Scottish Terrier
11-13 yrs
18-21 lbs
10-11"
Scotland

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Scottish Terrier

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Dog Breeds
Scottish Terrier

18-21 lbs

10-11"

Scotland

Aberdeen Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. In the 1700s, breeders began developing what would eventually become the Scottish Terrier. The breed’s original name was the Aberdeen Terrier, a tribute to the Scottish town of the same name. The fourth Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the Scottish Terrier “little diehard,” and the breed still lives up to that name today. They are active dogs, and while they are tiny, they are very brave. Originally used to hunt animals such as rabbit, otter, fox, and badgers, the Scottish Terrier is still a great watchdog and a terrific companion.

                
                Purpose
              
vermin hunting

                Date of Origin
              
1800s

                Ancestry
              
skye, cairn, west highland white terriers

Scottish Terrier Health

Average Size

Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 19-22 lbs

Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 18-21 lbs

Major Concerns

Von Willebrand's Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Minor Concerns

Scottie Cramp
Intervertebral Disc Disease

Occasional Tests

Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
MRI
Physical Examination

Scottish Terrier Breed History

At one time, all Terriers from Scotland were referred to as Scottish Terriers; at one time this particular Terrier was referred to as the Skye Terrier. (Another Terrier breed is presently referred to as the Skye Terrier; they are not related.) This particular Terrier was bred to be a hardy hunting dog. In the 1800s, the Terrier was nicknamed the Aberdeen Terrier; the town in Scotland was known to have many of the tiny, wiry vermin killers. In 1880, a standard for the breed was developed, and, three years later, the breed was first introduced to the United States. The Scottie has been a favorite of presidents, appeared on-screen in movies and television, and as a token in the board game Monopoly.

Scottish Terrier Breed Appearance

The Scottish Terrier is tiny dog with short legs; grooming often makes it look even shorter than the dog truly is. The head is long; its almond-shaped eyes are set apart on its skull. Its muzzle is about the length of the skull; the teeth meet in a scissors bite. Its back is level, and its tail is thick at the base, tapering off toward its end. The tail is covered in short, hard hair, usually carried straight. The front feet are often larger than the back feet. It has a double coat: the soft, protective undercoat gives way to a coarse, wiry top coat. The Scottie’s distinctive coat is longer at the beard, eyebrows, legs, and lower part of the body. Common colors are black, wheaten, or brindle. Some have white on the chest area.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Brindle

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Scottish Terrier Breed Maintenance

The Scottish Terrier has a coarse top coat with longer length hair at the beard, lower body, and legs. This hair should be brushed two or three times a week for optimum results. During the shedding season, you may want to brush more often. Shaping of the coat should be done once every three months. Bathing is recommended as “when necessary.” The Scottish Terrier needs a moderate amount of exercise. It is recommended that they are given a daily walk in addition to games (such as fetching a ball). The Scottie can tolerate warmer temperatures but is best suited as an inside dog. As long as the Scottie receives adequate exercise, he can live anywhere. Scotties are known to have skin issues including flea allergies, so proper skin care is a must.

Brushes for Scottish Terrier

Slicker Brush

Comb

Scissors

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Scottish Terrier Temperament

The Scottie is brave, lovable, alert, and tough. They are wonderful watchdogs. They tend to be stubborn, so firm training should begin as soon as possible. The Scottie is known to challenge family members who have not established a “pecking order” in which he understands that the family member is the authority. The Scottie is described as a small dog in a big dog’s body, one that can go anywhere and do anything. He is sporty and loves to play ball games. However, it is recommended that one does not play wrestling games or tug-of-war with a Scottie. They do not do well with aggressiveness. The Scottie can and will develop Small Dog Syndrome – a condition in which the dog believes he is the leader over his humans. This is a human-induced behavior, usually the result of giving in to the Scottie. Scotties are usually good with children; however, children must also be firm with the Scottish Terrier. It is often with children that the Scottie develops Small Dog Syndrome. All family members should be firm with the Scottie. As long as he clearly knows the rules of the home; the Scottish Terrier will be a wonderful family pet.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Scottish Terrier

Similarly Sized Breeds to Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
0.8 cups
Daily Cost
$0.85 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00

Scottish Terrier Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 7.0 inches
                  Weight: 16.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 7.0 inches
                  Weight: 15.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 10.5 inches
                  Weight: 19.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 10.5 inches
                  Weight: 18.0 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 10.5 inches
                  Weight: 20.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 10.5 inches
                  Weight: 19.5 lbs

Top Scottish Terrier Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Scottish Terrier breeders of 2024.

Woburn Scottish Terriers
Chicago, Illinois
PJ Scots
Moss Landing, California
KinRoss Scottish Terriers
Springfield, Illinois
Deghall Scottish Terriers
Howell, Michigan
CerScots Scottish Terriers
Ludington, Michigan
Hopel Popel Scotttish Terriers
Russell, Massachusetts

Scottish Terrier Owner Experiences

5 Years

People

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

I have walked one Scottish Terrier who was an absolute great dog all around. When I first get to his home, he barks quite a bit, but as soon as I walk in, he is happy and excited. He really loves his walks! He stops to sniff around just a bit, but also enjoys some running and I am always able to get good walks in with him. He normally doesn’t like other dogs while on the leash. So I always make sure to stay away when we see another dog coming. He is extremely well behaved and listens very well to commands if needed. He is just a sweet and happy boy and after his walks are over, he loves a bit of cuddle time!

6 years, 4 months ago

Malcolm

2 Years

1 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Fetch

I have owned Scotties for over 40 years. Each has been slightly different. They are willful,spirited,loyal,and affectionate dogs. They appear to be haughty but I prefer the term noble.

5 years, 9 months ago

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