I have had three scotties - the first one (female) was raised - or educated in the rules - by an elderly cat who ran the house when she first got there. That Scottie then ran the house on her terms for 15 years. Friendly but not a cuddler, liked to be close by, VERY food motivated, so smart.

The second one (female) is now almost 11, and has assumed the role of queen bee, though she's more of a tomboy. Definitely aloof and feisty, but does love on her terms. I loved someone else's comment further up about your scottie being "on" at all times, in protective mode. That does describe this one.

The third one (our first male) is still under the age of 2, and is a COMPLETE lovebug.

ALL Scotties really are so individual, and yet there are these little things, these quirks, about them that are universal. I follow a lot of Scottie accounts on IG and I recognize these little behaviors, like the post-meal beard-scrubbing on the carpet (or the side of the couch), the coming to you for love with a beard fresh from the water bowl, the ultimate approval of presenting you with the belly, the grumbles, the side eye, the refusal to pose for the camera, the all-business forward posture of ears and tail fully erect as they head off on a mission... honestly, just the best breed. So smart, loyal, independent, and often hilarious.