The Scottish Terrier—also called the Aberdeen Terrier or, more popularly, "The Scottie"—is one of the five recognized breeds of terriers from Scotland (a list which includes the Cairn, Skye, Dandie Dinmont and West Highland Terriers). The breed was developed as "ratters"—animals which would catch and kill small vermin indoors or on a farm. The breed is known for being bright, alert, quick, rugged, independent, feisty and territorial. They become very loyal to their families, often singling-out one or two individuals for an extra-close bond. These traits make them pleasant house pets and good watch dogs. But their stubbornness—and wariness of strangers—can make them unpredictable around people they don't know. It is advised to watch them carefully around the erratic movements of babies and, certainly, small pets which they may want to hunt.
Many famous people have doted-upon their beloved Scotties including Queen Victoria, Jacqueline Kennedy, Rudyard Kipling, G. K, Chesterton, and Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and George W. Bush. FDR was so fond of his Scottie, "Fala", that he almost never went anywhere without him. Fala became a celebrity in his own right. At the moment of President Roosevelt's death, Fala (who had been sleeping quietly in a corner of the room) jumped-up, twitching and snarling, burst through a closed screen door and bolted out into the yard and up into the hills. Secret Servicemen found him standing alone and frozen on an elevated outcrop. After FDR's death, Fala became the companion of the President's widow, Eleanor Roosevelt, until he became unwell and required euthanasia. He is buried at the Roosevelt compound, with a headstone, about 30 feet from his master, Franklin. Even the FDR Memorial, in Washington, D.C., includes a sculpture of the President's beloved Fala, sitting near the President's larger-than-life sculpture. This is the only presidential monument to include a pet—and it speaks volumes about Roosevelt.
This little cast spelter sculpture was made in the 1920's or 1930's, possibly during Fala's heyday. Click on the photo above to learn more about him.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248