A self-assured little dog with a big personality. It is loyal, clever and brave, yet reserved and dignified, often keeping a slight distance from strangers while being warm and playful with its own family. It likes to make up its own mind, so training works best in short, varied and reward-based sessions. It has a keen terrier drive and will alert its household to anything unusual.15823
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Scottish Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat, harsh and wiry
A weather-resistant double coat with a short, dense, soft undercoat under a hard, wiry, tight outer coat. It is usually hand-stripped and shaped to give the classic Scottie outline with beard, eyebrows and leg furnishings. The body is low, compact and thick-set on short, strong legs, with a long head, small pointed prick ears, dark deep-set eyes and a thick, carrot-shaped tail held up or with a slight curve.1263
Coloursblackwheatenbrindle of any shadeblack brindle162
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 1 hour a day and Hill's around 20-40 minutes. Scotties enjoy brisk walks, a run in a secure area and chase games, and like mental challenges as much as physical ones.635
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The wiry coat sheds very little. Brush a few times a week (The Royal Kennel Club lists daily grooming) and plan professional stripping or trimming roughly every 2-3 months to keep the shape of the head, beard, legs and tail.3562
Home where they are happiest
Adapts to both town and country living and needs only a small to medium garden. As a natural digger, it needs secure fencing that also goes below ground level.635
Company who they like around
Forms strong bonds with its family and prefers being with people to being left alone, though it is not a clingy dog. It does best with calm, respectful children. It is selective rather than gregarious with other dogs, so early, steady socialisation helps.532
The story where it all began
The Scottie comes from the Scottish Highlands, where short-legged, tough terriers were kept to follow foxes, badgers, otters and vermin into their dens. Early writers grouped several Scottish terriers under shared names such as Skye, Cairn and Aberdeen Terrier, and the nickname 'Diehard' goes back to an Earl of Dumbarton, whose terriers were famed for their grit. In the late 1870s breeders led by Captain Gordon Murray and S. E. Shirley settled on a distinct type, the name Scottish Terrier was adopted in 1879, and the first written standard (drafted by J. B. Morrison) appeared in 1880 in Vero Shaw's Illustrated Book of the Dog. A breed club followed in England in 1881-1882 and in Scotland in 1888. The AKC recognised the breed as early as 1885, larger numbers of Scotties reached America from the early 1890s, and the Scottish Terrier Club of America was formed in 1900. It became hugely popular in the 1930s, helped by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's dog Fala, and around that time a fashion for solid black coats took hold, although early Scotties were more often brindle, grey or red.49261103
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottie Fala, full name 'Murray the Outlaw of Falahill', is the only presidential pet honoured with a statue at the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC.11
2
During the Second World War, soldiers reportedly used Fala's name as a password.11
3
The Scottish Terrier has won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show eight times, second only to the Wire Fox Terrier.12
4
A Scottie called Tickle 'Em Jock took Best in Show at Westminster in 1911, a win that boosted the breed's fame in America.9
5
The Scottie is one of the classic playing tokens in the board game Monopoly.4
6
By 1936 the Scottish Terrier ranked third among the most popular breeds in the United States.4
7
Early descriptions noted that its large head, strong neck and short, powerful front legs with sturdy nails were all suited to digging and working below ground.9
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The Scottish Terrier is named for its origin in Scotland, where it was one of the highland terrier breeds. It is also known as the Aberdeen Terrier, after the Scottish city, and popularly called the Scottie.4
Famous ones stars of the breed
Fala Fala was the beloved Scottish Terrier of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, often seen in public and featured in many photographs.4
Barney Barney was the Scottish Terrier owned by U.S. President George W. Bush, known for his appearances in White House videos and photos.4
Whiskey Whiskey was a Scottish Terrier owned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who lived at the White House during his presidency.4
This morning I marched around the garden, tail high, inspecting every corner. A leaf dared to blow past, so I gave it a good chase and a growl. After breakfast, I curled on the sofa with my human, watching the rain. When the postman came, I gave a proper alert bark, then trotted back for ear scratches. Later we walked the lane, where I ignored a passing dog with great dignity. Now I'm guarding my bone, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 73, Group 3 (Terriers), Section 2 (Small sized Terriers); definitive acceptance 18 Oct 1954; current standard published 13 Oct 20107
The Royal Kennel Club
Terrier Group; not a vulnerable native breed; breed club founded 18826
Scottish Terriers are prone to weight gain and sensitive skin, so measure meals carefully and choose single-ingredient treats or puzzle feeders for mental stimulation. Brush their teeth daily to prevent the dental disease common in this breed.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Scottish Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your adult Scottish Terrier at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals daily. This routine helps their digestion and keeps their energy steady.114Pet Wiki plan
What should a Scottish Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality, balanced dog food appropriate for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for specific dietary advice.115Pet Wiki plan
How often should I bathe a Scottish Terrier?
Bathing every eight weeks is a good starting plan, but you can bathe more often if your Scottie gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep their wiry coat healthy. Over-bathing can dry their skin, so adjust as needed.116Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Scottish Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Scottish Terrier a few times a week to remove loose hair and prevent tangles. Daily brushing is even better for their wiry coat. This keeps their coat looking neat and reduces shedding.116Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Scottish Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your Scottie's nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.116Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?
Your Scottish Terrier needs about 20 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, including brisk walks and playtime in a secure area. They also enjoy mental challenges like puzzle toys. Adjust the amount based on your dog's energy and age.63Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Scottish Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your Scottie's teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste to prevent dental issues. Check their ears every two weeks for redness or odor, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution. Never push anything into the ear canal.116Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Scottish Terrier live?
Scottish Terriers typically live between 11 and 15 years. With good care, regular vet checkups, and a healthy lifestyle, many enjoy a long and happy life. Senior care usually starts around age 10.354
Is a Scottish Terrier good with children and other pets?
Scottish Terriers do best with calm, respectful children and can be selective with other dogs. Early, steady socialization helps them get along better. They form strong bonds with their family and are loyal companions.532
Can a Scottish Terrier be left alone?
Scottish Terriers prefer being with their family and can become lonely if left alone for long periods. They are not clingy but need company and mental stimulation. If you must leave them, provide toys and gradually increase alone time.532
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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