Scottish Terrier

Personality

The Scottie is a small dog with a large sense of self. The AKC describes an independent, confident companion of high spirits and dignified, almost human character. Its terrier persistence earned the nickname "the Diehard", and anyone who has played tug with a Scottie knows why: it simply will not let go until you do.

With their own people Scotties are loyal and affectionate, though rarely clingy. They tend to be aloof with strangers, which makes them alert, outspoken watchdogs; the AKC rates their barking as high. Expect a Scottie to announce visitors and to decide for itself whether they are welcome.

They are not the easiest dogs for other animals. The AKC says the hunting instinct remains strong, which can complicate life for small household pets, and that Scotties are known to be cantankerous around other dogs. Early, careful socialization helps, and introductions to new dogs should be slow. With children the AKC gives a middling rating, and Scotties are best with respectful older kids.

History

The Scottish Terrier was developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt rats, foxes and badgers, and the AKC says it may be the oldest of the Highland terriers. One authority quoted by the AKC calls it the oldest variety of dog native to Britain. For much of the 1800s, dog fanciers argued over what counted as a Scottish Terrier and what was just a terrier that happened to be Scottish, and the breed was at one time called the Aberdeen Terrier.

In the 1800s, the Highland terriers were sorted into separate breeds, with the Scottie, the West Highland White and the Cairn eventually going their own ways. Despite humble farm-dog roots, the breed had friends in high places: King James I, who was Scottish by birth, gave them as gifts.

The first Scotties reached America in 1883, and the AKC registered its first two years later. The breed peaked in popularity in the 1930s and early 1940s, with owners such as Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis. The Scottie silhouette became a staple of Depression-era knickknacks and advertising. The most famous Scottie was Fala, President Franklin Roosevelt's constant companion during World War II.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Scottie is a short-legged, substantial dog with a cobby, thickset body and a head that looks long for its size. The AKC lists a height of about 10 in (25 cm), with males weighing 19 to 22 lb (9 to 10 kg) and females 18 to 21 lb (8 to 10 kg). Bone is heavy for the dog's size.

The expression is keen and piercing, or "varminty", with small, bright, almond-shaped eyes. The ears and tail stand erect, adding to the alert, businesslike look.

The coat is the signature feature. The outer coat is hard and wiry, and the undercoat is soft and dense. Longer hair forms the beard and the furnishings on the legs and lower body, which together give the breed its famous outline. The AKC lists black, wheaten and brindle in several shades, including red, black and silver brindle. Show dogs are trimmed to blend the body coat into the furnishings, and the furnishings should not look fluffy.

Training

Scotties are bold and clever, and they have firm opinions about what they will and will not do. The AKC describes the breed as a thinker with an independent streak, bred by farmers who kept the dogs that could figure things out rather than the ones that had to be told. Expect to be tested.

Keep training sessions to 15 minutes or less, as the AKC recommends, and change the exercises often. A bored Scottie simply tunes out. Persistence beats pressure: the AKC suggests making a task seem like the dog's own idea, and rewarding good choices consistently. Scotties are also surprisingly sensitive to tone of voice and know when you are displeased, so keep corrections calm.

Use treats, toys and play. Tug games are a great reward for a Scottie and a good way to teach "drop it". Because of their hunting instinct and love of digging, teach "leave it" and a strong recall, and keep the dog on a leash or in a fenced area. Early socialization with people and dogs matters even more than usual, since these terriers can be scrappy. A puppy class and a crate routine, as in our crate training guide, are a good start.

Exercise

Scotties need a good walk and good playtime. The AKC says they have high energy that they burn in bursts, so lively outings plus a game of chase or tug suit them well. Throw a ball or toy and let them run after it.

Because they were bred to hunt vermin, expect a lot of sniffing, digging and sudden darts after something that moves. Walk on a leash or in a secure, fenced area. A Scottie that locks onto a squirrel may ignore your voice completely. Never rely on recall alone near roads.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. Scent games, puzzle toys and short training sessions help a bright terrier stay out of trouble. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs explains how to match activity to age.

The AKC notes that all this activity makes Scotties great dogs for small homes or apartments, as long as they get their outings every day.

Grooming

The Scottie's double coat needs regular care. The AKC says the ideal approach is hand stripping, which means plucking dead hair by hand, starting when the dog is a young puppy so it gets used to the process. Once the coat is established, a monthly session is best, though weekly touch-ups are fine. Hand stripping keeps the harsh, wiry texture.

Many pet owners find it hard to locate a groomer who strips, and the AKC says it is acceptable to clip the coat instead. Clipping gradually softens the texture, because the undercoat takes over. Clipped coats can be maintained on a schedule of every six to eight weeks.

