People usually start looking up Scottish Terriers when they’re weighing up a puppy, trying to understand a grown dog’s quirks, or checking whether the breed’s health risks and grooming needs will fit real life.
A Scottie is small enough for an apartment, but it’s not a “small, easy” dog. The breed tends to be independent, strongly terrier-minded, and particular about handling—so the choices you make early (training, socialisation, coat care, and health screening) shape the dog you live with for years.
Scottish Terrier at a glance
- Size: Small, thick-set and short-legged1
- Height: 25–28 cm at the withers1
- Weight: 8.5–10.5 kg (typical breed-standard range)1
- Coat: Close-lying double coat; harsh, wiry outer coat with a soft undercoat1
- Colours: Black, brindle, or wheaten1
- Temperament: Dignified, independent and reserved; bold but not aggressive (in the breed standard)1
- Typical lifespan: Often around 10–14 years (individual dogs vary)2
What a Scottish Terrier is like to live with
In the house, a Scottie often moves like a small, watchful animal with its own opinions. The breed was shaped for independent work—going to ground after vermin—so it’s normal for many Scotties to think first and comply second.3
That independence can look like stubbornness. It can also look like calm: a dog that doesn’t constantly seek attention, but keeps track of the household from a favourite spot.
Temperament in plain terms
Breed standards describe the Scottish Terrier as loyal and faithful, dignified, independent and reserved, and “bold, but never aggressive”.1 In everyday life, that often translates to:
- a strong bond with family, sometimes with one person in particular
- wariness with strangers until properly introduced
- a tendency to chase small moving things (classic terrier behaviour)
History and origin
Scottish Terriers developed in Scotland as tough little hunters and ratters, built for working through scrub and burrows on farms and estates.3 They were valued because once the dog disappeared underground, it had to make decisions on its own—no hand signals, no second chances.
In Australia, the breed has been established for well over a century; Dogs Australia notes Scottish Terriers were imported into Australia in 1889.3
Appearance and unique traits
The classic Scottie outline is compact and low to the ground, with a long head, erect ears, and the familiar beard and eyebrows that frame the eyes.1 The double coat is practical rather than fluffy—weather-resistant and dense, designed for brambles, dirt, and cold air.1
Coat texture matters (and grooming changes it)
The harsh outer coat is part of the breed’s function and look. If you keep a Scottie in a short “pet trim” with clippers, the coat can become softer over time. Hand-stripping (done by a skilled groomer) helps maintain the wiry texture, but not every household needs or wants that level of coat work.
Training and exercise
Scotties usually do best with calm, consistent training and clear boundaries. They’re often bright and observant, but not especially interested in repeating drills just to please you. Short sessions, good timing, and rewards that matter to the dog tend to work better than heavy-handed corrections.
Socialisation: start early, keep it gentle
Early, steady socialisation helps a Scottie stay composed around visitors, other dogs, and busy public places. Aim for lots of small, positive exposures rather than a few overwhelming ones.
How much exercise?
Most Scottish Terriers are not endurance athletes, but they do need daily movement and time to sniff and explore. As a guide, many households find that a brisk walk plus a bit of play and nose-work at home is enough for a settled adult dog.
Health: what to know before you choose a Scottie
No breed is “bulletproof”. The Scottish Terrier is generally sturdy, but there are a few conditions worth knowing about early, because they affect how you choose a breeder and what you watch for across the dog’s life.
“Scotty cramp” (movement episodes)
Scotty cramp is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder seen in Scottish Terriers, where episodes can be triggered by exercise or excitement and may involve stiffness, arching of the back, and an altered gait. The prognosis is often good for mild cases, but it should be discussed with your vet—especially if you’re seeing repeated episodes in a young dog.4
Vermin-hunter body, modern living
Because Scotties are low-set and sturdy, keeping them lean matters. Extra weight doesn’t just “round them out”—it can increase strain on joints and reduce the dog’s comfort and stamina. Your vet is the best guide for target weight and feeding amounts for your individual dog.
Cancer risk: take urinary signs seriously
Scottish Terriers are widely recognised as a breed with increased risk of transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer). Blood in the urine, straining, frequent urination, or accidents in a previously house-trained dog should be checked promptly, as these signs can also look like a simple urinary tract infection.5
Grooming and maintenance
A Scottie’s coat is designed to resist weather, not to look tidy on its own. Regular grooming prevents matting in the softer undercoat and keeps the skin in good condition.1
Practical grooming routine
- Brush and comb: a few times a week, paying attention to the “furnishings” (legs, beard, and skirt).
- Trim: every 6–10 weeks for most pet homes (more often if you prefer the classic outline).
- Ears, nails, teeth: small, regular checks beat occasional big battles.
Diet and feeding
Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your dog’s age and activity level. Scotties can be enthusiastic about treats, so it helps to measure meals and use part of the daily ration for training rewards.
If your dog has itchy skin, recurrent ear infections, or persistent digestive upsets, speak with your vet before you switch foods repeatedly—skin and gut signs can have several causes, and a structured plan tends to get better answers.
Family fit: children, other pets, and visitors
Scottish Terriers can suit family life, especially with older children who can read a dog’s signals and avoid rough handling. With very young children, close supervision matters—Scotties are not typically tolerant of being poked, hugged tightly, or surprised while resting.
With other animals, early introductions help, but a strong prey drive is normal for the breed. Small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds) should be managed carefully and never assumed “safe” because the dog seems calm.
Famous Scottish Terriers
The breed has long had a public profile. One of the best-known Scotties was Fala, owned by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who became famous in his own right during Roosevelt’s presidency.6
Final thoughts
A Scottish Terrier is often at its best with people who enjoy a dog that feels like a small, self-possessed creature—alert, durable, and quietly devoted. If you value that independence, and you’re ready to do the steady work of training, socialisation, and coat care, the Scottie can be a remarkably satisfying companion.1
References
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) – Scottish Terrier breed standard
- Burke’s Backyard – Scottish Terriers (overview, size, lifespan)
- Dogs Australia – Scottish Terrier (breed overview and Australian import history)
- PetMD – Muscle cramps in Scottish Terriers (“Scotty cramp”)
- VCA Hospitals – Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in dogs
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum – Fala (Roosevelt’s Scottish Terrier)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom