Scottish Terrier Overview
The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the ‘Scottie’, is a small but dignified Scottish hunting dog with a distinctive appearance characterised by their compact, sturdy build, distinctive beard and eyebrows, and upright ears. Developed in the Scottish Highlands as a hunting and pest-control dog, the Scottie’s personality is as distinctive as their appearance: independent, dignified, sometimes stubborn, and fiercely loyal to their families. These are characterful little dogs with big personalities, renowned for their intelligence, confidence, and occasionally contrary nature.
Scottish Terriers are suitable for experienced dog owners who appreciate their independent spirit and appreciate firm, consistent leadership. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their stubbornness, prey drive, and aggressive tendencies toward other dogs and small animals. Their wiry coat requires regular grooming and brushing but is relatively low-maintenance. These dogs are adaptable to various climates and living situations, including apartments, provided they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. With the right owner, Scotties make devoted, amusing, and affectionate companions that will keep their families entertained with their distinctive personality and unexpected antics.
Scottish Terrier Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Scottish Terrier temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
The Scottish Terrier is dignified, independent, and characterful, displaying a distinct personality with an almost human-like sense of humour and contrary nature. These dogs are confident, sometimes even stubborn to the point of obstinacy, but deeply loyal to their chosen family. They are alert, intelligent, and intensely focused on their interests, whether that's a scent, a toy, or pursuing their own agenda.
Key traits
dignified, stubborn, loyal, confident, characterful. Moderately affectionate but on their own terms; they decide when to be cuddly. Not ideal with young children due to low tolerance for boisterous handling and low patience. Prey drive toward small animals is significant; may chase and injure cats, rabbits, and small dogs. Barking is frequent and can be excessive; they alert to activity. Separation anxiety is low; these independent dogs are content with alone time.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Scottish Terrier scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Scottish Terrier Right for You?
⚠️
Apartment
Moderate — small and can adapt to apartments, but barking tendency problematic for neighbours
✅
House with yard
Ideal — enjoy outdoor space; secure fencing essential due to digging and escape attempts
❌
First-time owner
Not suitable — stubborn, aggressive tendencies, and prey drive require experienced owners
⚠️
Renters
Moderate — small and rent-friendly but barking may breach noise clauses; landlord approval essential
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good — compact size and weatherproof coat suit various climates; heat-tolerant
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Ideal — wiry coat provides insulation; thrive in cool to temperate climates
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Good — low grooming, hardy, adaptable if tolerant of stubbornness and barking
⚠️
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Moderate — tolerate alone time but insufficient exercise triggers excessive barking
✅
Rural/acreage
Good — enjoy space and outdoor activities; ideal for properties with space to roam
✅
Active lifestyle
Moderate — engage with moderate activity; less suited to intense exercise but enjoy walks and play
Separation Anxiety: Low — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Scottish Terrier Size & Appearance
Size
Small
Weight M
8.5–10.5 kg
Weight F
8–9.5 kg
Height
25–28 cm
Coat
double coat, wiry, hard, weatherproof with distinctive beard and eyebrows
Colours
black, brindle, red, wheaten, grizzle
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Scottish Terrier Health & Lifespan
12 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Excessive jaw bone growth, typically in puppies (4–8 months). Causes jaw swelling and difficulty eating. Watch for mandibular swelling and drooling. Usually self-limiting by age 12 months.
Est. treatment: $800–$2,000 diagnostic testing
Kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness or skipping gait. Watch for reluctance to bear weight on hind leg or hopping.
Est. treatment: $1,500–$3,000 per knee
Genetic neurological disorder causing abnormal gait (high-stepping or crouched posture) triggered by excitement or stress. Watch for unusual movement patterns during play. Usually manageable.
Est. treatment: $500–$1,500 diagnostic testing
Blood clotting disorder leading to excessive bleeding from minor injuries or surgeries. Can be life-threatening. Genetic testing available. Watch for excessive bleeding from wounds.
Est. treatment: $800–$2,000 diagnostic testing
Allergic skin inflammation from environmental allergens. Causes itching, redness, and secondary infections. Watch for excessive scratching and skin problems.
