Scottish Terrier
Overview
The dignified, independent 'Scottie', bred in the Highlands to hunt vermin, is loyal, bold and unmistakable in silhouette. Reserved with strangers and very much its own dog. It suits owners who'll provide consistent training around a strong prey drive and stubborn streak, keep up the wiry coat's grooming, and appreciate a quietly devoted companion.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Scottish Terrier is fine with sensible, older children and can be selective with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are better with some experience. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Scottish Terrier typically needs around an hour of exercise a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is low. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Scottish Terrier should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a small breed will eat relatively little compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Dignified, loyal and low-shedding
- +Compact and suits flats
Things to consider
- –Independent and stubborn with a strong prey drive
- –Wiry coat needs regular grooming and they can be aloof
Is a Scottish Terrier right for you?
On space, a Scottish Terrier is flat-friendly — they can adapt to a flat as long as they get their daily exercise and company. For experience level, they are better with some experience. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Scottish Terrier
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Scottish Terriers good with children?
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.
How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?
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.
Do Scottish Terriers shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Scottish Terriers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
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.
Do Scottish Terriers bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Scottish Terriers good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Scottish Terriers suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Scottish Terrier can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.