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Scottish Terrier: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Written by: Dogster Team

Last Updated on February 13, 2024 by Dogster Team

Scottish Terrier: Info, Pictures, Facts, & Traits

Quick Facts

  • Weight: 17.5 – 22 pounds (8.5 – 10 kg)
  • Height: 10 inches (25 cm)

The Look of a Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers have small, compact, sturdy frames covered in coarse, wiry, weatherproof coats that usually come in black, brindle or wheaten colors. Their long heads have full muzzles, square jaws, pointy ears, and widely set eyes. Their intense stare has often been called “varminty.” Scotties have thick necks that slope down to short, cobby bodies with broad chests and short but powerful legs. Their thick, tapered tails are usually carried high.

Traits

  • Friendly
  • Sturdy
  • Protective
  • Active
  • Stable
  • Loyal

Ideal Human Companion

  • Retirees
  • City dwellers
  • Outdoorsy types
  • Families
Scottish Terrier
Image Credit: Pikrepo

What They Are Like to Live With

Sporty and playful, Scottish Terriers bring a high-spirited energy to any household. Perfectly at home in apartments, houses, or grand estates, Scotties have a distinctive charm that can be both amusing and bewildering at the same time. They are a proud breed, full of happiness, dignity, and toughness. Most of all, they love companionship—give your Scottie plenty of that, and it will be your ever-loving pal.

Don’t be fooled by their size: Scotties make terrific watchdogs. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more formidable little scrapper. Protective and fearless when their environments are threatened, they also know when to show restraint. They are somewhat reserved with people outside the family circle—some might even call them aloof—but as long as they are properly introduced to new friends they will be perfectly charming.

Things You Should Know

Scotties need exercise, attention, and activity to stay physically and mentally sharp. If you leave them in the backyard for hours at a time, you’re asking for trouble: Scottish Terriers love to dig. And when they’re bored, they can get up to all sorts of other mischief. Make sure your Scottie gets plenty of walks, including special times off the leash in a controlled environment.

A healthy Scottish Terrier can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include epilepsy and von Willebrand disease (a prolonged bleeding disorder). They are also susceptible to something called “Scottie Cramp,” when the muscles randomly lock up. This usually occurs during exercise and can last for a few minutes.

Scotties need to be brushed regularly. During shedding seasons, they should be brushed daily (at least). Scottish Terriers need to be professionally groomed several times a year.

Scottish Terrier History

Bred long and low to follow foxes, rabbits, and badgers into their dens, the Scottish Terrier either dates from the 19th century or the 15th century depending on who’s doing the talking. For many years, various terriers including the Skye and Yorkshire were lumped into the “Scottish Terrier” category, angering some purists. To set matters straight, the Scottish Terrier Clubs of England and Scotland were formed in the early 1880s. Today, the Scottish Terrier—along with the West Highland—is considered the oldest of the Highland Terriers.

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