Scottish Terrier
Dignified independent
Confident, reserved, and loyal. Often happiest with quiet adults.

Best for
- Adult households
- Apartments
- Quiet singles
Not ideal for
Aloof with strangers and small pets; stubborn streak.
Exercise needs
30–45 minutes of walks.
Grooming and shedding
Grooming: high. Shedding: low. Plan your brushing routine — and budget — around this.
Barking and training
Barking is typically medium. Trainability is medium. Early socialization and consistent training go a long way.
Apartment and family fit
Apartment fit: easy. Typically content in small spaces with daily walks. Kid-friendliness is generally low.
Estimated monthly cost
Cost level: medium. Costs typically scale with size, grooming, and likelihood of vet visits.
Climate notes
Heat tolerance is typically low and cold tolerance is typically medium. Avoid midday walks in summer and watch for overheating.
Watch out for
Aloof with strangers and small pets; stubborn streak.
Educational matching content — not veterinary advice.
Good questions to ask before choosing a Scottish Terrier
- • Can I realistically meet the exercise and grooming demands every week, not just on weekends?
- • Have I met adult dogs of this breed — not just puppies?
- • If buying from a breeder, can they show health screening for the parents?
- • Is there a breed-specific rescue near me? Adult dogs can be a great fit.
- • What does my monthly budget look like for food, grooming, and routine vet care?
- • Who handles the dog if I'm away or my schedule changes?
Learn more about the Scottish Terrier
Trusted outside resources — these open in a new tab.
AKC breed info
Official breed standard, history, and care notes from the American Kennel Club.
Visit site ↗ExternalAdoptable dogs on Petfinder
Search Scottish Terrier and Scottish Terrier mixes available for adoption near you.
Visit site ↗ExternalAKC Rescue Network
Directory of breed-specific rescue groups across the United States.
Visit site ↗Not sure Scottish Terrier is the one?
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