Scottish Terrier Guide: Personality, Care & Training Tips

So you're thinking about getting a Scottish Terrier? Let's be real, that picture of a dignified little dog with a beard and pointy ears is pretty iconic. I remember my neighbor had one named Angus when I was a kid. That dog had an attitude bigger than he was, fiercely loyal to his family and deeply suspicious of the mailman. He was a character. Scottish Terriers, or "Scotties" as everyone calls them, are so much more than just a cute face or a mascot for a certain brand of whiskey. They're a whole package of personality, stubbornness, and loyalty wrapped in a wiry, low-to-the-ground coat.

This isn't just another fluffy dog breed overview. If you're seriously considering sharing your home with a Scottish Terrier, you need to know what you're signing up for. They're not golden retrievers. They're independent, can be willful, and have specific needs. But for the right person, they are an utterly devoted and endlessly entertaining companion. This guide is going to dig deep (they love to dig, by the way) into everything Scottie. From their history chasing vermin in the Scottish Highlands to the nitty-gritty of stripping their coat, their common health headaches, and how to train a dog that sometimes seems to think it's smarter than you are.

What's a Scottish Terrier Really Like? Personality and Temperament

Forget the stoic statue image. Living with a Scottie is a daily adventure. The official breed standard from the American Kennel Club (AKC) describes them as "alert, quick moving, and powerful for size." That's a polite way of saying they're little powerhouses with a strong sense of self.

Let's break down that famous Scottie temperament. They are incredibly loyal to their immediate family. My neighbor's Angus would follow his owner around the garden like a shadow. But that loyalty often comes with a side of aloofness or wariness around strangers. They're not typically the dog that greets every guest with a wagging tail and a lick. They prefer to assess the situation from a distance first. This isn't aggression, it's a dignified reserve that's baked into their terrier genes.

They're also brave to a fault. Bred to go into burrows after foxes and badgers, they have no concept of their own small size. This can be a problem if they decide to pick a fight with a much larger dog at the park. Supervision is key.

And then there's the independence. Oh, the independence. A Scottish Terrier will often listen to you because they've decided your command aligns with what they wanted to do anyway. Training requires creativity, high-value treats, and a sense of humor. They get bored with repetition easily.

The Good, The Bad, and The Hairy: Pros and Cons

Is a Scottish Terrier the right dog for you? Look, every breed has trade-offs. Here’s a brutally honest table to help you decide.

See what I mean? It's a mix. If the cons list sounds like deal-breakers, a Scottie might not be for you. But if the pros light you up, read on.

Caring for Your Scottish Terrier: Daily Life

Owning a dog is a daily commitment, and Scottish Terriers have some specific requirements you need to weave into your routine.

That Famous Coat: Grooming is Non-Negotiable

This is probably the biggest commitment with a Scottie. They have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat and a hard, wiry outer coat. If you just let it grow, it gets long, soft, and can mat easily. To keep it looking and feeling right, you have two main options:

1. Clipping: The easier, more common route. You use electric clippers to trim the coat short every 4-8 weeks. The downside? Clipping can soften the coat texture and change its color over time, making it look a bit fuzzier.
2. Hand-Stripping: The traditional, professional method. The dead outer coat is pulled out by hand or with a special knife. This encourages new, harsh growth and preserves the classic texture and color. It's more work and expense, but it's what show dogs get. The Scottish Terrier Club of America has great resources on this.

Whichever you choose, you'll also need to:

• Brush weekly with a slicker brush and a metal comb to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and under the legs.
• Trim nails regularly.
• Check and clean those iconic bearded ears to prevent infections.

Feeding Your Little Powerhouse

Scotties are prone to obesity. Those short legs carry weight poorly, and extra pounds put stress on their joints and back. You must measure their food and limit treats. A high-quality, age-appropriate dog food is essential. Many Scottie owners and breeders recommend foods with good, identifiable protein sources and without excessive fillers. Some Scotties can have sensitive skin or allergies, so you might need to try a few brands to see what works best for your dog. Always consult your vet for personalized advice.

How much should you feed? Follow the guidelines on the bag, but use your eyes and hands. You should be able to feel their ribs without a thick layer of fat. If you see a waist from above, you're on track.

