Which breed is often called the 'Scottie' and has a distinctive beard?

The breed often called the “Scottie” and recognized for its distinctive beard is the Scottish Terrier.

The Scottish Terrier, or Scottie, is a compact, short-legged terrier from Scotland. Its hard, wiry outer coat and longer facial furnishings create the characteristic beard, while the breed’s erect ears, prominent eyebrows, and sturdy silhouette give it a distinctive profile. The beard is a feature of the coat and grooming style, not a separate type of dog.

Scotties were bred as working terriers to hunt and kill vermin, as well as badgers and foxes, on farms and in the Scottish Highlands. Their low build helped them enter burrows, and their rugged coat offered protection from rough terrain and weather. The breed has also been nicknamed the “Diehard,” reflecting its traditional reputation for courage and persistence.

The Scottie can be confused with the Cairn Terrier or West Highland White Terrier because all are Scottish terriers with related ancestry. The Westie is characteristically white, while Scotties are commonly black, brindle, or wheaten. The Scottish Terrier also became a familiar cultural symbol as a Monopoly playing piece and through famous owners such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose Scottie was named Fala.