Scottish Terrier

Scotties aren’t known for their tolerance or patience. They’re not suited to noisy environments or living with young children. If annoyed or startled, they can be quick to use their teeth.

A Scottie would be better suited to a more mature person/couple who has experience of living with a Terrier. After bonding with their human/s, they can be incredibly loyal – but a bit stand-offish with strangers.

The Scottie can be affectionate, but only with their favourite humans. They love to be around them and will seek attention through licking! But they’re certainly not lap dogs. In fact, they’re pretty independent and need their own space.

So, whilst they do have an affectionate side, please don’t expect your Scottie to be soft and silly with strangers. This isn’t in their nature.

Far from being couch potatoes, Scotties are a great companion for anyone who is active and enjoys the outdoors.  

Yes, this lively little breed is full of life and fun! Playing games of tuggy and ‘killing’ squeaky toys gives them lots of pleasure.

They also love to play seek and find games. Hiding treats around the house and/or garden for them to find really gets them going!

Scotties love a dig pit where they can look for treats – it’s in their genetic makeup to look for food in this way!

This breed also loves to run and explore. But once they’re hot on the trail of something, it’s possible they won’t respond to recall. So they should only be off lead in secure areas. 

The short answer is yes. Scotties make excellent home alarm systems. They’re extremely vigilant when it comes to home security and will let their people know if anyone is about – friend or foe.

They’ll also let their people know if they get bored or frustrated by shouting about it. Of course, barking can be minimised with the right training – and meeting their needs. But, like a lot of terriers, Scotties are not a quiet breed.

Scotties need lots of physical and mental exercise. They also need experienced, competent people to look after them.

Without proper socialisation and habituation, along with kind fair and effective training, problems can occur. Socialisation is teaching a puppy to interact in an appropriate way with people and other dogs. Habituation is teaching a puppy to ignore some people, other dogs, traffic, noises, livestock, etc.

If they miss out on the right training, a Scottie could develop several behavioural issues including barking, digging, chewing, chasing other animals and aggression towards strangers.

Sharing your life with Scottie is a big responsibility and should be taken seriously. Put in the hard work and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal companion. 

The Scottie needs an experienced, confident, and competent person in their life. Their compact size may lead you to think they would suit living in a flat, but that’s far from the truth! As incredibly alert guard dogs, you may find their barking is problematic for you and your neighbours.

Whilst small in stature, they need plenty of exercise, so access to enclosed open spaces is essential.

Scotties can be distant or even hostile towards strangers. So if sociability is important to you, a Scottie probably won’t be good choice.

This feisty Terrier is not compatible with other animals unless properly and extensively socialised as a puppy. If you want a loyal, active, comical, independent companion, a Scottie might just be the dog for you. 

Scotties are a fit, athletic little breed with lots of stamina. They need a good hour's free running exercise every day.

Their high chase drive means having them off lead in rural areas is risky. If they’ve got their sights set on any form of wildlife, they turn their ears off. You can probably forget about trying to call them back!

Access to secure open spaces is essential for Scotties. As a dog which was originally a working breed, it’s vital their brains are exercised as much as their bodies. Scent games, puzzle feeders, and activity toys will help stimulate their busy brains. 

Scotties are easier to train when they’re puppies. They adore food and toys, which are both very effective as rewards for good behaviour!

This breed has a big attitude, so socialisation and habituation training are key. Once they hit maturity, the Scottie can be harder to motivate. They’re an independent breed and like to do things in their own time – and on their own terms. Don’t give up, because with training, exercise, and mental stimulation, you can avoid, or at least reduce, certain behaviour issues. These can include nuisance barking, digging holes in your lawn, aggression towards other dogs/animals and even being snappy with strangers.  

Scotties have a double coat. The top coat is thick and coarse, whereas the under coat is soft and dense.

They’re classed as moderate shedders and need regular grooming. You’ll need a slicker brush, rake, and a comb.

Without proper care, their coats keep growing and can mat and knot quickly, which may be painful for the dog. So if you’re not confident using a pair of clippers, it’s best to arrange visits to a professional groomer every six weeks for a proper spruce-up. This could include a bath, brush, clip, ear clean, and nail trim. But remember, this comes at a cost! 

Scottish Terriers are generally healthy dogs, but they can develop or inherit several health conditions. These include bleeding disorders, joint issues, autoimmune diseases, scotty cramp, and luxating patella (where the kneecap pops out).

Always ask a breeder what tests they carry out on their breeding stock.

You can help keep your dog in tip-top shape with regular health checks, a good diet and exercise.