Exercise: More Than Just a Walk

A tired Scottie is a good Scottie. They have moderate energy, but it's a terrier energy. A simple walk around the block won't always cut it. They need mental stimulation to go with the physical.

• Daily walks: At least 30-45 minutes, broken into two sessions if possible. Let them sniff! Sniffing is like reading the newspaper for a dog.
• Playtime: They love games that engage their prey drive. Flirt poles, fetch with a ball, or hide-and-seek with treats are fantastic.
• Secure yard time: Remember, they are diggers and explorers. A Scottish Terrier should never be left alone in an unfenced yard. They will follow a scent or chase a squirrel without a second thought for traffic.

Training and Socializing Your Independent Thinker

This is where many first-time Scottie owners hit a wall. You can't use force or harsh methods with these dogs. They will shut down or become stubbornly resistant. Positive reinforcement is the only way.

Start early. Puppy socialization classes are absolutely critical for a Scottish Terrier. They need to be exposed to all sorts of people, dogs, sounds, and surfaces during their key developmental window (roughly 8-16 weeks). This helps curb their natural wariness and builds confidence. A well-socialized Scottie is a much more pleasant companion.

Keep it short and fun. Five-minute training sessions several times a day are better than one long, boring session. Use their favorite treats (cheese, chicken, hot dog bits) as currency.

Focus on the essentials first: Name recognition, sit, down, come, and loose-leash walking. "Come" is a particularly important one for safety, given their chasing instincts. Practice in a secure, fenced area with high rewards.

Scottish Terrier Health: What You Need to Watch For

Scottish Terriers are generally robust little dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all purebreds, they have some predispositions to certain health conditions. Being aware of them means you can watch for early signs and work with your vet on prevention.

Here are the main health concerns associated with the breed:

• Scottie Cramp: A non-painful, inherited neurological condition where the dog's limbs stiffen during excitement or exercise. It looks scary but doesn't cause pain or progress. Dogs can live full lives with it.
• Von Willebrand's Disease: A blood clotting disorder. Responsible breeders test their breeding stock for this. If you're getting a puppy, ask for proof of the parents' test results.
• Craniomandibular Osteopathy (CMO): Sometimes called "Scottie Jaw," this is a bone growth disorder affecting the jaw, usually in puppies. It can be painful and affect eating. It often resolves as the dog matures, but requires veterinary management.
• Bladder Cancer (Transitional Cell Carcinoma - TCC): Unfortunately, Scottish Terriers have a significantly higher risk of this specific cancer than other breeds. Research from institutions like Cornell University is ongoing. Signs can include straining to urinate, blood in urine, or frequent accidents. Early detection is crucial.
• Skin Allergies: They can be prone to atopic dermatitis, which causes itchy skin. This often requires management with diet, medication, or special shampoos.

The single most important thing you can do? Find a reputable breeder who does health testing on their breeding dogs. The Scottish Terrier Club of America's breeder referral is a good place to start. A good breeder will be happy to show you health clearances for hips, eyes, and vWD, and will be invested in the lifelong health of their puppies.

Scottish Terrier Puppies: Finding Your New Best Friend

If you've read this far and are still excited, the puppy search begins. Please, do not buy a Scottish Terrier puppy from a pet store or a website that ships puppies with no questions asked. These are almost always puppy mills. You'll likely get a sick, poorly socialized dog with a host of genetic problems.

A responsible breeder will:

• Ask you as many questions as you ask them.
• Invite you to meet the mother dog (and sometimes the father).
• Show you where the puppies are raised (in their home, not a kennel).
• Provide health clearances for both parents.
• Have a contract that includes a health guarantee and requires you to return the dog to them if you can't keep it, at any point in its life.

Expect to be on a waiting list. Good breeders don't have litters constantly; they plan them carefully.

Your Scottish Terrier Questions Answered

Bringing a Scottish Terrier into your life is a commitment to a unique and strong-willed companion. They demand more than just food and a walk—they demand understanding, patience, and a good sense of humor. But in return, they offer a loyalty and a distinctive character that is truly unmatched. If you're the right match for a Scottie, you'll have a funny, brave, and endlessly devoted little friend by your side for many years to come.

Do your homework, find a great breeder or rescue, and get ready for life with a dog that has more personality per square inch than just about any other breed out there. Good luck!