Tartan Day

It's April 6 - and it's also National Tartan Day!  Canada  recognizes Tartan Day which actually was first proclaimed here in Nova Scotia in 1987.  Although my human doesn't get the day off.  It's not THAT kind of a holiday.  Yet.  Apparently the idea for Tartan Day has spread - and is celebrated in a number of countries including New Zealand and the US.  It's a day to celebrate Scottish heritage, with parades, pipe bands and Highland dancing.

So since we are celebrating Scotland, let's take a look at dog breeds that originated in Scotland!  Here's a little quiz to see what you know about Scottish dogs:

1.  Not counting dogs that are extinct or not recognized by a canine registry, how many Scottish breeds are there:
a.  5
b.  10
c.  12
d.  15

2.  This breed of dog actually originated from POLISH LOWLAND SHEEPDOGS way back in 1514.  PONs were bred with local Scottish dogs to get this shaggy member of the herding group.

3.  This breed of dog is one of the oldest terrier breeds originating on an island.  They have short legs relative to their long body and long flowing double coat.  They are noted for their well-feathered prick ears.

4.  This member of the hound group is larger than a Greyhound and actually said to be able to outrun a Greyhound in rough terrain.  They have a rough coat.  They were bred to hunt Bambi-type animals and apparently in Australia, they hunt kangaroo and wild boar.

5.  This black and tan breed is in the Sporting or Gundog group and is the heaviest member of the setter family.

6.  This is another terrier with a long body and short legs.  They were bred for hunting badgers and otters so they are known for their ability to dig big holes - quickly.  They have pendulous ears and a distinctive topknot of hair on their heads.

7.  This large hound can follow a scent over long distances and they are used by many police departments.  They have long floppy ears that help to stir up particles on the ground to help them in tracking.  They have a gentle disposition, but are said to be somewhat willful.

8.  This popular breed is in the Sporting or Gundog group.  They love to hunt, retrieve, swim, perform the role of service dogs and are an all-around great family dog.  They have a long coat, with the color ranging from a light, cream shade, to a reddish tone.  

9.  This member of the herding group is deemed by some to be THE smartest dog breed.  These energetic, athletic dogs are outstanding in their role as working dogs on farms.  They also excel at agility.  

10. This small, rugged terrier is one of Scotland's oldest working breeds.  A famous example of this breed was Toto in the story the Wizard of Oz.


Here are your answers:

1. d
2. Bearded Collie
3. Skye terrier
4. Scottish Deerhound
5.  Gordon setter
6.  Dandie Dinmont terrier
7.  Bloodhound
8.  Golden Retriever
9.  Border collie
10. Cairn terrier

In addition to the breeds listed above,  the following breeds ALSO originated in Scotland:  Border terrier, Rough Collie, Smooth Collie, Scottish terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, and the West Highland White terrier.  Who KNEW so many breeds came from Scotland?!  And then I suppose we could ALSO count the breed from NEW Scotland - the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. 

Wonder how many of them enjoy the bagpipes....

Anyway, have some haggis on me today - or maybe a little dram of Scotch! Humans only.  Happy Tartan Day!