They are an independent and rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. The First Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the breed 'the diehard'. The modern breed is said to be able to trace its lineage back to a single female, named Splinter II. They are also well known for being a playing piece in the board game Monopoly. Described as territorial, feisty dogs, they can make a good watchdog and tend to be very loyal to their family. The Scottie had been a long-running unofficial mascot of the university, whose founder's Scottish heritage is also honored by the official athletic nickname of 'Tartans'. Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia also uses the Scottie as their mascot.