

The Scottish Terrier is a dignified, strong-willed Erdhund (earth dog) — bred to fearlessly and independently hunt foxes or badgers in their dens across the rugged Highlands. It is precisely this ironclad independence that makes him a loyal, yet often extremely stubborn companion.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Scottish Terrier fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
25–28 cm
Weight
8–10 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Scottish Terrier, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Scottish Terrier — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Scottish Terrier is not a dog you give orders to — he is a little Scottish lord who is moving in with you and expects to negotiate compromises. What was vital for survival deep in a fox den manifests today as ironclad stubbornness, like when he simply refuses to move from a street corner in the rain. If you respect his proud character, you will gain an unwavering friend; if you try to force him, you will hit a brick wall.
The Scottish Terrier, also affectionately known as “Scottie”, is a small but powerful and well-muscled dog. Its build is compact and powerful, with short legs and a deep chest. Its head is long and narrow, with alert eyes and pricked ears, giving it a lively and intelligent expression. Its thick, wiry coat with plenty of undercoat offers it protection from the harsh weather conditions of its Scottish homeland. The Scottish Terrier belongs to FCI Group 3, the Terriers, and here to Section 2, the Low-Legged Terriers. It is valued both as a working dog, particularly as a rat catcher and fox digger, and as a companion dog. When breeding, no explicit distinction is made between working and show lines, but there can be differences in appearance and temperament.
The Scottish Terrier is a dog with a strong character. He is known for his independence and courage. Despite his small size, he is a fearless and determined dog who does not shy away from taking on bigger challenges. These character traits make him an excellent guard dog, defending his territory and his family with determination. On the other hand, the Scottie is a very loyal and affectionate dog. He has a close bond with his caregiver and enjoys their company. However, he is not a dog that is constantly looking for attention or always needs to be the center of attention. He is happy when he can just be with you and appreciates quiet moments and cozy cuddles. Scotties are very intelligent and capable of learning, but they can also be stubborn and headstrong. They are not always easy to train and need consistent and loving leadership. However, with patience and understanding, they can become obedient and well-behaved dogs. In general, the Scottish Terrier is an active dog that requires regular exercise. He loves walks and games, and although he's not a big sport, he enjoys activities that challenge his body and mind. The Scottish Terrier is a rather calm dog that is not prone to hyperactive behavior. However, he has a strong hunting instinct and tends to go after small animals. It is important to keep him in a safe environment and teach him to walk well on a leash. The Scottish Terrier can sometimes be a bit reserved around other dogs and animals. He is not necessarily a dog that makes friends easily with everyone. However, with proper socialization and training, he can learn to get along with other dogs and animals. Some Scotties can learn to stay alone, although this can be challenging and requires a lot of patience and training. They are happier and more balanced when they have regular company and are not left alone for long periods of time. Although the Scottish Terrier has a strong personality and can be challenging at times, he is a loving and loyal companion. With his courageous and independent nature, coupled with his loyalty and affection, the Scottish Terrier is a wonderful dog that can enrich the life of any family.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Noticeable drive — needs attention around small animals. | Moderate |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that there is a Monopoly game piece of the Scottish Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier is considered an independent, hunting-motivated dog. He is territorial and often less tolerant of other dogs.
The Scottish Terrier is a flexible dog that gets along well in both the city and the country. He is small enough to live in an apartment but needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Despite its small size, the Scottie is a brave and alert dog that will guard its home and family well. The Scottish Terrier is patient and gentle when dealing with children, although interactions between dogs and small children should always be supervised to ensure that both parties treat each other with respect. Other pets, including cats, may be accepted, especially if the Scottie is raised with them from an early age.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Raising a Scottish Terrier can be challenging as these dogs can be intelligent, independent and sometimes stubborn. They respond best to positive reinforcement and to training that is varied and interesting. Early socialization and training are important to ensure your Scottie grows into a well-adjusted and well-behaved dog. Scotties are active and curious dogs that need physical and mental stimulation. You can enjoy activities like agility training, obedience training, tracking, and even dog sports like flyball. Since they have a strong hunting instinct, impulse control training and good leash walking can be helpful. It's important that you teach your Scottie how to deal with frustration and control his impulses. Training should always be patient, consistent, and respect your dog's natural instincts and personality. Over-busyness should be avoided as it can lead to stress and over-excitement.
A Scottish Terrier's diet should be balanced and nutritious. As with most dogs, their food should contain a high proportion of high-quality animal protein, supplemented with healthy carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Because some Scottish Terriers tend to be overweight, it is important to control the amount of food they eat and ensure regular exercise. Grooming the Scottish Terrier's coat requires some effort. Its thick, wiry coat should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and keep its skin healthy. The coat should be trimmed by a professional once a year. The Scottish Terrier has an undercoat that helps it cope with the German climate. He doesn't shed excessively, but regular brushing will help remove loose hair and reduce the amount of hair in your home.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Elevated risks
Health grade
In the Scottish Terrier, there are clear breed-specific risks for serious diseases such as von Willebrand disease, primary lens luxation (PLL), and Scottie cramp (cramp syndrome of the Scottish Terrier). The Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V. strictly mandates an examination for patellar luxation (PL) for breeding approval, with a limit value of PL 0–1. A responsible breeder additionally tests their breeding dogs for genetic burdens and eye diseases such as cataracts. Before buying a puppy, have the breeder show you the official findings for patellar luxation (PL) as well as proof of status regarding von Willebrand disease and Scottie cramp (cramp syndrome of the Scottish Terrier), for which carriers may only be mated with clear partners.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
If you ensure joint-friendly exercise and inform your vet about potential blood clotting sensitivities before any procedures, most of these dogs will remain active for a long time.
