The Scottish Terrier, or “Scottie,” is one of Scotland’s most famous breeds. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other small game, they’ve become beloved companions worldwide. You may know them as Jock from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp or even the Monopoly board game dog.
Bold, playful, and independent, the Scottie is a true character in a small, sturdy package.
Scottish Terrier Traits at a Glance
- Best trait: Fun, confident little dogs
- Challenging trait: Can be very barky
- Weight: 8–11 kg
- Height: 25–28 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
Do Scottish Terriers Shed Much?
Scotties have a double coat with a wiry outer layer that’s actually hair, not fur. This means they shed relatively lightly compared to many breeds, but they do need maintenance. Regular brushing and professional clipping every few months will keep them looking sharp.
Are Scottish Terriers Easy to Train?
Scotties rank 65th for canine intelligence. They’re clever but also famously stubborn. Training requires patience, consistency, and early socialisation. They respond best to positive reinforcement and playful methods.
If you need extra support, check out Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer for gentle, step-by-step advice tailored to your pup.
How Much Exercise Do Scottish Terriers Need?
Despite their short legs, Scotties need a surprising amount of activity. Plan for at least two daily walks plus games in the garden. They’re not built for jogging but will happily hike alongside you.
Remember: a bored Scottie will quickly turn to barking, chewing, or digging. Keep them stimulated with exercise, play, and mental challenges.
Scottish Terrier Temperament
Scotties are independent, bold, and full of confidence. They can be fantastic family companions, but are generally better with older children who understand boundaries. They love to play and will happily chase a ball in the garden for hours, but they also value their own space.
Watchdogs and Strangers
Scottish Terriers are excellent watchdogs. They’ll alert you to every sound or visitor, and their bark is surprisingly big for their size. While loyal to their families, they can be wary of strangers and benefit from early socialisation.
Scottish Terriers and Other Animals
Scotties can live with other dogs and even cats if raised together. However, their hunting instincts remain strong; many will chase neighbourhood cats or small animals without hesitation. A secure garden is essential.
Grooming Needs
- Weekly brushing to control loose hair
- Professional clipping every few months to maintain their coat
- Moderate year-round shedding, heavier in spring and autumn
Pros and Cons of Owning a Scottish Terrier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun, bold, and confident dogs | Can be stubborn in training |
| Light to moderate shedding | Professional grooming needed |
| Excellent watchdogs | Prone to nuisance barking |
| Adaptable to flat or house living | Best with older children, not toddlers |
Health Notes
Scotties are generally hardy, but like many terriers, they can be prone to:
- Scottie cramp – a genetic condition causing movement issues during excitement
- Von Willebrand’s disease – a blood-clotting disorder
- Skin allergies – common in the breed
If you’re buying a puppy, be sure to use our free Best in Breeder Guide to know what health questions to ask the breeder.
History & Background
The Scottish Terrier is one of the descendants of the old Scotch Terrier, along with the Cairn, West Highland White, and Dandie Dinmont. Their wiry coats and low stature made them perfect hunters of foxes, badgers, and vermin in the Scottish Highlands.
Over the years, their distinctive silhouette and bold character made them symbols of Scottish pride — and cultural icons in film, toys, and even politics.
Great Names for Scottish Terriers
These proud little dogs suit both bold and traditional names.
Scottish-Inspired Names
Angus, Isla, Fergus, Morag
Classic Names
Winston, Ruby, Archie, Molly
Fun Names
Jock, Tartan, Scruffy, Mac
Need more inspiration? Try our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of personalised suggestions.
Is a Scottish Terrier Right for You?
If you want a confident, playful, and protective small dog with bags of character, the Scottish Terrier could be perfect. They’ll need consistent training, regular grooming, and plenty of patience — but the reward is a loyal companion with a personality bigger than their size.
Still unsure? Take our Which Dog is Right for Me Quiz to see if the Scottie matches your lifestyle.
Scottish Terrier Stats
- Origin: Scotland
- Weight: 8–11 kg
- Height: 25–28 cm
- Lifespan: 10–12 years
- Best trait: Fun, bold character
- Challenging trait: Barking if not trained early
Famous Scottish Terrier Owners
Scotties have long been a favourite of royals, politicians, and celebrities.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt – His Scottie, Fala, became almost as famous as the US President himself.
- Queen Victoria – A devoted dog lover, she kept several Scotties.
- Humphrey Bogart & Lauren Bacall – The Hollywood icons were proud Scottie owners.
- George W. Bush – Owned a Scottie named Barney, who became a White House celebrity.
Their bold character and distinctive look have made them a symbol of loyalty, charm, and confidence for some of the world’s most famous figures.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Scottie?
The first weeks with a new puppy can be a whirlwind. Our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner is designed to help you stay on track with routines, training, and milestones — while keeping those special memories safe.
Pickles’ Aside:
“Scotties are small but mighty. They’ll guard your home, boss the other dogs, and probably steal your seat on the sofa… but you’ll love them anyway.”