What are Scotties like?
Folks who are drawn to Scotties because of their cute and cuddly appearance should be advised that their looks can be deceiving. They were originally bred to control vermin in the Scottish Highlands and are a tenacious, independent, and hardy breed. If you are looking for a gentle-natured little lap dog to cuddle, the Scottie would not be a good fit. For those who appreciate the energetic terrier temperament, a Scottie can make a wonderful companion. For more information about the Scottish Terrier breed, please visit the Scottish Terrier Club of America website, which may help you decide whether or not a Scottie is the right dog for you.
Adult Scotties
From time to time, Scotties become available for adoption through Rocky Mountain Scottie Rescue (RMSR).
Typically, Scotties we see in our program range between 4 and 10 years old. RMSR RARELY sees a puppy in Rescue under the age of 2 years.
Scottie Puppies
If you are interested in purchasing a puppy, we urge you to contact our Regional Breeder Referral Contact or another reputable breeder. RMSR is steadfastly opposed to the proliferation of puppy mills and strongly urges applicants not to purchase a puppy from a mill or a pet store.
All the Scotties available have met the following criteria:
- A complete health examination from a licensed veterinarian
- Up to date vaccinations
- They will have been spayed or neutered
- They will be micro-chipped
- Their temperament and personality evaluated
- Any treatable medical or health issues, as determined by RMSR, will have been addressed
RMSR does not operate a kennel. Foster care is provided by well-qualified Scottie knowledgeable volunteer care-givers in their homes. With few exceptions, each foster home cares for only one rescue Scottie at a time. This allows us to assess and address the needs of each rescue Scottie in the most nurturing and supportive environment possible.
RMSR encourages adoption candidates to consider adopting older rescue Scotties. By expanding the age range, a candidate seeks they increase their chances of adopting a Scottie from RMSR.
If you feel ready to apply to adopt, please review the following resources (links) about the RMSR adoption program.
FAQs
Adoption
Why should I consider adopting a Rescue Scottie?
Wonderful Scottish Terriers are in need of rescue and a fresh start all over the country. They are not broken or “bad” dogs. They sit in shelters, are advertised “free to a good home” and forage by the side of the road. Sometimes the owners did not research the Scottie breed and got a puppy simply because they are cute. Sometimes their owners have died and the family doesn’t want to or can not care for the Scottie. The reasons they were unwanted are extensive. We can tell you from experience, it was NOT the dog’s fault. These dogs are waiting for a second chance with a wonderful family who will love them and understand them.
How old do I have to be to adopt a Rescue Scottie?
Applicants must be 21 years of age or older to submit an application.
Can I get a puppy?
Although RMSR very rarely takes in dogs under 2 years old (they simply don’t often find their way into Rescue), we typically work with dogs between 4 and 10 years old. RMSR is steadfastly opposed to the proliferation of puppy mills and strongly urges applicants not to purchase a puppy from a mill or a pet store. If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, you can email the Scottish Terrier Club of America’s Regional Breeder Referral Contact by clicking HERE.
What is the process for adopting a Rescue Scottie?
Please refer to our adoption process page.
How much is the adoption fee?
Rocky Mountain Scottie Rescue does not have a set fee to adopt one of our Rescue Scottish Terriers. The current average cost to rescue, foster, and re-home a Scottie is more than $740. This includes an initial veterinary visit with any needed vaccinations, heart worm test and preventative medication, spay/neuter, microchip, and treatment for any additional medical needs. Our adoption fee is reasonable. We may waive a portion of this fee depending on the Scottie’s age and health needs. The adoption fee is non-refundable.
How many Scotties are available for adoption?
The nature of Rescue is unpredictable. There may be Scotties currently in our foster care, but are not yet ready for adoption. The time from intake to adoption can vary greatly depending on the condition and needs the Scottie may have. Applicants will be contacted when a potential Scottie match is found and ready to be adopted.
How long does it take to adopt a Rescue Scottie?
Patience is the key. Finding that “just right” match between the needs of the Scottie and the best fur-ever home can take time. This process may seem a bit lengthy, but bear in mind, we seek forever homes for our rescued dogs. Our volunteers work carefully on behalf of each dog and take great care with each placement. Some regional breed rescues, such as Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever, see upwards of over 500 dogs a year. Due to the relatively small number of Scotties that come in to our program, an applicant must be willing to wait months or even years. There have been occasions when the timing was nearly perfect. Occasionally, an applicant has been able to adopt within a few weeks. Others have taken many months. It all depends on the needs of the Scottie and finding the best possible fur-ever home.
