Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers typically live to around 11–13 years. Buying from health-tested parents, keeping your Scottie lean, staying alert to the breed's known issues — including its raised cancer risk — and keeping up with preventive vet care all help yours reach the upper end of that range and stay comfortable in older age.

Scotties are prone to von Willebrand's disease (an inherited bleeding disorder), 'Scottie cramp' (a usually benign movement disorder), craniomandibular osteopathy ('lion jaw') in puppies, and patellar luxation. The breed also carries an elevated risk of certain cancers, including bladder (transitional cell carcinoma) and lymphoma. A health-testing breeder and prompt vet attention reduce the impact.

Scottie cramp is an inherited movement disorder fairly specific to the breed. During excitement or exercise the dog's muscles stiffen, the back may arch and the gait becomes awkward, sometimes causing a brief tumble. It isn't painful and the dog recovers within minutes once calm. It's generally benign, but any episode of stiffness or collapse should be checked by your vet first.

Scotties are loyal, dignified and devoted, usually bonding closely with one or two people. They can be good family companions in homes that understand terriers, but they're independent, can be reserved with strangers and won't tolerate rough handling, so they suit households with older, considerate children. Early socialisation helps temper their natural boldness and wariness.

Yes — the wiry double coat needs regular work. Show coats are kept by hand-stripping (plucking out dead hair), while many pet Scotties are clipped, which is easier but softens the texture and dulls the colour over time. Either way, brush a few times a week and keep the distinctive beard and furnishings clean, combed and free of food and tangles.

Yes. The Scottie was bred to hunt and go to ground after rats, foxes and badgers, so a strong prey drive is built in. Many will chase small animals and dig given the chance. Secure fencing, a reliable recall and lead walks near wildlife or livestock are sensible. That working heritage also explains their boldness and determination.

Scotties have a reputation for independence and stubbornness — a legacy of being bred to work alone underground and think for themselves. They're intelligent and learn quickly, but they decide whether to comply. Short, positive, reward-based training sessions started early, with patience and consistency, get far better results than repetition or any heavy-handed approach.

Scottish Terriers are a small, sturdy breed. They typically stand around 25–28cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 8.5–10.5kg, with a compact, muscular, short-legged build. Despite their size they're powerful and dense for their frame, so keeping them lean and well-conditioned matters for their joints and overall health.

It varies. Scotties can be bold and same-sex intolerant, and their terrier confidence means they rarely back down from a larger dog. Some live happily with another dog they've been raised with, but many prefer to be the only one. Early socialisation helps, and sensible management around unfamiliar dogs is usually wise throughout their life.

Scotties are generally considered senior from around eight to nine years old. It's a sensible point to move to twice-yearly vet checks, watch closely for the breed's raised cancer risk, keep an eye on the joints, weight and toileting, and adapt exercise and bedding to support an ageing dog while keeping them active and engaged.

Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Scottish Terriers tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Scottish Terrier needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.

Better with some experience. Scottish Terriers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Flat-friendly. A Scottish Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.