Scottish Terrier
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Scottish Terriers are dignified, independent earth dogs with distinctive silhouettes and reserved personalities. Bred to hunt vermin and foxes in Scottish Highlands, these are aloof, stubborn dogs who bond intensely with their families but are wary of strangers, and their strong-willed nature makes them challenging for first-time owners who expect an affectionate lap dog.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Terrier
Life Expectancy
12 years
Height
10 in
Weight
18-22 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 4 hours
Exercise
75 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #54
Terrier context: Terriers were bred to hunt vermin. They are usually bold, energetic, and persistent.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Scottish Terrier
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Scottish Terriers are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Scottish Terriers in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Scottish Terriers, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 75 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
These are potential challenges that many Scottish Terrier owners encounter. Being aware of them helps you prepare and manage them effectively.
Potential Reactivity
Mitigation Strategy:
Professional training recommended, controlled socialization, avoid trigger-rich environments initially.
Remember: These are breed tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary based on genetics, training, and environment. Early socialization and consistent training make a huge difference.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Low
High
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
High
Low
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Low
High
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Scottish Terrier originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Scottish Terrier lines were developed for vermin control. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Terrier. Terriers were bred to hunt vermin. They are usually bold, energetic, and persistent.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Scottish Terriers were developed in Scotland to hunt badgers, foxes, and other vermin in rocky terrain, and they're one of the oldest terrier breeds.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII, and modern Scotties descend from a handful of dogs that breeders found in remote Scottish highlands.
Scottish Terriers have a distinctive black wiry coat and a stubborn, independent personality that breeders specifically selected for.
The breed has a prey drive that emerges without training, and they'll dig and burrow obsessively to find small animals.
Scottish Terriers are prone to hip dysplasia, Scotty Cramp (neurological muscle spasms), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Famous Scottish Terrier Dogs
Fearless mascots
Terrier fame often comes from bold on-screen personalities and brand mascots.
Show-ring crowd favorites
Many modern notable Terriers are recognized through major conformation wins.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Scottish Terriers
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Scottish Terrier right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Scottish Terrier compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Scottish Terrier are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/scottish-terrier/