What if the Scottie doesn‘t work out or my situation changes or I can’t care for the Scottie?
RMSR volunteers are available to assist the new owners after placement. You are encouraged to contact your Scottie’s foster family after adoption to discuss how things are working out. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss a Scottie’s progress during the first few weeks and months in its new fur-ever home. In the unlikely event that the Scottie placement does not work out for you, RMSR will always take the dog back. NEVER take a Scottie to a shelter! With our careful attention beforehand, few placements fail. Please refer to the RMSR Adoption Terms & Conditions.
Do all applicants eventually adopt a Rescue Scottie?
Unfortunately, no. Scotties are not a breed for everyone. Applicants should be well informed about the needs and temperament of the Scottish Terrier. Finding that “just right” home for that “just right” Scottie can be challenging. Addressing the needs of a Rescue Scottie is our primary focus.
Scotties
Aren’t Scotties as cuddly, sweet, and obedient as they look?
Life with a Scottie is not for everyone. Yes, Scotties can be cuddly (on their terms), sweet, and obedient (when convenient for them.) However, a Scottie will “take charge” if the owner is not a strong leader. New owners can quickly find their homes being run by a Scottish TERROR. This IS NOT the Scottie’s fault. Scotties were bred to be independent hunters. They require a consistent and strong owner to be in charge.
Can I get a puppy?
Although RMSR very rarely takes in dogs under 2 years old (they simply don’t often find their way into Rescue), we typically work with dogs between 4 and 10 years old. RMSR is steadfastly opposed to the proliferation of puppy mills and strongly urges applicants not to purchase a puppy from a mill or a pet store. If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, you can email the Scottish Terrier Club of America’s Regional Breeder Referral Contact by clicking HERE.
Why should I consider an older Scottie?
Most of the Scotties coming through Rescue are adult and older adult dogs. Generally they are more relaxed and easy going than younger Scotties. They often have had less than the best care and recognize, appreciate, and respond to the attention and comforts afforded them in a loving and nurturing new fur-ever home. Those applicants who would consider older Scotties will increase their chances of adoption with RMSR.
Scottie Care
Am I required to have a fence?
A fenced yard is a huge convenience when owning a dog but is no guarantee of safety. Gates can be left open. Dogs dig under fences. A Scottie left unattended in a fenced yard can quickly become bored and get into trouble even within its own yard. A secure fenced yard is highly recommended. We recognize that each applicant’s situation is different as is each dog’s needs. Scotties have been placed with owners living in apartments, condos, and homes without fenced yards. Some applicants live in neighborhoods where a fence is not possible. Many of these folks have successfully owned Scotties before and kept them safe. These can be some of the best adoptive homes possible as these owners walk their dogs multiple times a day! We respect and understand their situation.
How about an electronic fence?
No. Scotties have strong predator instincts. A Scottie will blow across an electronic fence without hesitation to pursue its prey. The shock is no big deal for a determined Scottie. Following the pursuit, the Scottie is now outside its boundaries and may see no reason to receive a second shock in order to return to its yard. In addition, any and all other critters are free to enter the Scottie’s domain. A physically fenced yard acts as a deterrent to thieves and keeps many undesirable critters and unattended dogs at bay.
Does my newly adopted Scottie need time to adjust to my home and routine?
Yes, a newly adopted Scottie will need some time to adjust. At first the Scottie may not eat as often or as much as s/he did in foster care. There may be an “accident” or two if the Scottie is not frequently shown the appropriate locations for its potty needs. At best, it can take 2 to 3 months for a dog to accept its new routine and surroundings of a new home. Any dog placed in a new environment will search for an avenue of escape attempting to return to what was previously its known home. Owners of a newly adopted Scottie need to practice vigilance and consistently apply strong appropriate pack leadership skills.
What if the Scottie doesn‘t work out or my situation changes or I can’t care for the Scottie?
RMSR volunteers are available to assist the new owners after placement. You are encouraged to contact your Scottie’s foster family after adoption to discuss how things are working out. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss a Scottie’s progress during the first few weeks and months in its new fur-ever home. In the unlikely event that the Scottie placement does not work out for you, RMSR will always take the dog back. NEVER take a Scottie to a shelter! With our careful attention beforehand, few placements fail. Please refer to the RMSR Adoption Terms & Conditions.