Scottish Terrier
蘇格蘭㹴
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Scottish Terrier — the 'Diehard' — is a short-legged but substantial Scottish earthdog with a wiry coat, erect ears and a dignified, almost human character. Scotties are independent, confident and loyal to their family, aloof with strangers and often scrappy with other dogs; they think for themselves, so training works best in short, varied, positive sessions. A brisk daily walk and some play satisfy them, making them well suited to flats.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 25cm |
| Weight | 8–10kg |
| Life expectancy | 12years |
| Breed group | AKC: terrier FCI: 3 |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Wire coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 3 hours |
| Companionship need | 5/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 2/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Skin and allergy problems
Skin problems and allergies are commonly reported in the breed. Ask your vet if you notice itching, redness or recurring ear/skin infections.
Cancer
Certain cancers are reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet about regular check-ups and about any new lumps.
Liver shunt (portosystemic shunt)
Liver shunts are reported in the breed, particularly in small dogs. Ask your vet if a puppy is small, unwell after meals or slow to grow.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Behaviour
Independent, dignified, scrappy with dogs
The CKC says the Scottie is loyal, loving and playful with its family but can be scrappy with other dogs — alert and spirited, yet stable and steady-going; the AKC says its aloofness toward strangers makes it an excellent watchdog, that its hunting instinct remains strong, and that Scotties are known to be cantankerous around other dogs.
Short, creative training sessions
The AKC says Scotties do best with training sessions of no more than 15 minutes, varied rather than repeated — this is a thinker that will not respond once bored, has an independent streak and works best when it seems the idea was its own; the CKC says the Scottie suits almost any accommodation but enjoys the outdoors and should have at least one brisk walk a day.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Scottish Terrier
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Scottish Terrier (Terriers)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Scottish Terrier
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Scottish Terrier (standard no. 73, group 3)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
What owners say
Owner advice is quoted from public community posts and reflects those owners' opinions, not PocketPaw's position. It is unverified and not a substitute for professional advice. Each item links to where it was said.
“The parent club's 'Scottie character' page describes an independent, strong-willed, intelligent dog that bonds for life with its family but would rather lie at your feet than in your lap — 'a true pub dog'; it warns that Scotties are not happy-go-lucky dog-park dogs, will not back down from an aggressive dog and have a strong prey instinct, will not put up with being startled, clumsy petting or teasing from children, and respond far better to short, positive training sessions than to punishment.”
— Scottish Terrier Club of America — Scottie Character via breed clubWorldwide2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Scottish Terrier — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Scottish Terrier — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Scottish Terrier — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Scottish Terrier — FCI standard no. 73 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]Scottie Character — Scottish Terrier Club of America — Scottish Terrier Club of America (public breed information) (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.