Scottish Terrier

— A Small Dog With an Unmistakably Big, Dignified Attitude.

The Scottish Terrier, often called the "Scottie," is a small but sturdy terrier developed in the Scottish Highlands to hunt vermin like rats and badgers through dense underground burrows. That working history shaped a breed known for a fearless, independent temperament packed into a compact frame, along with the dignified, confident bearing that has made the Scottie one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the dog world.

ScotlandOrigin

Terrier GroupBreed Group

11 - 13 YearsLife Expectancy

QUICK OVERVIEW

Experienced owners comfortable with an independent terrier

Households wanting a loyal, low-shedding companion

Families with older, respectful children

Owners wanting a highly biddable, eager-to-please dog

About the Scottish Terrier

Last updated: August 25, 2026 · Written by Sam, Founder

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Key Facts

Originally bred to hunt rats and badgers through underground burrows

Known for a uniquely dignified, self-assured bearing despite its small size

Independent and strong-willed, often better suited to experienced owners

Iconic enough to have lived in the White House under multiple presidents

Is Scottish Terrier Right for You?

Experienced owners comfortable with an independent terrier

Households wanting a loyal, low-shedding companion

Families with older, respectful children

Owners wanting a highly biddable, eager-to-please dog

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The Scottish Terrier has wiry outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat in black, wheaten, or brindle, with a minimal pattern year-round.

Scottish Terrier

Personality

IndependentScottish Terriers were bred to work alone underground, and that self-reliant streak persists as a strong, sometimes stubborn independent character.

DignifiedThe breed carries a notably confident, composed bearing that owners often describe as having more presence than its small size would suggest.

LoyalScotties bond closely with their families, though that loyalty comes with a reserved, sometimes aloof attitude toward strangers.

FearlessA strong prey drive and genuine boldness remain from the breed's vermin-hunting past, making early socialization and secure fencing important.

Care & Needs

GroomingThe wiry double coat needs regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping or clipping to maintain its texture, plus attention to the distinctive furnishings on the legs and beard.

ExerciseDaily walks and play sessions suit the breed's moderate energy level, though secure containment matters given its strong prey drive and digging instinct.

TrainingConsistent, engaging, reward-based training works better than repetitive drilling, since this independent breed can lose motivation quickly with dull routines.

Dental CareSmall terrier breeds are prone to dental issues, so regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental checks help prevent problems.

Health & Common Issues

Scottie CrampA benign but distinctive movement disorder triggered by stress or excitement, causing temporary muscle spasms and gait changes without affecting overall health.

Von Willebrand DiseaseAn inherited bleeding disorder that affects clotting; genetic testing in breeding lines helps identify carriers before a dog is bred.

Patellar LuxationA knee joint condition where the kneecap slips out of place, ranging from mild to requiring surgical correction in more severe cases.

Bladder CancerScottish Terriers have a notably higher risk of transitional cell carcinoma than most breeds, making routine veterinary checkups and prompt attention to urinary changes important.

Training & Exercise

Keep training sessions short, varied, and reward-based to hold the interest of this independent, easily-bored breed.
Socialize early and often with people and other dogs to soften the breed's naturally reserved, wary streak toward strangers.
Supervise around small animals given the breed's strong, historically bred-in prey drive.
Reinforce a reliable recall carefully, since a Scottie that catches an interesting scent can become singularly focused on it.

History & Origin

Origins The Scottish Terrier developed in the Highlands of Scotland, bred by farmers to hunt vermin like rats, foxes, and badgers through underground burrows and rocky terrain.

1879 The breed was first shown under the name Scottish Terrier in England, helping standardize its appearance after being grouped with other Scottish terrier types.

Early 1900s The Scottish Terrier gained popularity in the United States and became a favorite of high-profile owners, including U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Today A well-established companion and show breed, still carrying the compact strength, independence, and dignified bearing of its working past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Scottish Terriers good with children?

They can do well with older, respectful children who understand how to interact calmly with a small but independent-minded dog, though the breed's low tolerance for rough handling makes it a better match for older kids than toddlers.

Do Scottish Terriers shed a lot?

No — the breed's wiry double coat sheds minimally, making it a reasonable option for owners sensitive to shedding, though the coat does need regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping or clipping to stay healthy.

Why are Scottish Terriers prone to bladder cancer?

Research has identified a notably elevated risk of transitional cell carcinoma in the breed compared to dogs overall, thought to involve a genetic predisposition, which is why routine veterinary checkups and prompt attention to any urinary changes matter for Scottie owners.