Terrier group

Scottish Terrier

The dignified “Diehard” — independent, loyal and unmistakably Scottie.

Scottish Terriers are sturdy, short-legged terriers with a distinctive beard and eyebrows. They are loyal and dignified with their families, but independent, reserved with strangers and strong-willed.

Height
10 in25–25 cm
Weight
18–22 lb8–10 kg
Life expectancy
11–13 years
Size
Small
Group
Terrier
Origin
Scotland

Coat: Hard, wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat, longer furnishings. Colours: Black, Wheaten, Brindle.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"3.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level3.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness2.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking3.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.5 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Scotties are confident, loyal and often described as cat-like. They bond closely with their family but can be aloof with strangers.

They are independent and stubborn, with strong prey drive and a willingness to take on other dogs. Early socialisation and patient training help.

Living with a Scottish Terrier

Exercise

About 45–60 minutes of walks and play daily. Use a lead — recall is unreliable.

Grooming

Brush a few times a week and hand-strip or clip every few months. Low shedding.

Training

Independent and sensitive; short, positive sessions work best.

Kids & other pets

Better with older, respectful children. Can be dog-selective; unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates alone time better than many breeds, but may bark at noises.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Scottish Terrier right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Scottish Terrier matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Scottish Terrier typically lives 11–13 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Scottie cramp

    An inherited condition causing episodes of muscle spasm during excitement or exercise.

  • Von Willebrand disease

    An inherited bleeding disorder; a DNA test is available.

  • Bladder cancer

    Scotties have a much higher risk of transitional cell carcinoma; watch for blood in the urine.

  • Craniomandibular osteopathy

    A painful jaw bone disease in growing puppies.

Ask a breeder for

  • DNA test for von Willebrand disease
  • Patella evaluation
  • Cardiac examination

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Scottish Terrier; Scottish Terrier Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Scotties developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt foxes, badgers and vermin in rocky terrain. The breed was standardised in the late 1800s.

The AKC recognised the Scottish Terrier in 1885. Scotties became famous as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s dog Fala and as a Monopoly token.

Did you know?

  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottie Fala is honoured at the FDR Memorial.
  • A Scottie is one of the classic Monopoly tokens.
  • Scotties were nicknamed “Diehards” by the Earl of Dumbarton.

Library guides for Scottish Terrier owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Scottish Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, for families with older children who respect their independence.
Do Scotties shed?
Very little.
Are Scotties good with other dogs?
Some are; many are selective. Supervise introductions.