Scottishs 101

Terrier group

The Scottish Terrier is one of the most recognizable of breeds, with their short legs and large beard and eyebrows. They were, along with their cousin the West Highland White Terrier, tough vermin-hunters that never backed away from a fight. While their popularity has remained steady for decades, they were the "it" dog of the 1930s and '40s, turning up in advertising, fabric patterns, knickknacks and even as a game piece in a popular new board game of the era: Monopoly.

What we love about Scottishs

No dog looks better in a tartan coat

Energy level
Bark level
  • Talkative
Size
9 to 10 inches tall
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Weight
18 to 22 lbs

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Mature adult Scottish

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Gallbladder disease

Cushings disease

Liver disease

Senior Scottish

8+ years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Liver and gallbladder cancer

Cushings disease

Lymphatic cancer

Scottish puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Gastroenteritis

Ear infection

Dental disease

Young adult Scottish

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Luxated patella

Mature adult Scottish

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Gallbladder disease

Cushings disease

Liver disease

Senior Scottish

8+ years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Liver and gallbladder cancer

Cushings disease

Lymphatic cancer

Scottish puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Gastroenteritis

Ear infection

Dental disease

Young adult Scottish

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Foreign body ingestion

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Luxated patella

Scottish Terrier image

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Scottish Terrier image

Perhaps the most famous Scottish Terrier of all time was Fala, who belonged to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the president's memorial in Washington, D.C., a sculpted Fala remains forever at FDR's side.

Scottish Terrier coat care and colors

The proper grooming of the Scottish Terrier requires slow, painstaking “hand-stripping,” or plucking, of dead fur to allow for new growth. Hand-stripping is hard to learn and not much fun. That’s why most Scotties visit professional groomers regularly to be clipped short, making home care easier – an occasional brushing and combing are all that’s needed between groomings. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Scottish exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The Scottish Terrier is an active breed that will still hunt down any mice who dare to show their faces in the house. Scotties will take as much exercise as you can give them, but because of their short legs, they will be satisfied with long, brisk walks.

Independent study

Trainability

The Scottish Terrier does not lack intelligence, but this is a breed known for wanting to do things their way, not yours. Get an early start on manners and socialization with positive training and boundary-setting. Don't expect the Scottie to change for you: This is not usually a dog who enjoys other dogs or strangers, and small pets such as hamsters are not safe in this hunter's presence.

Scottish fun facts

Top girl names for Scottishs

100%

of Scottishs are female

0%

of Scottishs are male

Top boy names for Scottishs

Nationwide loves Scottish Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Scottishs

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