Responsible breeders have the mandatory patellar luxation (PL) examined and voluntarily test for severe risks such as primary lens luxation (PLL), Scotty Cramp, or von Willebrand disease.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
DNA-Identitätsnachweis
Required by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Acceptable result: DNA-Typisierung durchgeführt
Wesensbeurteilung
Required by Klub für Terrier von 1894 e.V.
Acceptable result: Zuchtzulassung erteilt
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Scottish Terrier costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,700 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,940.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,700
Across the dog's life
~€29,940
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Scottish Terrier, often affectionately called the Scottie, hails from the rugged Scottish Highlands and is one of the oldest British terrier breeds. Originally, this low-slung, sturdy dog was bred for the demanding task of hunting foxes, badgers, and otters, as well as for vermin control on rocky farms. Its deep chest, powerful jaw, and weather-resistant, wiry coat made it the ideal companion for Scottish gamekeepers and farmers, as it could courageously and persistently enter narrow burrows. For a long time, various Scottish terrier variants, including the modern-day Cairn, West Highland White, and Skye Terrier, were grouped under the collective term Skye Terrier. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the deliberate separation of these types into distinct breeds began. Captain Gordon Murray was instrumental in the development of the modern Scottish Terrier, shaping the breed type in the 1870s. The first official breed standard was written around 1880, and the first Scottish Terrier Club was founded in Scotland in 1882. Official recognition by the British Kennel Club solidified the breed, while the Fédération Cynologique Internationale later officially classified the Scottish Terrier in the section for low-legged terriers. Over the course of the 20th century, the former working dog increasingly transitioned into a cherished companion, though it has retained its watchful and self-confident terrier heritage to this day.
The Scottish Terrier was bred for hunting foxes and badgers, known for its courage and determination.
Scotland
1800
Many owners describe living with a Scottish Terrier as a partnership with a very independent personality. At home, most experience the Scottie as a pleasantly calm, unobtrusive companion that doesn't need constant action and rarely yaps for no reason. At the same time, experienced owners stress that this is not a typical lap dog. Scotties demand respect, often bond very closely with one or two people, and keep a relaxed but clear distance from strangers, sometimes to the point of haughtily ignoring them.
Owners often point out that the breed packs a surprising amount of energy into those short legs. Long, leisurely walks and sniffing rounds go over well, while busy dog parks are better avoided. Owners report that the Scottish Terrier tends to be reserved or intolerant toward unfamiliar dogs. It rarely shows real interest in meeting new dogs and needs a calm, confident person on the other end of the leash.
Being left alone also comes up regularly as a challenge. Despite their independence, many Scotties struggle with longer separations from their familiar people. For anyone looking for a loyal, steady companion who appreciates its proud character, though, the Scottie makes a one-of-a-kind partner for life.
Sources:fera24.detierfreund.dezoomalia.deedogs.dewirliebenhunter.de
One word comes up in practically every account of training a Scottie: stubborn. Owners describe the Scottish Terrier as very intelligent, but not at all born with an urge to blindly please its person ("will to please"). It questions commands, and pressure or harshness reliably make it dig in its heels and stop cooperating altogether.
Going by their accounts, owners have the most success with calm consistency, patience and positive reinforcement. Many describe the strong hunting instinct as an ongoing training project. Squirrels, cats or rabbits: the urge to go after small game and small animals runs deep. Many owners report that reliable off-leash time in areas with lots of wildlife is only possible with intensive recall training, and often not at all without a long line.
On the plus side, owners note that a Scottie's intelligence channels well into focused brain work, tracking and search games, or small tricks. If you respect its independence and take it with humor instead of expecting unquestioning obedience, you can build a remarkably stable relationship with it.
Sources:mit-tier.detierfreund.dezoomalia.dewirliebenhunter.dedogforum.de
On grooming, Scottie owners agree: the wiry double coat takes a lot more time and know-how than many newcomers expect. Brushing several times a week is a must to prevent mats, especially in the thick beard and the leg furnishings. Owners stress again and again that the dense, harsh topcoat should be properly hand-stripped, not clipped, because clipping makes the coat soft and woolly and more prone to getting soaked and to skin problems.
In return, many owners appreciate that a well-stripped Scottie sheds very little indoors. In bad weather, though, the dog's low-slung build is a frequent source of laughs or groans. Because of the short legs, the coat close to the ground brings sand, leaves and dirt into the house after every rainy walk, so rinsing or cleaning the legs and belly regularly is unavoidable.
When it comes to health, many owners describe the breed as tough and pleasingly robust into old age. Still, breed forums and communities regularly point out that breeding choices have to be made with care, because allergies, breed-specific neurological issues such as "Scottie Cramp," and a tendency toward certain tumors and bladder diseases keep coming up within the breed.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Scottish Terrier is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Scottish Terrier is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Scottish Terrier grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Scottish Terrier can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Scottish Terrier comes in these colors: Black, Brindle, Wheaten.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Scottish Terrier.