Scottish Terrier: All About The Breed

Have you got your eye on a Scottish Terrier? These wiry little dogs make for great pets, despite their working roots.

Like most Terriers, they’re bold and feisty. So, if you’re after a best friend with a big personality, look no further. As they say, dynamite comes in small packages.

Find out more about where the Scottish Terrier originated, what they love and hate, and how much exercise they need by reading the rest of our Scottie profile.

History of the Scottish Terrier

It probably comes as no surprise to hear the Scottish Terrier originated in Scotland. More specifically, they’re from Aberdeen. Decades ago, Scotties were actually called Aberdeen Terriers.

Like other Terrier breeds, they were originally designed to help hunt. Scottish Terriers were bred specifically to hunt vermin like rabbits and foxes. They were prized for their ability to chase vermin into their nests over all kinds of terrain. So, their reputation as being small but sturdy is well-earned.

Physical appearance and traits

The Dogs New Zealand breed standards for Scottish Terriers say they are of medium size with short legs, and describes the breed as “sturdy and thick set.” With their hallmark pointed ears and shaggy coats, it’s easy to see why Scotties these days are mostly pets rather than working dogs.

While most Scottish Terriers are black, Dogs NZ notes that they can be black, wheaten, or brindle of any colour. The eyes are “dark brown, almond-shaped, and intelligent.”

The shaggy Scottish Terrier coat is actually two coats, similar to Labradors. One is a dense and short undercoat, with the outer coat being wiry and harsh. Why? It creates a weather-resistant coat – which was probably quite useful in Scotland all those years ago!

The Scottish Terrier’s personality

Thinking of adding a little Scottie to your home? If you’re looking for a dog who’s loyal, protective, loving, independent, and intelligent, then a Scottie could be your perfect partner. They have a playful nature, and are bold, fearless, and feisty.

Because they aren’t naturally trusting of strangers, Scottish Terriers also make excellent watch dogs. So if you need an aloof Scottish Prince to guard over your kingdom while you head out to the shops, they’ll be happy to do just that.

Like all dogs, they have their quirks. For a Scottish Terrier, the main one is they’re considered quite difficult to train due to their independent and workmanlike nature. They’re not disobedient, but were bred to do their jobs separately from the farmer or hunter so are used to getting things done all by themselves!

When you’re training them, it’s important to use positive reinforcement for dog training, as they can be very easily upset by harsh discipline or negative reinforcement.

Though Scotties love spending time with their human family, the hunting instinct they were bred for still remains. This means they aren’t always cat-friendly and have a tendency to chase rats, rabbits, or other wildlife.

Scotties are also sometimes “grumpy” towards other dogs so may need to be integrated into multiple-dog households with care.

Exercise needs

The Scottish Terrier require a moderate amount of exercise so are suited to smaller gardens or even apartments if you can provide a daily walk. Because they have strong hunting instincts, they’re prone to taking off after small prey like rabbits or mice.

If you’re walking a Scottie, it’s best to keep them on a lead. Read more about teaching your puppy to walk on a lead here.

Also keep in mind Scotties are well-known for their tendency to dig. If you can, your best option is to provide a place (like a sandpit or area of the garden) where digging is allowed. It’s also great exercise and mental stimulation for them. Read more ideas for exercising dogs without walking.

Scottish Terrier health

It’s no secret purebred dogs are often predisposed to certain health conditions. Scotties are generally healthy and have a life expectancy of around 12 years. However, they’re prone to obesity (which can contribute to diabetes in dogs) so you’ll need to make sure you watch their calorie intake.

Additionally, Scottish Terriers are known to be prone to:

• Scottie cramp (a harmless and painless disorder which temporarily affects their ability to move their legs)
• Von Willebrand disease (read more about this blood disorder here)
• Skin allergies (our dog skin conditions article explains these)

Of course, this doesn’t mean your dog will definitely suffer from any of the above. Just that they have a higher risk of it. To help put your mind at ease, consider a dog insurance plan for your Scottish Terrier. That way, you can focus on their health, not on your savings.