Scottish Terrier Colors & Coat Guide

All recognized Scottish Terrier colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.

Scottish Terrier Colors Overview

Scottish Terrier coat colors are governed by a complex interplay of genetics. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..

Understanding which colors are standard versus non-standard helps buyers make informed decisions. Color should never be the primary selection criterion—health and temperament come first.

Recognized Colors

Black Standard

Wheaten Standard

Brindle Standard

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($1000–$2000)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$600–$1000)

Coat Genetics

Scottish Terrier coat color is controlled by several genes that determine pigment production and distribution. The primary genes include the E (extension) locus, A (agouti) locus, K (dominant black) locus, and B (brown) locus.

DNA color testing is available and can help breeders predict puppy colors and identify carriers of recessive genes. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..

Rare vs Standard Colors

Among Scottish Terriers, the standard colors (Black, Wheaten, Brindle) are most common. With 3 recognized colors, variety exists even within the standard palette. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.

Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..

Do Scottish Terrier Colors Change with Age?

Color evolution is normal in Scottish Terrier puppies. As a terrier breed originally from Scotland, the transition from puppy to adult coat occurs between 4–12 months and can bring noticeable changes in shade, pattern intensity, and marking definition. Standard colors like Black, Wheaten, Brindle are generally established by maturity.

Controversial Colors

Some Scottish Terrier colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. The standard palette includes Black, Wheaten, Brindle. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $2000 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Scottie Cramp and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Scottish Terrier comes in Black, Wheaten, Brindle. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..

Among Scottish Terrier colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..

As a Scottish Terrier puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant.. Since the Scottish Terrier comes in 3 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

For the Scottish Terrier, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..

Among Scottish Terriers, the most commonly seen colors are Black, Wheaten, Brindle. The breed has a relatively limited color palette. Black is the most common color, with wheaten and brindle also accepted, all resulting from standard terrier color genetics with black being dominant..