Est. treatment: $200–$600 per treatment course
Pet Insurance for Scottish Terrier
Avg Annual Insurance: $650
Monthly Estimate: $20–$35/month AUD; Petplan, NRMA Pet Insurance, Woolworths Pet Insurance
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Scottish Terrier
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Scottish Terrier Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
| Food |
$1,400 |
| Vet |
$500 |
| Grooming |
$250 |
| Insurance |
$650 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,000 |
| Monthly |
$100 |
| LIFETIME (12 yrs) |
$24,000 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$24,000
Estimated lifetime cost (12 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Scottish Terrier Grooming Guide
Frequency
Every 12–16 weeks
Brushing
3–4× per week
Professional Cost
$60–$90
Coat
double coat, wiry, hard, weatherproof with distinctive beard and eyebrows
Shedding
★★☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Scottish Terrier Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
45 minutes
Type
walk/play/dig
Energy
★★★☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Low
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Scottish Terrier
Trainability: ★★☆☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★☆☆☆/5
Scottish Terriers are intelligent but notoriously stubborn and independent-minded, bred to work autonomously hunting prey. Training requires patience, consistency, and experience; they are not recommended for first-time owners. Use high-value food rewards and maintain firm, calm leadership. They respond poorly to harsh corrections or punishment. Early, ongoing socialisation is essential to manage prey drive and reduce aggression toward other dogs. House-training is straightforward but requires consistency. They are naturally vocal; barking can be managed but not eliminated. Provide secure fencing; they are escape artists and diggers. Training should emphasise obedience and recall due to prey drive.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Scottish Terrier Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,400
Feed small-to-medium breed dog food suitable for their size and activity level (premium brands $50–$90/month). Avoid overfeeding; weight gain stresses joints. Some owners feed fresh, whole-food diets ($70–$130/month) with vet approval. Food motivation is moderate; they're less treat-driven than some terrier breeds.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Scottish Terrier Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Scottish Terrier in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Scottish Terrier Rescue Australia (if available)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Scottish Terrier — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Scottish Terriers good for first-time dog owners?
No. They're stubborn, have significant prey drive, and can show same-sex dog aggression. Training requires experience and firm leadership. Better suited to owners with terrier breed experience and understanding of independent-minded dogs.
How much exercise do Scottish Terriers need?
About 45–60 minutes of daily exercise including walks, play, and mental stimulation. They're moderate-energy dogs and adaptable to various activity levels, but require enough exercise to prevent boredom, destructive behaviour, and excessive barking.
Do Scottish Terriers get along with other dogs and cats?
Not reliably. They often show same-sex dog aggression and have strong prey drive toward cats and small animals. They're best suited to single-dog households. Early socialisation helps but doesn't guarantee peaceful cohabitation.
Do Scottish Terriers bark a lot?
Yes, they're vocal dogs. Barking is frequent, especially when excited or when they detect activity. Whilst barking can't be eliminated, it can be managed through training and exercise. They may bother neighbours with excessive barking.
What grooming do Scottish Terriers require?
Moderate. Professional grooming every 12–16 weeks ($60–$90) maintains coat health. Home brushing 3–4 times per week (15–20 minutes) manages shedding and prevents matting. Regular beard and eyebrow maintenance is part of grooming.
What's the cost of owning a Scottish Terrier in Australia?
Expect $1,500–$2,800 for a puppy from a registered ANKC breeder. Annual costs include food ($600–$1,000), grooming ($300–$500), insurance ($300–$600/year), and vet checkups ($200–$400 annually).
Are Scottish Terriers suitable for apartments?
Yes, surprisingly. They're small, don't require a yard if exercised, and have moderate energy. However, barking tendency can be problematic for neighbours. Only suitable if owner tolerates/manages barking and can provide daily exercise.
Can Scottish Terriers be left alone?
Yes, they tolerate alone time well without separation anxiety. However, insufficient exercise and boredom trigger excessive barking and destructive behaviour. Pre-departure exercise and mental enrichment are important.
What health issues should I look for?
Ask breeders about CMO (Craniomandibular Osteopathy) screening, patellar luxation health testing, Scottie Cramp genetic screening, and von Willebrand's Disease testing. Reputable breeders provide transparency about genetic health.
Where can I find a Scottish Terrier breeder in Australia?
Contact ANKC (ankc.org.au) for registered breeders, search RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au), or reach out to Scottish Terrier breed clubs. Always ask for health testing results and verify ANKC registration.
