Scotchon

The Scotchon originated in the United States. The breed resulted from crossing a Scottish Terrier with a Bichon Frise. The Scottish Terrier’s history dates back to 55 B.C. when the Romans discovered the “terrarii" or the old Scottish Terrier, a small hunting dog found in Britain. They were black or sandy colored, small, strong, and long-haired, and are thought to be the breed from which all Terriers originated. In the 17^th century, the ancestor of the Scottish Terrier became a very popular breed thanks to the king’s love for them. By 1800 there were two different breeds, the Scottish Terrier with wired hair, and the English Terrier with a smoother fur. The Scottish Terrier, which was once classified as the Skye Terrier, was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, though they had not been presented in the show ring until the 1860’s. The Bichon Frise’s origin is uncertain. They are believed to descend from the Barbet. The breed originated in Tenerife, and was brought to Europe either by the French or the Italians. The Bichon became quite popular in the 16^th century amongst the French and English monarchy. The Spanish royal families became very fond of the breed as did painters such as Goya, who depicted the Bichon Frise in many of his paintings. The breed later became a common dog, but after World War I, the Bichon caught the French breeder’s attention due to their intelligence and looks, and they continued breeding the Bichon Frise. The breed was acknowledged by the American Kennel Club in 1972.