangers approach, but given a modicum of kind correction, he will also be still upon your command. They are protective of their turf and usually bark if they sense anyone, or anything like another animal, they see as a threat.
Other House Pets – Scottish Terriers fit in with other animals when properly managed. But an important consideration is a Scottie has natural prey instincts, and will fight to protect himself if set upon by another animal.
Home Alone- Scottish Terriers are dependent upon being with people. It may seem strange, given their independent personality, but they like to be around their family. It is neither fair, nor healthy, to leave a Scottie penned up, crated, or on his own in the home all day on a regular basis. If people are away for long periods arrangements should be made to return, at least every four hours, to tend to his needs. It is unsafe for many reasons to leave a Scottie out in the yard during the family’s absence. A run where they can come in and out of the house, but are safely protected/confined while outside, may be a good idea.
Another important factor, Scotties cannot swim well! If you pick up a Scottie, you will find they are dense and heavy. With short legs and a heavy head – they cannot swim well and can easily drown (and do).
Common Hereditary Disorders
Scottish Terriers in New Zealand are fortunate to have relatively few serious genetic problems, and as a responsible breeder we work hard to minimize these problems in our breeding stock. Nevertheless it is good to be aware of the following genetic disorders reported in Scotties.
VonWillebrand’s Disease (vWD): vWD is the name given to a group of similar inherited bleeding disorders that occur in humans, pigs, dog and rabbits. This serious blood clotting disorder was previously recognized in the Scottie but today is not often seen thanks to the widespread use of a simple DNA test to identify the mutation. Affected dogs are removed from the breeding program, and the carrier dogs are monitored closely and eventually retired. This strategy has resulted in the near elimination of the disease in litters today. We recommend when looking for a Scottie pup, to always ask the breeder for evidence that parents are free of the vWD mutation.
Scottie Cramp: This is not actually a muscle “cramping” disorder, nor is it a seizure. Cramp is a genetic dysfunction of the chemical neurotransmitter made by the nerves that control the dog’s muscles. Affected Scottish Terriers are normal at rest and exhibit normal ability to walk until they become stressed. After several minutes of strenuous activity and/or excitement, an affected dog may arch its back, walk stiffly, become immobilized, and may even roll to its side. A short while after the stimulation abates, the dog will recover and appear completely normal. Scottie Cramp is a non-painful, episodic disorder, not constantly present; nor does it compromise the dog’s quality or length of life. Many affected dogs learn to manage the problem on their own and will stop running before symptoms appear. Treatment is considered unnecessary in nearly all cases however owners can consult their vet. Still the incidences of Scottie Cramp has dramatically decreased in recent years.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): Thankfully rare in the Scottish Terrier NZ, CMO is a genetic disease of the bones of the jaw, typically seen in the 4-7-month-old pup. The disorder causes over-growth and painful swelling in the lower jaw. The puppy may be feverish, reluctant to open the mouth or to eat. A diagnosis of CMO is confirmed by a veterinarian using x-ray. This disorder is transient and can be successfully treated with appropriate medication, mild cases respond to aspirin. Acute CMO cases may require steroids. CMO is self-limiting so an affected Scottie will seldom require long-term medication. As the dog matures, the abnormal bony growth abates and is often undetectable in the adult dog..
Cushing's Syndrome: This disorder is a collection of symptoms caused by an excess of a hormone called cortisol. There are 3 main causes of this syndrome. About 8 percent of cases are caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. These tumors are usually benign. Another 10 percent are caused by a tumor on the adrenal gland. The remaining cases are usually induced by veterinarians who over prescribe corticosteroids to treat skin conditions. This syndrome is very hard to diagnose, there are a number of tests that have to be done. If your Scottish Terriers has the following symptoms, he is likely to have Cushing's Syndrome. This syndrome is often associated with aging.
- The dog is drinking copious amounts of water and urinating frequently
- The dog has an elevated alkaline phosphatase level
- The dog develops a very oily coat even after just being bathed.
Cancer: Scottish Terriers like all dogs can develop cancer. The most frequent cancer diagnosed in Scotties is lymph sarcoma, followed by bladder and other cancers of the lower urinary tract, malignant melanoma and gastric carcinoma. Early detection is still the most beneficial factor in curing those forms of cancer that will respond to treatment.