The Scottish Terrier is the definition of a fearless little sparkplug. Small in stature but large in voice and heart, they will be an alert and effective watchdog and surely ward off intruders or even startle the occasional Fed Ex man. The Scottie will love your kids, family, and friends and be a loyal companion.

They are generally friendly with other dogs, but will have no issues giving a random cat a good chase – it’s just what Terriers do. The Scottish Terrier can be a bit stubborn and feisty at times, and is known to be one of the most determined breeds out there when he focuses in on something.

The Scottish Terrier is very versatile in terms of how much space they need. One one hand, being a high energy terrier, they are very happy with a large yard and home to roam about. That being said, with proper exercise, they can adapt well to apartment living because of their smaller size.

Scottish Terriers are indifferent when it comes to climate, being okay with warm or cool, but, like all dogs, are vulnerable to extremes of either. They are not a dog that will like long lengths of alone time, and this could lead to anxious or destructive behavior.

The health of the Scottish Terrier is generally good. Some things to be aware of is that they do seem a bit more likely to develop some forms of cancer than other purebreds. Some other health concerns are Patellar Luxation and Von Willebrand’s disease, both of which can be minimized by selective breeding.

The Scottish Terrier is not recommended if you are a novice dog owner, unless you intend to invest time into obedience training. Highly intelligent, if you can get by their stubborn side, you will find the Scottie very receptive to training with its master. Be aware that the Scottish Terrier takes both praise and criticism very much to heart, so be careful not to let frustration get the best of you because the Scottie will know it.

The Scottish Terrier most often has a Black coat, but can also come in Brindle and Wheaten colors. It is important to groom your Scottish Terrier early and often. Brushing and clipping will be a big part of the grooming process. However, make sure not to trim his coat too short if you wish to be in line with the breed standard.

Flea and tick treatments are important with all breeds, and especially for Scotties as they tend to be more sensitive to these pests. If your Scottish Terrier happens to get fleas, it is even more likely to lead to skin irritation and skin chewing with this dog breed. Regular tooth brushing, ear checks, and nail trimming are also recommended.

The Scottie is a high energy Terrier. They excel at competitive agility, and are great athletes despite their short legs and small stature. They need regular exercise to be well adapted and well behaved.

The Scottish Terrier generally stands 9-10 inches tall at the shoulders, and will weigh between 17 and 23 pounds.

A Scottish Terrier generally lives 11 to 13 years.

Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower both owned Scottish Terriers.