A self-assured little dog with a big personality. It is loyal, clever and brave, yet reserved and dignified, often keeping a slight distance from strangers while being warm and playful with its own family. It likes to make up its own mind, so training works best in short, varied and reward-based sessions. It has a keen terrier drive and will alert its household to anything unusual.15823
how to spot oneScottish Terrier coat and colours
double coat, harsh and wiry
A weather-resistant double coat with a short, dense, soft undercoat under a hard, wiry, tight outer coat. It is usually hand-stripped and shaped to give the classic Scottie outline with beard, eyebrows and leg furnishings. The body is low, compact and thick-set on short, strong legs, with a long head, small pointed prick ears, dark deep-set eyes and a thick, carrot-shaped tail held up or with a slight curve.1263
Comes inblackwheatenbrindle of any shadeblack brindle162
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Scottish Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery day
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
how busy a day looksScottish Terrier exercise needs
Moderate. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 1 hour a day and Hill's around 20-40 minutes. Scotties enjoy brisk walks, a run in a secure area and chase games, and like mental challenges as much as physical ones.635
where they are happiestScottish Terrier at home
Adapts to both town and country living and needs only a small to medium garden. As a natural digger, it needs secure fencing that also goes below ground level.635
who they like aroundScottish Terrier with people and other pets
Forms strong bonds with its family and prefers being with people to being left alone, though it is not a clingy dog. It does best with calm, respectful children. It is selective rather than gregarious with other dogs, so early, steady socialisation helps.532
the hands-on bitsScottish Terrier grooming and care
The wiry coat sheds very little. Brush a few times a week (The Royal Kennel Club lists daily grooming) and plan professional stripping or trimming roughly every 2-3 months to keep the shape of the head, beard, legs and tail.3562
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Scottish Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Scottish Terrier at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. This routine helps their digestion and keeps their energy steady.19
What should a Scottish Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.110
How often should I bathe a Scottish Terrier?
Bathing every eight weeks is a good starting plan, but you can bathe more often if your Scottie gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their wiry coat healthy. Over-bathing can dry their skin, so adjust as needed.111
How often does a Scottish Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Scottish Terrier a few times a week to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Daily brushing is even better for their wiry coat. This keeps their coat looking neat and reduces shedding.111
How do I trim a Scottish Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Scottie's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.111
How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?
Your Scottish Terrier needs about 20 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, including brisk walks and playtime in a secure area. They also enjoy mental challenges like puzzle toys. Adjust the amount based on your dog's energy and age.63
How do I look after a Scottish Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Scottie's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues. Check their ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.111
How long does a Scottish Terrier live?
Scottish Terriers typically live between 11 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long and happy life. Senior care usually starts around age 10.354
Is a Scottish Terrier good with children and other pets?
Scottish Terriers do best with calm, respectful children and can be selective with other dogs. Early, steady socialization helps them get along better. They form strong bonds with their family and are loyal companions.532
Can a Scottish Terrier be left alone?
Scottish Terriers prefer being with their family and can become lonely if left alone for long periods. They are not clingy but need company and mental stimulation. If you must leave them, provide toys and gradually increase alone time.532
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchScottish Terrier health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Scottish Terrier. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma)
A cancer of the bladder lining seen far more in Scotties than other dogs; blood in the urine in an older dog needs a prompt check. Scottish Terrier Club of America article: about 18 times the risk of mixed-breed dogs ↗
von Willebrand disease (type III)
A recessive bleeding disorder; affected dogs bleed heavily at surgery, and a DNA test finds carriers. DNA test required for CHIC by the Scottish Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Craniomandibular osteopathy (CMO)
Extra bone grows on the jaw of puppies, making eating painful for a while; a DNA test finds carriers. DNA test required for CHIC by the Scottish Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Patellar luxation
The kneecap slips out of place and causes a skipping step. Patella exam required for CHIC by the Scottish Terrier Club of America; no published rate ↗
Hypothyroidism (autoimmune thyroiditis)
An underactive thyroid causing weight gain and a poor coat; treated with daily tablets. Elective CHIC test for the breed; no published rate ↗
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
The top of the thigh bone loses blood supply in a young dog and crumbles, causing limping; surgery usually fixes it. Elective CHIC test for the breed; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
von Willebrand disease III DNA test CHIC / Scottish Terrier Club of America (required) ↗
Patella exam (OFA) CHIC / Scottish Terrier Club of America (required) ↗
CMO DNA test CHIC / Scottish Terrier Club of America (required) ↗
One of: thyroid panel, eye exam, Legg-Calve-Perthes X-ray, bile acid or kidney screen CHIC / Scottish Terrier Club of America (elective) ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Scottish Terrier costs
Running costs for a Scottish Terrier, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Scottish Terrier legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Scottish Terrier in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Scottish Terrier tip
Scottish Terriers are prone to weight gain and sensitive skin, so measure meals carefully and choose single-ingredient treats or puzzle feeders for mental stimulation. Brush their teeth daily to prevent the dental disease common in this breed.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottie Fala, full name 'Murray the Outlaw of Falahill', is the only presidential pet honoured with a statue at the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.12
2
During the Second World War, soldiers reportedly used Fala's name as a password.12
3
The Scottish Terrier has won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show eight times, second only to the Wire Fox Terrier.13
4
A Scottie called Tickle 'Em Jock took Best in Show at Westminster in 1911, a win that boosted the breed's fame in America.14
5
The Scottie is one of the classic playing tokens in the board game Monopoly.4
6
By 1936 the Scottish Terrier ranked third among the most popular breeds in the United States.4
7
Early descriptions noted that its large head, strong neck and short, powerful front legs with sturdy nails were all suited to digging and working below ground.14
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The Scottish Terrier is named for its origin in Scotland, where it was one of the highland terrier breeds. It is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish city, and popularly called the Scottie.4
stars of the breedFamous ones
Fala Fala was the beloved Scottish Terrier of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, often seen in public and featured in many photographs.4
Barney Barney was the Scottish Terrier owned by U.S. President George W. Bush, known for his appearances in White House videos and photos.4
Telek Telek was a Scottish Terrier owned by General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Second World War.15
This morning I marched around the garden, tail high, inspecting every corner. A leaf dared to blow past, so I gave it a good chase and a growl. After breakfast, I curled on the sofa with my human, watching the rain. When the postman came, I gave a proper alert bark, then trotted back for ear scratches. Later we walked the lane, where I ignored a passing dog with great dignity. Now I'm guarding my bone, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganScottish Terrier history
The Scottie comes from the Scottish Highlands, where short-legged, tough terriers were kept to follow foxes, badgers, otters and vermin into their dens. Early writers grouped several Scottish terriers under shared names such as Skye, Cairn and Aberdeen Terrier, and the nickname 'Diehard' goes back to an Earl of Dumbarton, whose terriers were famed for their grit. In the late 1870s breeders led by Captain Gordon Murray and S. E. Shirley settled on a distinct type, the name Scottish Terrier was adopted in 1879, and the first written standard (drafted by J. B. Morrison) appeared in 1880 in Vero Shaw's Illustrated Book of the Dog. A breed club followed in England in 1881-1882 and in Scotland in 1888. The AKC recognised the breed as early as 1885, larger numbers of Scotties reached America from the early 1890s, and the Scottish Terrier Club of America was formed in 1900. It became hugely popular in the 1930s, helped by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog Fala, and around that time a fashion for solid black coats took hold, although early Scotties were more often brindle, grey or red.414261163
West Highland White Terrier
Cairn Terrier
Skye Terrier
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Sealyham Terrier
Cesky Terrier