Scottish Terrier Breed Guide
Quick Summary
The Scottish Terrier is a proud, highly independent, and deeply loyal companion wrapped in a compact, wire-coated frame. Best suited for experienced owners who appreciate a dog with distinct boundaries, this breed offers steadfast companionship, vigilant watchdog abilities, and a dignified character that commands respect.
Quick Facts
- origin countryScotland
- breed groupTerrier
- sizeSmall
- weight range18 to 22 pounds
- height range10 inches at the shoulder
- lifespan12 to 15 years
- coat typeDouble coat (wiry outer coat and soft, dense undercoat)
- common colorsBlack, Brindle, Wheaten
- other namesScottie, Aberdeen Terrier
- recognized byAKC, UKC, KC (UK)
Caring for a Scottish Terrier
Living with a Scottie means respecting their quiet independence while providing structured mental and physical outlets to keep them balanced. In my practice, I find they do best with daily, controlled leash walks and a securely fenced yard, as their natural chase instinct is incredibly powerful. They are not clingy lapdogs who crave constant physical affection, but they will quietly companion you from across the room. Consistent grooming and regular health monitoring are non-negotiable parts of their care routine.
Is a Scottish Terrier a good family pet?
Yes, but primarily for families with older, respectful children who understand boundaries. In my clinical experience, Scotties do not tolerate rough handling, tail-pulling, or invasive play, and will defend themselves if pushed.
Do Scottish Terriers shed a lot?
They shed minimally compared to other breeds, but they are not maintenance-free. Their double coat continuously traps dead hair, which requires regular hand-stripping or clipping every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent painful matting.
Is a Scottish Terrier good for first-time owners?
Generally, no. Their stubborn nature, high prey drive, and complex grooming needs usually require someone familiar with terrier behaviors who can establish clear, respectful boundaries without relying on harsh corrections.
Temperament & Personality
Scotties are often described as ‘big dogs in small bodies,’ exhibiting a dignified, almost solemn demeanor. They are fiercely loyal to their immediate family but highly aloof with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. In my years treating this breed, I have observed a distinct ‘terrier stubbornness’ where they evaluate commands before deciding to obey.
Is a Scottish Terrier good with other pets?
They can coexist with other household dogs if socialized early, but their extremely high prey drive makes them dangerous around small pets like cats, rabbits, or hamsters. I always advise owners to never leave them unsupervised with smaller animals.
How much attention does a Scottish Terrier need?
While they love being near their humans, they are highly independent and do not require constant entertainment. They are perfectly content to rest alone during the workday, provided they get quality interaction and exercise when you return.
Training & Behavior
Training a Scottie requires immense patience and positive reinforcement, as they will shut down completely under harsh physical or verbal corrections. In my clinical experience, behavioral issues like nuisance barking and digging stem directly from boredom or a lack of structured mental stimulation. Early, consistent socialization is critical to curb their natural suspicion of strangers and other dogs.
Training Tips
- Use high-value food rewards and praise to keep them engaged.
- Keep training sessions short and varied (5 to 10 minutes) to prevent boredom.
- Never use physical corrections; they respond to respect, not force.
- Focus heavily on early socialization with different people and dogs.
- Always walk them on a leash, as their recall is highly unreliable when they spot prey.
Fun Activities
- Earthdog trials
- Scent work and tracking
- Agility courses
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Structured fetching games
Is a Scottish Terrier easy to train?
No, they are notoriously independent and strong-willed. While highly intelligent, they choose when to obey, meaning you must make training highly rewarding and mentally engaging for them.
Scottish Terrier Health Issues
While structurally robust and sturdy, Scottish Terriers carry genetic predispositions to specific, serious conditions that every owner must monitor. Regular veterinary screenings, proactive testing, and maintaining a lean body weight are crucial to their longevity.
Bladder Cancer (Transitional Cell Carcinoma / TCC)
Scotties have an alarmingly high genetic predisposition to TCC, a highly aggressive malignant tumor of the urinary tract.
Scottie Cramp
A harmless, hereditary metabolic disorder that temporarily affects muscle coordination and locomotion during periods of high excitement or stress.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD)
An inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII, preventing the blood from clotting properly.
Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO)
Also known as ‘Lion Jaw,’ this is an abnormal, painful bone growth in the skull and jaw of young, growing puppies between 4 and 8 months of age.
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
An endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol, commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to senior Scotties.
How long do Scottish Terriers typically live?
With proper preventive veterinary care, regular screenings for breed-specific conditions, and a healthy lifestyle, Scotties typically live between 12 and 15 years.
What to Feed a Scottish Terrier
Feeding your Scottie a balanced diet is essential to prevent obesity, which puts undue stress on their short legs and spine. Because of their elevated risk for bladder cancer, dietary choices can play an active role in their long-term health.
Best Diet
A high-quality, small-breed-specific dry kibble is ideal. I strongly advocate for diets rich in fresh, non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and carrots, as clinical studies show this can significantly reduce the risk of transitional cell carcinoma in Scotties.
How to Feed
Divide their daily food intake into two distinct meals, morning and evening, to keep blood sugar stable. Avoid free-feeding, as Scotties love food and will quickly overeat if given the opportunity.
