Scottish Terrier

Like every breed, the Scottish Terrier is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based training and stay interesting and motivating.
• Train them as you would a bigger dog, while handling them sensitively.
• Give an outlet for their urge to hunt, such as tug toys and soft toys.
• Socialise them well from an early age with other dogs and other species.
• Manage who your dog meets, as Scotties do not take to everyone.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Scottie cramp

  A hereditary disorder that causes temporary cramping of the leg muscles, usually brought on by excitement.

• Von Willebrand's disease

  A blood clotting disorder in which the dog produces insufficient or faulty clotting factor, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.

• Eye conditions

  Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, and lens luxation is a dislocation of the lens.

• Atopy

  An allergic skin condition that causes itching and skin damage.

• Cardiomyopathy

  Enlargement of the heart caused by degeneration of the heart muscle.

• Cushing's syndrome

  A hormonal disorder in which the body produces too much cortisol.

• Deafness

  Some Scotties may be affected by deafness.

• Whelping difficulties

  Scotties have large shoulders compared with their hindquarters and pelvis, which can make it hard for females to give birth naturally.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Scottish Terrier home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Scottish Terrier home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Scottish Terrier suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Scottish Terriers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.