Laden im App Store

🐾 Small · Scotland

Scottish Terrier: Size, Weight & Temperament

The Scottish Terrier is a confident, compact Scottish terrier with a wiry coat, a pronounced prey drive, and a strong-willed, dignified temperament.

~ Some experience
Scottish Terrier dog breed portrait
Photo: Matthew MacKenzie · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Resized and recompressed
Weight male8,5–10,5 kg
Weight female8–10 kg
Shoulder height25–28 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy12–15 years
Activity levelModerate
OriginScotland
ClassificationFCI Group 3 (Terriers)

Scottish Terrier: temperament & character

Scottish Terriers are regarded as stubborn, bold, and highly proud, combined with pronounced territorial behavior and watchful distance toward strangers. They are loyal to their family but show little submissiveness and are not easily impressed.

How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?

Exercise needs are moderate; long walks and scenting games suit the breed's pronounced hunting and digging instincts well. Without occupation, Scotties tend to find their own, often unwanted, tasks.

Scottish Terrier: grooming & shedding

The wiry double coat needs regular hand-stripping and brushing to prevent matting. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is recommended.

Is the Scottish Terrier suitable for beginners?

Given the pronounced terrier stubbornness and tendency to dig, the Scottish Terrier suits consistent, experienced owners better.

Scottish Terrier health problems

Common issues include von Willebrand disease, patellar luxation, and a hereditary predisposition to bladder cancer (Scottie cramp and transitional cell carcinoma). Responsible breeding with health testing is essential.

Is a Scottish Terrier right for you?

With childrenWith reservations
SheddingLittle
Grooming effortHigh
BarkingA lot
Home aloneWith reservations
Other petsRather not
TrainabilityDemanding

The Scottish Terrier sheds little and is therefore considered comparatively well tolerated by allergy sufferers. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, though: the allergy is triggered by the protein Can f 1 in saliva and dander, not by the hair itself.

Good with: families with older children, active singles

Is your Scottish Terrier at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

← Back to the full dog-breed overview (281 breeds)

This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.