How Much to Feed
Typically, an adult Scottie requires 1 to 1.5 cups of dry kibble per day, split into two portions. This will vary based on age, activity level, and whether they are spayed or neutered; always consult your vet for precise caloric targets.
Nutritional Tips
Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support their skin barrier and prevent dry, flaky coats. Ensure treats make up less than 10% of their daily calorie intake, opting for low-calorie options like fresh green beans.
Scottish Terrier Grooming Guide
Scotties possess a high-maintenance double coat that requires strict, regular upkeep to prevent painful matting and subsequent skin infections. In my practice, I frequently treat skin issues that stem directly from neglected grooming routines.
Coat Care
Brush the coat down to the skin 2 to 3 times weekly to prevent mats in the dense undercoat. Professionally clip or hand-strip the coat every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain its characteristic silhouette and coarse texture.
Skin Care
Scotties are prone to allergies and dry skin; always use a gentle, soap-free oatmeal shampoo and never bathe them too frequently, which strips natural oils.
Eye Care
Wipe the corners of the eyes weekly to prevent staining and buildup, as their long eyebrows (‘furnishings’) can occasionally trap dust and debris.
Ear Care
Clean the ears bi-weekly with a vet-approved drying solution, checking for redness or odor, as their erect ears can still trap moisture during baths or grooming.
Nail & Dental Care
Trim nails every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent splaying of the feet, and brush their teeth at least 3 times weekly to combat rapid tartar buildup common in small breeds.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Pros
- Excellent and vigilant watchdog
- Highly independent and comfortable being left alone
- Fiercely loyal to their primary family
- Very low-shedding coat when properly maintained
- Sturdy and robust physical build
Cons
- Extremely high, hardwired prey drive
- Can be highly reactive or dog-aggressive if unsocialized
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Prone to high-maintenance and expensive professional grooming
- High genetic predisposition to aggressive bladder cancers
Best For
Experienced, patient owners or families with older, respectful children who appreciate a loyal, low-shedding companion with a big, independent personality and don’t mind professional grooming costs.
Not Recommended For
First-time dog owners, households with pocket pets or cats, or individuals looking for an ultra-submissive, highly obedient dog that can safely run off-leash in open areas.
Cost
- purchase price$1,500 to $3,500 from a reputable, health-testing breeder
- monthly cost$150 to $250, factoring in regular professional grooming and premium food
- initial setupInitial setup costs range from $800 to $1,500, covering crates, high-quality grooming tools, puppy vaccinations, microchipping, and essential spay/neuter surgery.
Similar Breeds
Scottish Terrier FAQs
Why do Scotties dig so much?
Digging is an instinctual behavior bred into Scotties to hunt den-dwelling quarry. In my practice, I suggest providing a designated digging pit or sandbox to redirect this urge constructively rather than trying to train it out of them entirely.
Can Scottish Terriers swim?
No. Due to their heavy bone density, compact bodies, and very short legs, Scotties are terrible swimmers and highly prone to drowning. I always tell owners to secure pools and fit them with a canine life jacket if they are near water.
What is Scottie Cramp?
It is a hereditary neurological condition where excitement or stress causes temporary muscle spasms and stiffening, usually harmless. It doesn’t cause pain and typically subsides with rest.
Are Scotties prone to allergies?
Yes, in my clinic I frequently treat Scotties for atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and flea-bite hypersensitivity, which cause intense itching and hot spots.
Why does my Scottie bark so much?
Scotties are natural watchdogs and will vocalize to alert you to strangers, animals, or changes in their environment. Early training is essential to teach a ‘quiet’ command.
Are male or female Scotties better?
Males tend to be more easygoing and affectionate, whereas females are often more independent and strong-willed. Both possess the classic, bold terrier temperament.
How often should I bathe a Scottish Terrier?
Limit baths to once every 4-6 weeks unless they get exceptionally dirty. Over-bathing strips the coat’s natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin.
What is hand-stripping vs. clipping?
Hand-stripping involves pulling dead outer hair by hand to preserve the wiry texture and rich color. Clipping uses electric shears, which softens the coat and fades color over time.
Are Scotties prone to biting?
While not naturally aggressive, their independent nature means they will defend themselves if stepped on, squeezed, or handled roughly. They are not recommended for toddlers.
Do Scotties bark at other dogs?
Yes, they can be reactive on leash due to their bold, territorial nature. Early, positive socialization helps them tolerate other dogs from a distance.
How do I protect my Scottie from bladder cancer?
Annual urinalyses starting at age 6 can catch early signs. Also, incorporating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli into their diet has been clinically shown to reduce risk.
Can a Scottie live in an apartment?
Yes, their compact size makes them great apartment dogs, provided they receive daily structured walks and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behaviors.
Are Scottish Terriers protective?
Yes, they are intensely loyal to their family and highly alert, making them excellent watchdogs who will aggressively alert to any perceived intruders.
Why does my Scottie have a dry nose?
Scotties can develop hyperkeratosis, where keratin overproduces on the nose or paw pads. Applying a vet-approved nose balm can easily keep the tissue hydrated.
How do I stop my Scottie from chasing cats?
Due to their hardwired prey drive, it is incredibly difficult to train a Scottie not to chase small animals. Keeping them separated is always the safest clinical option.
Sources & Further Reading
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- ASPCA
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)