alert and feisty breed of Highland terrier known for its prominent and bushy brows and mustache, which give it a scowling expression; long, bristly coat is usually solid black, but brindle, wheaten, gray, and grizzled coats are also possible; velvety ears are small and pricked; tail is about 7 in. (18 cm) long and is carried nearly erect, sometimes with a slight curve; eyes are small and deep-set and nearly black; adult stands 9–10 in. (23–25 cm) tall at shoulders and weighs 18–22 lbs (8–10 kg); Scotties kept as pets have been known to kill birds or cats; without proper discipline, can become bossy and may bite; developed in Scotland in the mid-1800s as a vermin catcher and watchdog; originally called Aberdeen terrier; the more a Scottie's coat is trimmed, the softer and lighter it gets,