Scottish Terrier — breed guide

At a glance

Group

terrier

Size

Small

Weight

8–10 kg (18–22 lb)

Life span

12–13 years

Coat

Hard, wiry coat with beard and skirt

Living with a Scottish Terrier

• Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
• Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
• Light shedding.
• Can be stubborn.
• Barks readily.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Usually fine with a familiar dog; strange dogs need managing.
• Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
• Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Average heat tolerance.
• Average cold tolerance.

Temperament

Independent · Confident · Dignified · Spirited

Health to watch

• Scottie cramp
• Von Willebrand disease
• Bladder cancer
• Craniomandibular osteopathy

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

The Scottie is the only breed to have lived in the White House three times — and it’s been a Monopoly token since the 1930s.

Questions people ask

Is a Scottish Terrier good with kids?

With care. Scottish Terriers generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Scottish Terrier good with cats?

It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.

How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?

A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.

Can a Scottish Terrier handle hot weather?

About average — use normal hot-day sense.