Scottish Terrier
IndependentConfidentSpirited
Scotland · 12–15 years
About the Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the 'Scottie,' is a compact, dignified terrier with a distinctive profile recognized worldwide. Their long head, erect ears, prominent eyebrows, and iconic beard give them an unmistakable silhouette — famously immortalized as a Monopoly game piece. Scotties were originally bred in the Scottish Highlands to hunt badgers, foxes, and other den-dwelling animals. They are bold, confident, and independent dogs with a spirited personality much larger than their small frame. Scotties have been the chosen breed of three U.S. presidents.
Breed stats
- Height
- 10–10 in
- Weight
- 18–22 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Terrier
- Coat
- Hard, wiry outer coat with dense, soft undercoat
- Origin
- Scotland
Coat colors
- Black
- Wheaten
- Brindle
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–1.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Scottie cramp
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Bladder cancer (TCC)
- Craniomandibular osteopathy
- Hypothyroidism
Not every Scottish Terrier will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Scottish Terriers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Scottish Terriers are famously independent and strong-willed, which is often interpreted as stubbornness. They were bred to work independently underground, making decisions without human guidance, and this self-reliance carries into all aspects of their personality. Scotties will evaluate a command and decide whether it is worth obeying rather than blindly complying. Positive reinforcement with patience and consistency works best — they respond poorly to forceful methods. Many Scottie owners learn to appreciate their dog's independent spirit and negotiate rather than command.
- Scottish Terriers can be good apartment dogs thanks to their small size and moderate exercise needs. They require about 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise, which is manageable with walks and indoor play. They are generally calm and dignified indoors. However, their tendency to bark — particularly at noises and perceived intruders — can be problematic in apartments with thin walls. Teaching a 'quiet' command early is important. Their independent nature means they tolerate being alone better than many breeds, making them suitable for working owners.
- Scottish Terriers can be challenging with other dogs. They are bold, assertive, and often show same-sex aggression — they will not back down from a confrontation, regardless of the other dog's size. Early socialization is essential but may not completely override their territorial instincts. Scotties generally do better as single dogs or paired with a calm, non-dominant companion of the opposite sex. They should always be leashed around unfamiliar dogs. Their prey drive also means small pets like hamsters and rabbits are at risk around unsupervised Scotties.
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