← All breeds

Scottish Terrier

Dignified independent

Confident, reserved, and loyal. Often happiest with quiet adults.

smallmedium energyapartment easyfirst-time friendlylow shedding
Scottish Terrier dog
Size
small
Energy
medium
Shedding
low
Barking
medium
Grooming
high
Trainability
medium
Apartment
easy
First-time owner
yes
Kid-friendly
low
Pet-friendly
low
Alone tolerance
medium
Monthly cost
medium

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.

Not sure Scottish Terrier is the one?

Take the 2-minute quiz for personalized matches.

Take the quiz →

Related breeds