Scottishs 101

Terrier group

The Scottish Terrier is one of the most recognizable of breeds, with their short legs and large beard and eyebrows. They were, along with their cousin the West Highland White Terrier, tough vermin-hunters that never backed away from a fight. While their popularity has remained steady for decades, they were the "it" dog of the 1930s and '40s, turning up in advertising, fabric patterns, knickknacks and even as a game piece in a popular new board game of the era: Monopoly.

What we love about Scottishs

No dog looks better in a tartan coat

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

9 to 10 inches tall
Small breed size

Size: 9 to 10 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.

Lifespan

10 to 12 years

Lifespan: 10 to 12 years average

Weight

18 to 22 lbs

Weight: 18 to 22 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
9 to 10 inches
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Weight
18 to 22 lbs

The Scottish Terrier stands 9 to 10 inches tall and weighs 18 to 22 lbs. Scottish Terriers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Scottish Terriers get?
Scottish Terriers stand 9 to 10 inches tall and typically weigh between 18 and 22 pounds.
How long do Scottish Terriers live?
The average lifespan of a Scottish Terrier is 10 to 12 years.
Are Scottish Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
Scottish Terriers have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do Scottish Terriers bark a lot?
Scottish Terriers are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Scottish Terrier health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Scottish

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Mid-life Scottish Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gallbladder disease and Cushings disease and Liver disease are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Gallbladder disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Liver disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Scottish

8+ years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Senior Scottish Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Liver and gallbladder cancer and Cushings disease and Lymphatic cancer pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk

Scottish puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Scottish Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk. Ear infection is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk

Young adult Scottish

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

As Scottish Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Scottish

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Mid-life Scottish Terriers should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Gallbladder disease and Cushings disease and Liver disease are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Gallbladder disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Liver disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Scottish

8+ years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Senior Scottish Terriers face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Liver and gallbladder cancer and Cushings disease and Lymphatic cancer pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cushings disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Lymphatic cancer
Very High Risk

Scottish puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

Scottish Terrier puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk. Ear infection is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Ear infection
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk

Young adult Scottish

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Scottish conditions

As Scottish Terriers grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Foreign body ingestion is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Above Average Risk
Scottish Terrier standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Scottish Terrier's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Ear infection: High Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: Above Average Risk, Luxated patella: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
Gallbladder disease: Moderate Risk, Cushings disease: Moderate Risk, Liver disease: Moderate Risk
Senior (8+ years)
Liver and gallbladder cancer: Very High Risk, Cushings disease: Very High Risk, Lymphatic cancer: Very High Risk
Scottish Terrier image

Perhaps the most famous Scottish Terrier of all time was Fala, who belonged to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the president's memorial in Washington, D.C., a sculpted Fala remains forever at FDR's side.

Scottish Terrier coat care and colors

The proper grooming of the Scottish Terrier requires slow, painstaking “hand-stripping,” or plucking, of dead fur to allow for new growth. Hand-stripping is hard to learn and not much fun. That’s why most Scotties visit professional groomers regularly to be clipped short, making home care easier – an occasional brushing and combing are all that’s needed between groomings. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Scottish exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Scottish Terrier is an active breed that will still hunt down any mice who dare to show their faces in the house. Scotties will take as much exercise as you can give them, but because of their short legs, they will be satisfied with long, brisk walks.

Trainability

Trainability

The Scottish Terrier does not lack intelligence, but this is a breed known for wanting to do things their way, not yours. Get an early start on manners and socialization with positive training and boundary-setting. Don't expect the Scottie to change for you: This is not usually a dog who enjoys other dogs or strangers, and small pets such as hamsters are not safe in this hunter's presence.

Scottish fun facts

Top girl names for Scottishs

100%

of Scottishs are female

0%

of Scottishs are male

Top boy names for Scottishs

Nationwide loves Scottish Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Scottish Terrier gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Scottish Terriers insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Scottish Terrier statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Scottishs

Best. Scottish Terrier insurance. Ever.SM

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