Scottish Terrier
Terrier Small
Ranked #57 by the AKC, the Scottish Terrier is a small terrier dog with roots in Scotland. Bred to hunt and kill badgers, foxes, and vermin in the rugged Scottish Highlands, their low build allowing them to pursue quarry into underground dens.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Scottish Terrier
One of the oldest Highland terrier breeds, Scotties trace their roots to the Aberdeen area of Scotland, where they were initially known as Aberdeen Terriers.. As of 2026, they hold the #57 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 10 to 11 inches tall and weighing 18 to 22 pounds, the Scottish Terrier is a small-sized dog. Their distinctive silhouette with a long head, erect ears, and low-slung body is instantly recognizable and has been immortalized as a Monopoly game piece since 1937. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Primarily companion dogs prized for their distinctive personality and appearance, they maintain a devoted following despite declining in overall breed popularity..
Lifespan Overview
The Scottish Terrier typically lives 12–15 years. Learn more about Scottish Terrier lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1000–$2000 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Scottish Terriers weigh 18–22 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Energy level: 3/5. Trainability: 2/5. The Diehard earned their nickname through sheer terrier determination, combining dignified aloofness with a fierce loyalty that runs deeper than their independent exterior suggests. Full temperament guide →
History
Bred to hunt and kill badgers, foxes, and vermin in the rugged Scottish Highlands, their low build allowing them to pursue quarry into underground dens.. One of the oldest Highland terrier breeds, Scotties trace their roots to the Aberdeen area of Scotland, where they were initially known as Aberdeen Terriers..
Three presidents have owned Scotties in the White House, including Franklin Roosevelt's beloved Fala, who became the most famous presidential pet in history.. Now ranked #57, Primarily companion dogs prized for their distinctive personality and appearance, they maintain a devoted following despite declining in overall breed popularity..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Cramp | Common | Moderate |
| Bladder Cancer | Common | High |
| Von Willebrand's Disease | Moderate | Moderate |
| Craniomandibular Osteopathy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hypothyroidism | Moderate | Low |
Compare Scottish Terrier
Is the Scottish Terrier Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Scottish Terrier is a small-sized breed belonging to the Terrier group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Scottish Terrier has moderate energy levels, needing around 30–45 minutes of daily exercise. A combination of walks and play sessions will keep this breed content. They adapt reasonably well to different activity levels without becoming hyperactive or overly lethargic.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 4/5, the Scottish Terrier adapts well to smaller living spaces. They can thrive in apartments or condos as long as their basic exercise needs are met and they receive enough mental stimulation throughout the day.
Children and family: The Scottish Terrier rates 3/5 with children - acceptable but not exceptional. They do well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Close supervision with toddlers and young children is important, and teaching both the child and dog appropriate boundaries is essential.
Grooming commitment: With grooming needs rated 4/5, the Scottish Terrier requires significant coat maintenance. Expect to invest time in daily or near-daily brushing, regular professional grooming sessions every 4–8 weeks, and ongoing attention to prevent matting and skin issues. Budget $60–93/month for grooming.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Scottish Terrier home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1000–$2000 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $3,583. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $131, broken down as follows: food ($41–65/mo), grooming ($60–93/mo), insurance ($59–73/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($377–877/yr) and supplies ($290–459/yr). As a small breed, the Scottish Terrier is relatively economical on food and supplies, though veterinary and dental costs remain consistent regardless of size.
Over a full 12–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $59–73/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Scottish Terrier owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Scottish Terrier fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Scottish Terrier belongs to the Terrier group, which historically means these dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin. Terrier breeds are feisty, energetic, and determined. They can be stubborn during training but are loyal and entertaining companions. Many terriers have a high prey drive and may not coexist well with small animals.
With a family friendliness score of 3/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Scottish Terrier presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (3/5) and barking tendency (3/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Scottish Terrier is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Scottish Terrier may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Scottish Terrier's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Scottish Terrier Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Scottish Terrier requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Scottish Terrier if: You maintain moderate daily routines with regular walks and occasional adventures, can provide consistent training and appropriate supervision with visitors, live in any housing situation including apartments, and enjoy or do not mind regular grooming routines. The Scottish Terrier's terrier heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You need a dog for extreme athletic activities, are unwilling to invest time and money in regular grooming, or if your living situation cannot accommodate a small breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Scottish Terrier seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Scottish Terrier owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Scottish Terriers before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.