Single-Malt Scotch Terriers: Islay

Islay Scotties are bred by, and occasionally in, the sea, and warmed by peat fires during the long, dreary nights of winter Islay (pronounced Eye-la by those who want to pronounce it, and IZ-lay by those who don't). This gives these dogs their characteristic smoke-and-old-fish aroma, which gives rise to their popularity as outdoor watchdogs.

Like all Scotties, the Islay is inclined to be stubborn, and needs firm but gentle handling from an early age or it will dominate the household. If properly trained, though, it will instead dominate the neighborhood and bring you an endless stream of purloined or coerced valuables you can pawn to pay for its upkeep. Advanced training might include: don't bite the Constable when he comes for his payoff; don't bite the Judge ever; do bite the pawnbroker from whom you reacquisitioned the watch.

Popular names for the Scotties of southeastern Isla include Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. Caol Ila is a frequent name for dogs in the north of the island, where dogs are similarly treated. In the middle of the place, Scotties are often named Bowmore, although there is disagreement as to whether the first or second syllable is stressed; the dogs, however, are uniformly stressed.

Elsewhere on Islay, dogs may be called Bunnahabhain and Bruichladdich, but since no one can actually pronounce these names, the dogs seldom come when called.

Comments

[Jan]

I love your Scotch Terriers. They seem to be so genetically sound. :-)

[Buy Viagra]

Very interesting post, thanks for sharing this information!!! I love this blog!!!