Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers are known as independent, confident, and spirited breeds. They have been described as a small, compact, and sturdy dog
Scottish Terrier Breed overview
Scottish Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs with a sturdy, compact build and distinctive, wiry coat. They are loyal and affectionate with their family, but can be wary of strangers or dogs. They require regular grooming and exercise to maintain their health and happiness. This breed makes excellent watchdogs and working dogs, with a strong desire for mental and physical stimulation and the natural ability to hunt small rodents and vermin. Overall, Scottish Terriers are a unique and charismatic breed with a long history of loyal companionship.
Explore other breeds
What To Expect When Caring For a Scottish Terrier
Health
Scottish Terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as skin allergies, bladder cancer, and Cushing's disease. It is important to take preventative measures by regularly grooming their coat which will reduce the chances of skin issues. They are also prone to dental issues, so it is important to provide proper dental care.
Like all other breeds, Scottish Terriers need to be checked regularly for any signs of health issues.
Grooming
Scottish Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coat shiny and healthy. They have a weather-resistant double coat that can be clipped or hand-stripped. They need regular brushing and combing to prevent matting and tangling. Grooming will also reduce the chances of skin infections. It is important to bathe them occasionally and to trim their nails.
Training
Scottish Terriers are intelligent dogs and quick learners. However, they can be stubborn and independent at times. They require consistent training and socialization to prevent any behavioral issues such as excessive barking or aggression towards other dogs. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best for this breed to promote good behavior.
It is important to begin training and socialization early to ensure a well-behaved adult dog.
Exercise
Scottish Terriers have moderate exercise needs. They require daily exercise which can be in the form of a brisk walk or play in a fenced yard. They are small in size so a short walk can be sufficient. They enjoy playing games and engaging in fun activities with their owners.
Nutrition
Scottish Terriers are prone to getting overweight, so it is important to watch their diet. They require a balanced diet of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain a healthy weight. There are specific dog foods formulated for Scottish Terriers, but the diet should be tailored to the dog's individual needs. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Scottish Terrier.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.
Scottish Terrier Traits & Characteristics
Scottish Terriers have a height of 25 cm and can weigh between 8-10 kg. They have a double coat which is hard and wiry on top, while the undercoat is soft and dense. The breed standard for Scotties is a long, lean head, with bushy eyebrows, a strong jaw, and small, deep-set eyes. They have small pointed ears that stand erect on the head. The body is short and compact with a level topline and a fox-like tail.
The breed standard for Scottish Terrier specifies black, wheaten, and brindle colors which are hard, wiry, and weather-resistant.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Scottish Terriers are generally affectionate, but it may take some time for them to warm up to new family members or strangers. Once they bond with someone, they will show unwavering loyalty and love.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Scottish Terriers have a low tolerance for children's play and energy and may become irritable. It's important to socialize them with children from an early age and supervise interactions to prevent accidents.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Scottish Terriers can be dog-aggressive, especially with dogs of the same sex. Early socialization and training are essential to prevent this behavior.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Scottish Terriers can be wary of strangers and may bark or become aloof. Early socialization can help to reduce this behavior.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Scottish Terriers are playful and energetic, but they can also be stubborn and independent. They enjoy games and exercise, but may need extra motivation to participate.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Scottish Terriers are alert and attentive dogs, with a natural instinct to protect their family and territory. They make great watchdogs and companions for those seeking a loyal, vigilant companion.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Scottish Terriers can adapt well to different living situations, but they prefer a consistent routine and may become anxious with major changes. Providing a stable environment and regular exercise can help to reduce stress and promote adaptability.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Scottish Terriers shed minimally, but their hard, wiry coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Scottish Terriers have a high-maintenance coat that needs to be brushed and trimmed on a regular basis. They also require ear cleaning and nail trimming to prevent infections and overgrowth.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Scottish Terriers are known for their dry mouth and low drooling tendency.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Scottish Terriers are a small to medium-sized breed, with an average weight of 19-22 pounds and height of 10 inches. They have a sturdy, compact build and a distinctive, wiry coat.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Scottish Terriers have moderate energy levels and need regular exercise, but they don't require excessive activity. They enjoy a daily walk or playtime in a fenced yard.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Scottish Terriers need regular exercise to maintain optimum health and prevent obesity. They enjoy leisurely walks, moderate playtime, and games that challenge their intellect and energy levels.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Scottish Terriers were originally bred as working dogs and have a strong desire to pursue prey and perform tasks. They excel in activities such as obedience and agility, and enjoy having a job to do.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Scottish Terriers have a natural instinct for hunting small rodents and vermin, and were originally bred for this purpose. Their keen sense of smell, intelligence, and tenacity make them excellent hunters and working dogs.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Scottish Terriers have a moderate level of vigor and endurance, and can maintain high activity levels for short periods of time. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are important to maintain their energy and vitality.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Scottish Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including Hip Dysplasia, Eye Problems, and Von Willebrand's Disease. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are important for their well-being.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Scottish Terriers have a tendency to gain weight and become obese if they don't receive enough exercise and a healthy diet. Portion control and regular exercise are essential to prevent this issue.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Scottish Terriers have a thick, double coat that provides insulation and protection from the cold. They can tolerate moderate to cold temperatures, but may need extra protection in extreme conditions.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Scottish Terriers can overheat easily due to their thick coat and moderate energy levels. It's important to provide them with plenty of water and a cool, shaded area to rest in hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Scottish Terriers can adapt to apartment living, but they need regular exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Access to a secure yard or daily walks are essential.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Scottish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander and require a securely fenced yard or leash walks. Unleashed excursions should be supervised to prevent escape and injury.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Scottish Terriers are sensitive dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle correction. Harsh training methods or punishment can cause anxiety and defiance.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Scottish Terriers can tolerate short periods of alone time, but they prefer to be with their family. They can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Scottish Terriers can be vocal dogs and may bark to alert their family of strangers or other dogs. Training can help to reduce excessive barking, but they will always be alert watchdogs.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Scottish Terriers are intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation, but they can also be independent thinkers. Advanced training, games, and puzzle toys can help to challenge their minds and prevent boredom.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Scottish Terriers can be a challenge for novice owners due to their strong-willed and independent nature. Early socialization, training, and consistency are essential for success with this breed.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Scottish Terriers can be difficult to train due to their stubborn nature and independent streak. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key, but it may take longer for them to learn new commands and tricks.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
Scottish Terriers are generally affectionate, but it may take some time for them to warm up to new family members or strangers. Once they bond with someone, they will show unwavering loyalty and love.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
Scottish Terriers have a low tolerance for children's play and energy and may become irritable. It's important to socialize them with children from an early age and supervise interactions to prevent accidents.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
Scottish Terriers can be dog-aggressive, especially with dogs of the same sex. Early socialization and training are essential to prevent this behavior.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
Scottish Terriers can be wary of strangers and may bark or become aloof. Early socialization can help to reduce this behavior.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
Scottish Terriers are playful and energetic, but they can also be stubborn and independent. They enjoy games and exercise, but may need extra motivation to participate.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
Scottish Terriers are alert and attentive dogs, with a natural instinct to protect their family and territory. They make great watchdogs and companions for those seeking a loyal, vigilant companion.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
Scottish Terriers can adapt well to different living situations, but they prefer a consistent routine and may become anxious with major changes. Providing a stable environment and regular exercise can help to reduce stress and promote adaptability.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
Scottish Terriers shed minimally, but their hard, wiry coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
Scottish Terriers have a high-maintenance coat that needs to be brushed and trimmed on a regular basis. They also require ear cleaning and nail trimming to prevent infections and overgrowth.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
Scottish Terriers are known for their dry mouth and low drooling tendency.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
Scottish Terriers are a small to medium-sized breed, with an average weight of 19-22 pounds and height of 10 inches. They have a sturdy, compact build and a distinctive, wiry coat.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
Scottish Terriers have moderate energy levels and need regular exercise, but they don't require excessive activity. They enjoy a daily walk or playtime in a fenced yard.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Scottish Terriers need regular exercise to maintain optimum health and prevent obesity. They enjoy leisurely walks, moderate playtime, and games that challenge their intellect and energy levels.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
Scottish Terriers were originally bred as working dogs and have a strong desire to pursue prey and perform tasks. They excel in activities such as obedience and agility, and enjoy having a job to do.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
Scottish Terriers have a natural instinct for hunting small rodents and vermin, and were originally bred for this purpose. Their keen sense of smell, intelligence, and tenacity make them excellent hunters and working dogs.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
Scottish Terriers have a moderate level of vigor and endurance, and can maintain high activity levels for short periods of time. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are important to maintain their energy and vitality.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
Scottish Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including Hip Dysplasia, Eye Problems, and Von Willebrand's Disease. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are important for their well-being.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
Scottish Terriers have a tendency to gain weight and become obese if they don't receive enough exercise and a healthy diet. Portion control and regular exercise are essential to prevent this issue.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
Scottish Terriers have a thick, double coat that provides insulation and protection from the cold. They can tolerate moderate to cold temperatures, but may need extra protection in extreme conditions.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
Scottish Terriers can overheat easily due to their thick coat and moderate energy levels. It's important to provide them with plenty of water and a cool, shaded area to rest in hot weather.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
Scottish Terriers can adapt to apartment living, but they need regular exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Access to a secure yard or daily walks are essential.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
Scottish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander and require a securely fenced yard or leash walks. Unleashed excursions should be supervised to prevent escape and injury.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
Scottish Terriers are sensitive dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle correction. Harsh training methods or punishment can cause anxiety and defiance.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
Scottish Terriers can tolerate short periods of alone time, but they prefer to be with their family. They can become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
Scottish Terriers can be vocal dogs and may bark to alert their family of strangers or other dogs. Training can help to reduce excessive barking, but they will always be alert watchdogs.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
Scottish Terriers are intelligent and enjoy mental stimulation, but they can also be independent thinkers. Advanced training, games, and puzzle toys can help to challenge their minds and prevent boredom.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Scottish Terriers can be a challenge for novice owners due to their strong-willed and independent nature. Early socialization, training, and consistency are essential for success with this breed.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
Scottish Terriers can be difficult to train due to their stubborn nature and independent streak. Positive reinforcement and consistency are key, but it may take longer for them to learn new commands and tricks.
Similar breeds
History of the Scottish Terrier
Scottish Terriers have been known in Scotland since the 16th century and were used for hunting animals that burrowed into the ground. In the early days, the breed was known as the Aberdeen Terrier because they were first bred in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. The breed standard for Scottish Terrier was developed in the late 1800s and the first documented Scottish Terrier was shown at the Crystal Palace Dog Show in 1881.
During World War I and World War II, Scottish Terriers became very popular as mascots for the military. They were also popular with celebrities, and presidents like Franklin D. Roosevelt, who owned a Scottish Terrier named Fala.
Scottish Terrier Puppies
Scottish Terrier puppies are born black, but as they mature their coat color may change. The puppy's coat will take about 2-3 years to grow completely. They are energetic, playful, and inquisitive dogs. Puppies require proper socialization and training to ensure they become well-rounded adults. They may be susceptible to certain health issues such as Scottie Cramp and Von Willebrand disease.