Today’s fanciers have nothing on the ardor of breed enthusiasts who came before when it comes to disputes and differences of opinion. In 1879, virulent letters written by fanciers and prominent breed experts were published in the Live Stock Journal turning up the heat on an already scorching hot controversy over whether there was such a thing as a purebred “Scottish Terrier.” The fuss arose from Skye Terriers, Dandie Dinmonts, Westies and Cairn Terriers being routinely exhibited as “Scottish Terriers” in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Everyone had an opinion (in dogs? Surely not!). Captain Gordon Murray and Sir Paynton Piggot, in particular, insisted on instructing those silly Brits about the breed they knew was the real Scottish Terrier, and in the end, their perseverance was rewarded when the Kennel Club established classes for Scottish Terriers at a show held in 1879 at the Alexandra Palace. Called “Hard-Haired Scottish Terriers” in those days, Scottish Terriers – Scotties – would become a beloved and popular breed in the years ahead.

“Scottie Of The Glen” by Trudi Simmonds is available as a print here.