Scottish Terrier
Is apartment friendly Can live in small spaces Is suitable for city living Can live in hot weather Can live in cold weather Is good for seniors or low-activity homes Does shed a lot Is good with cats Is good for first-time owners Is affectionate with family Is protective or territorial Is prone to separation anxiety Is prone to allergies Is a good guard dog Is recognized by major kennel clubs Alert Apartment-friendly Feisty High energy dog Independent Loves hot weather Playful Quick Self-assured Sheds a lot Terrier Vermin hunting

Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small and solidly compact dog breed originating from Scotland. They are known for their independent and confident nature, with a vivid personality. Scottish Terriers are intelligent, playful, and vigilant, making them excellent watchdogs. They have a distinctive appearance with a short-legged build, wiry topcoat, and beard. Typically standing about 10 inches tall and weighing between 18 to 22 pounds, they are strong-willed and spirited dogs best suited for owners who appreciate their feisty and energetic temperament.

Height 10 in (25 cm)
Weight 18 - 22 lbs (8 - 10 kg)
Lifespan 11 - 13 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Scottish Terrier Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Is Scottish Terrier prone to allergies?

Is Scottish Terrier a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Scottish Terrier?

How much does it cost to raise a Scottish Terrier annually?

Does Scottish Terrier drool a lot?

Breed Characteristics

The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Terriers generally require around 45-60 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy, placing their exercise needs at a moderate level.

How much exercise does Scottish Terrier need?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Terriers require regular grooming, including brushing, combing, and occasional baths. The frequency suggested ranges from weekly brushing to grooming every 6-8 weeks, with attention to specific areas like feet and face. The overall maintenance level is considered moderate to high, warranting a rating of 4.

How much grooming does Scottish Terrier need?

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The consensus is mixed, with some sources mentioning that Scottish Terriers can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and strong will, while others suggest that they are quick learners. Overall, the average rating is 3, indicating that training a Scottish Terrier may require extra effort and patience.

Is Scottish Terrier easy to train?

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Based on the consensus from the sources, Scottish Terriers are described as highly intelligent, curious, independent, loyal, and active. While they can be stubborn and independent, their intelligence is highlighted in various contexts, such as being eager to explore, mastering math skills, and being excellent watchdogs.

How intelligent is Scottish Terrier?

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While Scottish Terriers are not known for excessive barking, there are varying opinions on their barking tendencies. Some sources mention they bark when necessary, while others highlight individual differences. The consensus suggests that while they are not constant barkers, they will vocalize when they feel the need to, such as alerting to potential threats.

Does Scottish Terrier bark a lot?

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Scottish Terriers are consistently described as independent, strong-willed, and stubborn across multiple sources, indicating a high likelihood of exhibiting these traits. While there are mentions of responsiveness to treats and sensitivity to praise, the overall consensus leans towards a high level of stubbornness.

Is Scottish Terrier stubborn or independent?

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The consensus from the sources indicates that Scottish Terriers generally require around 30-60 minutes of daily exercise, with most sources suggesting 45-60 minutes. The majority of information leans towards a higher level of playtime, hence the rating of 4.

How much playtime does a Scottish Terrier need daily?

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Scottish Terriers can adapt to indoor living but benefit greatly from outdoor space for exercise and mental stimulation. Limited walks may not be ideal for their overall well-being.

Can Scottish Terrier stay indoors with limited walks?

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The majority of sources indicate that Scottish Terriers are protective and territorial, with a strong tendency to be loyal and alert to strangers. The consensus suggests a high level of protectiveness over their family and territory, making them reserved or suspicious of strangers.

Is Scottish Terrier protective or territorial?

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The consensus indicates that Scottish Terriers are affectionate and devoted to their family members, although they may be less overtly affectionate compared to other breeds. They are known to form strong bonds with their family and are loyal companions.

Is Scottish Terrier affectionate with family?

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Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Scottish Terrier?

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small and solidly compact dog breed with a distinctive body shape and size. They are independent, confident, and have a vivid personality. Known for their feisty and energetic nature, Scottish Terriers are intelligent, playful, and vigilant, making them excellent watchdogs. Owners often describe them as a big dog in a little dog's body, as they are strong-willed, sometimes aloof, and have a rugged nature. While they can be tolerant and good-natured with children, they may be cold or belligerent towards strangers. Overall, Scottish Terriers are not easy-going or low-key dogs, and they are best suited for owners who appreciate their independent and spirited nature.


What is the average litter size of Scottish Terrier?

The average litter size of Scottish Terriers typically ranges from 1 to 6 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being the average across all dogs. However, litter sizes can vary from 1 to 12 puppies. Birth problems are common in Scottish Terriers due to bitches often having an abnormally shaped pelvis with a flattened birth canal. The breed is known for its adaptability and robust build, fitting well into most households.


What does a Scottish Terrier look like?

The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact dog breed originating from Scotland. It is characterized by a short-legged but substantial build with distinctive furnishings such as a beard, longer hair on the legs, and a wiry topcoat paired with a soft, dense undercoat. The coat can come in black, wheaten yellow, or a brindle-stripe pattern, and the ears are small, prick, and set high on the skull. Scottish Terriers are known for their vivid personality, independence, and high spirits. They are often black but can also be grey, steel, brindle, or wheaten in color. The breed is recognized for its vermin-hunting abilities and is affectionately referred to as the "Scottie."


What is the typical lifespan of Scottish Terrier?

The typical lifespan of a Scottish Terrier ranges from 11 to 15 years, with an average lifespan commonly cited as 12 years. Some sources mention longer lifespans of up to 16 years, indicating that individual dogs can exceed the average. Overall, Scottish Terriers are generally healthy dogs, with a few health concerns to be aware of, and they are known for their loyalty and strength.


What is the origin of the Scottish Terrier?

The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie or Aberdeenie, originated in Scotland and was originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms. The breed's history dates back to the late 1870s when dogs resembling today's Scotties were brought out of Scotland by Captain W. W. Mackie. The Scottish Terrier was established in Scotland as a tenacious hunter of vermin, going to ground to hunt. Initially known as the Aberdeen Terrier, the breed was virtually unknown outside of the highlands until the late 1870s. Despite being described as the oldest breed in Scotland, the exact evolution of the Scottish Terrier remains unknown due to the breed's antiquity and limited historical records. Notable figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower have owned Scottish Terriers, highlighting the breed's popularity and historical significance.


What is the average size of Scottish Terrier?

The average size of a Scottish Terrier is about 10 inches in height. In terms of weight, male Scottish Terriers typically weigh between 19 to 22 pounds, while females weigh around 18 to 21 pounds. This breed is generally well-balanced, with males being slightly heavier than females. The overall body length of a Scottish Terrier is approximately 22 to 23 inches, and they have a standing height of 16 to 17 inches. The typical lifespan of a Scottish Terrier ranges from 11 to 15 years.


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