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Scottish Terrier
Terrier breed from Scotland
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, and sturdy terrier breed from Scotland, belonging to the Terrier group. It has a distinctive wiry coat, erect ears, beard, and eyebrows, giving it a dignified and confident presence. The breed is known for its confident, independent, alert, intelligent, and loyal temperament. Energy and trainability are rated as moderate (3 out of 5). Grooming needs are relatively high (4 out of 5), while shedding is low (2 out of 5). The breed is moderately suitable for children (3 out of 5) and other dogs (3 out of 5), but well-suited to apartment living (4 out of 5). Adult males and females both weigh an estimated 8.5 to 10 kg and stand 25 to 28 cm tall. Lifespan is estimated at 12 to 15 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
Quick facts
Scottish Terrier at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupTerrier
OriginScotland
Lifespan12–15 years
Male weight8.5–10 kilogram
Female weight8.5–10 kilogram
Male height25–28 centimetre
Female height25–28 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Scottish Terrier is one of Scotland's oldest Highland terrier breeds. It was developed in the Scottish Highlands for hunting vermin in difficult terrain. The breed's history is rooted in its working purpose as a tenacious hunter of foxes, badgers, and other small game in rugged landscapes. According to one source, the breed was recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in 1883 and the American Kennel Club in 1885, but these recognition dates are not independently verified in the supplied facts and should be treated with caution. The breed's origins are exclusively Scottish, and it has been a distinct type for centuries, though precise historical details are not fully documented in the provided evidence.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
8.5–10 kilogramAdult weight25–28 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesWiryCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Confidentindependentalertintelligentloyal
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Scottish Terrier-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Scottish Terrier puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight8.5–10 kilogramAdult female weight8.5–10 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Scottish Terrier?
Scottish Terriers are small dogs. Estimated adult weight for both males and females is 8.5 to 10 kg, and height is 25 to 28 cm. Their estimated lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
What is the temperament of a Scottish Terrier?
The breed is described as confident, independent, alert, intelligent, and loyal. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Scottish Terrier will display all these traits equally.
How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?
Energy level is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate exercise needs. Regular daily walks and playtime are appropriate, but the breed is not excessively high-energy.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 4 out of 5, meaning relatively high maintenance. The wiry coat requires regular brushing and periodic hand-stripping or professional grooming. Shedding is low (2 out of 5).
Is a Scottish Terrier good for apartment living?
Yes, apartment suitability is rated 4 out of 5, indicating they adapt well to apartment life provided they get sufficient exercise.
How does the Scottish Terrier get along with children and other dogs?
Child suitability is 3 out of 5 and dog compatibility is 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate compatibility. Early socialization and supervision are recommended, as individual temperaments vary.
Where does the Scottish Terrier originate from?
The breed originates from Scotland, specifically the Scottish Highlands, where it was developed for hunting vermin in difficult terrain.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.