Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier
Terrier Group

Scottish Terrier - General Information


Weight: male: 19-22, female: 18-21 lbs

Height: 10 inches

Color(s): Black, wheaten, or brindle of any color

Character: The Scottish Terrier exudes a bold and dignified manner. They do not give their love and devotion freely. This breed will typically watch their surroundings and those around them before making any decisions regarding them. The Scottie is extremely smart and independent.

Temperament: The Scottish Terrier will go anywhere and do anything. They have a dominant personality and a tendency to be territorial. The Scottie may show aggression to other dogs and cats if they are not socialized properly at an early age. They are good watchdogs and will not bark without good reason. They are not tolerant of unruly and rambunctious young children.

Care: The Scottish Terrier requires brushing twice weekly to keep the coat tangle free. They do require grooming and trimming to keep their distinctive look. The Scottie is highly prone to cancer of the bladder. They also may suffer from cataracts, hypothyroidism, and Von Willebrand Disease. This breed is especially sensitive to fleas and many have skin problems.

Training: The Scottish Terrier does best with very early socialization training to avoid aggression to other dogs' as they get older. Their strong independence presents a training challenge. The Scottie can be stubborn, so motivation, consistency, and positive praise are a must. They do very well in obedience and agility if the proper training techniques are utilized.

Activity: The Scottish Terrier is always ready for an adventure and activity. They require long walks, stimulation, and play. The Scottie does not do well in extremely warm climates. They love to play ball and derive great pleasure from playing fetch. They do well in apartment living provided they are exercised appropriately. The Scottie will become bored and destructive if they do not receive stimulation and exercise and may dig and bark excessively.