Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

Small Breed
Male Weight
8.5 - 10 kg
Female Weight
7.7 - 9 kg
Lifespan
12 - 15 years
Size Category
Small

About the Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a small-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 8.5 and 10 kg when fully grown, while females weigh 7.7 to 9 kg. With an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, the Scottish Terrier is a moderately long-lived breed.

Temperament

Scottish Terrier dogs are friendly, alert, and full of personality. They are adaptable companions that suit a variety of living situations. They enjoy human company and do well with families, though interactions with young children should be supervised due to their smaller size. They are intelligent and respond well to positive training methods.

Exercise Needs

Scottish Terrier dogs need about 30-60 minutes of daily exercise including walks and play. They are more active than their size suggests and enjoy exploring new environments. A secure garden is beneficial for off-lead play. They adapt well to both apartment and house living, provided they get regular outdoor time.

Common Health Issues

Scottish Terrier dogs may be prone to patellar luxation, dental disease, ear infections, and eye problems common in small breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups help catch issues early. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as even small amounts of excess weight can stress their joints. Annual health screenings are recommended.

Grooming

Scottish Terrier dogs benefit from regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat and manage shedding. Bathing every 4-6 weeks or as needed keeps the coat clean. Regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are part of a good grooming routine. Check for any skin irritation, lumps, or parasites during grooming sessions.

Breed Traits

Energy Level
Moderate
Trainability
Average
Shedding
Low
Barking
Frequent
Good with Kids
Good
Good with Dogs
With Care
Good with Strangers
Neutral

Origin & History

Origin: Scotland

The Scottish Terrier, popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog. Initially one of the highland breeds of terrier that were grouped under the name of Skye Terrier, it is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, the other four being the modern Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White terriers. They are an independent and rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. The first Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the breed "the diehard".

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Famous Scottish Terrier Owners

The Scottish Terrier has a distinguished presidential record. Franklin D. Roosevelt's black Scottie Fala became the most celebrated White House dog of the 20th century; FDR seldom went anywhere without him, and Fala is the only presidential pet honoured with a statue in Washington D.C., placed beside the FDR Memorial. George W. Bush continued the tradition with Barney and Miss Beazley, two Scotties who starred in their own official White House video series. The breed's dignified loyalty has made it a natural choice for those accustomed to the public eye.

Is the Scottish Terrier right for you?

Scottish Terrier has moderate energy levels and adapts well to various home environments and lifestyles. Generally good with children, though supervision is advised during interactions. Can coexist with other dogs when properly introduced and managed. Grooming needs are minimal with light shedding throughout the year. Quite vocal by nature, they may bark frequently if not trained. Training progresses at an average pace and requires consistent effort. Neutral with unfamiliar people, they neither seek nor avoid strangers.

Dogpanion's take: AI-generated based on breed trait data.

Scottish Terrier Breed Guide Video

Weight & Growth

A fully grown male Scottish Terrier weighs approximately 9 kg on average. Use Dogpanion's free size predictor to estimate your Scottish Terrier puppy's adult weight based on their current age and weight.

Scottish Terrier Care Tools

Dogpanion offers free tools to help you care for your Scottish Terrier:

Track Your Scottish Terrier with Dogpanion

Free age calculator, size predictor, food safety checker, and health tracker for 350+ breeds.

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Homemade Recipes for Your Scottish Terrier

Every ingredient verified safe. Use as occasional treats or meal toppers alongside a complete diet.

🍌
Banana Oat Frozen Pops
10 minutes · 6 pops
🥐
Carrot and Peanut Butter Bites
10 minutes + 20 minutes · 30 small treats
🦆
Duck and Brown Rice Bowl
10 minutes + 25 minutes · 3-4 portions
🍳
Beef and Sweet Potato Stew
10 minutes + 35 minutes · 4-5 portions
Browse all recipes