After back length, length of neck is probably the part of the Standard most misunderstood by judges and novice breeders. There are those who push for longer necks on Scottish Terriers, notwithstanding the Standard, which calls for a "moderately short, strong, thick, and muscular" neck. Breeds that require long necks were nearly always bred for at least one of two purposes: to gaze into the distance to find prey or to chase down a fleeing animal. A Scottie needs a "moderately short," strong neck for fighting in close quarters and for dragging an unwilling enemy from its den. A long neck serves no purpose underground and only makes the throat more vulnerable in a close-quarters battle. The Malby committee determined that on their ideal Scottish Terrier, a "moderately short" neck would measure approximately six inches, measured from the occiput to the withers. The dog below left has a neck of correct length and substance. The neck is too long on the dog below right.
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