Between sessions, brush and comb the coat weekly to prevent tangles and keep the skin healthy, paying special attention to the beard and leg furnishings, which collect food and debris. Baths are fine with a good moisturizing shampoo.

Trim nails regularly and brush the teeth often. Check the skin for redness and scratching, because allergies and fleas are known breed problems, according to the AKC. The AKC rates shedding as low.

Feeding

Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your dog's age and activity, whether commercial or home-prepared with veterinary guidance. The AKC offers a practical test: if the coat is healthy, the skin is not dry or flaky and the eyes are bright, with no chewing or itching, the food is probably suitable.

Itchy skin deserves attention in this breed, since the AKC lists allergies among its health concerns. If your Scottie scratches, chews its feet or has recurring skin problems, see your vet before switching foods, since itching has many causes.

VCA notes that Scotties tend to hold a good weight or run slightly heavy, so measure meals and count training treats. Use our dog food calculator for a starting amount, and adjust based on body condition. You should feel the ribs under a light covering and see a defined waist from above. Our guide to telling if your dog is overweight explains how.

Keep fresh water available, avoid free-feeding, and ask your vet about the right diet for puppies, adults and seniors.

Health

The AKC calls Scotties generally healthy but lists several conditions to know about: von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder, for which a DNA test exists), allergies, cancer, Scottie cramp, cerebellar abiotrophy, hypothyroidism, liver disease and craniomandibular osteopathy. Many of these are passed to puppies by apparently healthy parents, which is why testing matters.

Bladder cancer is the best-known concern. Purdue University researchers reported that Scotties develop bladder cancer far more often than other breeds, and a later study found an association between exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and higher risk. That is an association, not proof of cause, but it is worth discussing with your vet. Blood in the urine or straining to urinate needs a prompt veterinary visit.

PetMD describes Scottie cramp as an inherited neuromuscular disorder with episodes of cramping and stiffness, usually triggered by exercise or excitement. Craniomandibular osteopathy affects growing puppies' jaw bones and makes eating painful.

Keep fleas under control, since the AKC links flea allergy to skin problems in this breed. The AKC lists a lifespan of about 12 years, and VCA gives a range of 11 to 13.

Health conditions to know about

• Von Willebrand's disease — Inherited bleeding disorder; a DNA test exists and the parent club requires it for breeding dogs.
• Bladder cancer — Scotties get it far more often than other breeds; report blood in the urine or straining promptly.
• Scottie cramp — Inherited neuromuscular disorder causing episodes of cramping, usually triggered by exercise or excitement.
• Craniomandibular osteopathy — Extra bone growth on the jaw in puppies makes eating painful; a DNA test is available.
• Allergies and hypothyroidism — The AKC lists both; talk to your vet if your Scottie is itchy or seems unwell.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Von Willebrand's disease type III DNA test
• Patellar luxation evaluation
• Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO) DNA test
• Thyroid evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• Legg-Calve-Perthes radiographic evaluation
• Bile acids test
• Kidney (urine protein-creatinine) screening

Read more: allergies.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Scottish Terrier

Scotties fit comfortably in small homes and apartments, since a daily walk and some play can meet their needs. The AKC says that high energy released in bursts, with a good walk and playtime, suits small-space living. The catch is barking: they are alert watchdogs and will announce footsteps, deliveries and passing dogs, so work on a "quiet" cue and consider neighbors.

Security matters. Scotties love to dig and chase, and one can vanish after anything that smells like prey. Use a secure harness and a solid fence, and block gaps under it.

They are happiest as the main focus of a household of adults or older children. Their independent streak means they are not clingy, but company still matters. Mixed households need planning: the AKC warns about small pets, and Scotties can be cantankerous with other dogs, so make introductions slowly.

The wiry coat handles cool weather well. In heat, give shade and water, and walk at cooler times. Expect some wiry hair on furniture and a beard that tracks water across the kitchen floor.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Health testing is where to start. The Scottish Terrier Club of America endorses the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) program and asks that every Scottie breeding dog have a CHIC number. Required tests are a von Willebrand's disease type III DNA test, a patellar luxation evaluation and a DNA test for craniomandibular osteopathy, plus one elective such as a thyroid evaluation, eye exam, Legg-Calve-Perthes X-rays, bile acids or a kidney screening. Ask for the results of both parents rather than a verbal promise.

Be wary of breeders who say the breed has no health issues. Good breeders discuss what they have seen in their lines, raise puppies in the home and offer lifelong support and a return policy.

Costs vary widely by region and lineage. Rescue is a good choice if you want an adult, and the breed club lists rescue groups. Before bringing a puppy home, plan for the grooming; hand stripping or clipping should be part of your budget. Early training and socialization in the first months pay off for life.