Scottish Terrier

also known as Scottie, Aberdeenie

Pros History


The Scottish Terrier, also known as the Scottie, is a small, sturdy breed of dog that has a rich history and cultural significance in Scotland. The breed is believed to have originated in the 16th century, and is a descendant of the ancient Roman Terrier dogs. The Scottish Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of Terrier and it has been used for hunting, as a companion dog, and as a working dog for centuries.

The Scottish Terrier was primarily used for hunting small game such as foxes, badgers, and rodents. The breed's small size and strong, wiry coat made them well suited for hunting in the rugged terrain of Scotland. They were also used as a working dog on farms, helping to control vermin and protect livestock.

In the 19th century, the Scottish Terrier was introduced to other parts of Europe and the United States. The breed quickly gained popularity among the upper classes, who valued the breed's courage, intelligence, and loyalty. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and the Scottish Terrier Club of America was established in 1900.

In the early 20th century, the Scottish Terrier became a popular companion dog among the upper classes, and it was featured in many advertisements and movies. The breed's small size and distinctive appearance made it a popular choice for city dwellers, and it quickly became a popular pet among Americans.

During the World War II, the breed's popularity decreased, but it regained it's popularity after the war. Scottish Terriers were used to participate in different types of competitions such as obedience, agility, and conformation shows, and they were also used for search and rescue and therapy work.

Breed Information


Type

Is Scottish Terrier a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Scottish Terrier name? How do you say Scottish Terriers?

SKAH-tish TAIR-ee-uhr

Purpose

What were Scottish Terriers originally used for?

vermin hunting

Lifespan

How Long Do Scottish Terriers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Scottish Terrier? How long can Scottish Terriers live?

11-13 years

The average Scottish Terrier lifespan is somewhere between 11-13 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Scottish Terrier Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Scottish Terrier?

What is the average height of a Scottish Terrier? How big is a Purebred Scottish Terrier height? Scottish Terrier dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Female 10-11 inches (25.4 - 27.9 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Scottish Terrier? How much should Scottish Terriers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 19-22 pounds (9 - 10 kg) 16.5 pounds (7 kg) 19.0 pounds (9 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Female 18-21 pounds (8 - 10 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg) 18.0 pounds (8 kg) 19.5 pounds (9 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Scottish Terriers get fat easily?

The Scottish Terrier is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Scottish Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Scottish Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Scottish Terrier personality? What are Scottish Terrier dogs best known for?

Independent
Alert
Quick
Playful
Selfish

Shedding Level

Are Scottish Terriers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Scottish Terrier Shed?

Scottish Terrier will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Scottish Terrier dog?

The Scottish Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Scottish Terriers come from?

Scotland

Ancestry

What are Scottish Terriers descended from?

skye, cairn, west highland white terriers

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Scottish Terrier breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
Club Espanol De Terriers

Date of Birth

When were Scottish Terriers first bred? How old is the Scottish Terrier breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Scottish Terrier?

Terrier (AKC:1885 & UKC)

Scottish Terrier Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Scottish Terrier eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Scottish Terrier nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Scottish Terrier coat be naturally?

Black
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Scottish Terriers coat?

The coat of a Scottish Terrier falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Scottish Terrier Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Scottish Terrier?

Wiry

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Scottish Terrier have in a litter? How many puppies can a Scottish Terrier have in her first litter?

11-13 puppies per pregnancy

A Scottish Terrier can have a litter of 11-13 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Scottish Terrier dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Scottish Terrier Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Scottish Terriers have a lot of health problems?

The Scottish Terrier breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Scottish Terrier?

Von Willebrand's Disease
Craniomandibular Osteopathy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Scottish Terriers?

Scottie Cramp
Intervertebral Disc Disease

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Scottish Terrier breed?

Dna For Vwd
X-Rays
MRI
Physical Examination

Scottish Terrier Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Scottish Terriers have a lot of energy?

Scottish Terriers are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Scottish Terriers need socialization? How social are Scottish Terriers?

Scottish Terrier have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Scottish Terriers get?

The Scottish Terrier dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Scottish Terrier have? Do Scottish Terriers sleep a lot?

Scottish Terriers dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Scottish Terrier drool a lot?

The Scottish Terrier is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Scottish Terriers are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Scottish Terriers exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Scottish Terriers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Scottish Terrier running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Scottish Terrier dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Scottish Terriers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Scottish Terrier busy?

Fetch

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Scottish Terrier? How much energy does a Scottish Terrier have?

Medium

Scottish Terriers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Scottish Terrier walk each week? How many miles should a Scottish Terrier walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Scottish Terrier, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Scottish Terrier should exercise a day? How much activity does a Scottish Terrier need?

30 minutes

In general most Scottish Terriers usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Scottish Terrier?

The Scottish Terrier is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Scottish Terrier?

Weekly

Scottish Terrier should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Scottish Terriers?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Scottish Terrier eat?

0.8 cups

For an average 19-22 pound (9 - 10 kg) Scottish Terrier feed 0.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Scottish Terrier Cost Daily?

$1.20 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Scottish Terrier is somewhere $1.20 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Scottish Terrier Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Scottish Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Scottish Terrier Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Scottish Terrier?

The Scottish Terrier have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Scottish Terriers lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Scottish Terrier dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Scottish Terrier dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Scottish Terrier do well in apartments? Are Scottish Terriers good indoor dogs?

Scottish Terriers are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Scottish Terriers good with kids? Are Scottish Terriers good around children?

Scottish Terriers are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Scottish Terriers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Scottish Terriers good with cats? How friendly Scottish Terriers are toward cats?

Scottish Terriers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Scottish Terrier dogs get along with other dogs? Are Scottish Terriers OK with other dogs?

Scottish Terriers are below average dog friendly dogs. Scottish Terrier dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Scottish Terrier dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Scottish Terriers friendly with strangers?

Scottish Terriers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Scottish Terriers like to play? Are Scottish Terriers playful?

Scottish Terriers have an average level of playfulness. The Scottish Terriers, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Scottish Terrier easily trained?

Scottish Terrier dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
    Scottish Terriers, as a hypoallergenic breed, are less likely to cause allergic reactions in those prone to allergies.
  • Intelligent
    Easy to train, suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Good with children and other pets
    Making them a great family pet
  • Apartment Friendly
    Scottish Terrier are perfect pets for apartment living.
  • Minimal to no shedding
    Scottish Terrier shedding is none to minimal and easy to maintain.
  • Rarely barks
    The Scottish Terrier dog is known for being relatively quiet, making it a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful pet.
  • Affectionate
    Loyal towards their owners, making them great companion dogs

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Scottish Terriers are not typically recommended for office environments.