Scottishs 101
Terrier groupThe 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
- 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.
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.

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

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.
What kind of brush should I use on my Scottish Terrier?
What kind of brush should I use on my Scottish Terrier?
How often should I groom my Scottish Terrier?
How often should I groom my Scottish Terrier?
What kind of coat does my Scottish Terrier have?
What kind of coat does my Scottish Terrier have?
Scottish exercise & training
Scottish fun facts
Top girl names for Scottishs
of Scottishs are female
of Scottishs are male
Top boy names for Scottishs
Nationwide loves Scottish Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
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
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free
