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Scottish Terriers: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

Scottish Terrier temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Scottish Terrier dog breed

The AKC Standard says, "The Scottish Terrier's bold, confident, dignified aspect exemplifies power in a small package... a determined and thoughtful dog whose 'heads up, tails up' attitude in the ring should convey both fire and control."

Friendly and playful as a puppy, the Scottie matures into a bold, jaunty, yet steady and dignified adult, with greater independence than most terriers. He is staunchly self-reliant and fearless – also a bit dour and crusty at times.

The Scottish Terrier is content with daily walks and not built for long-distance jogging, but he will pursue squirrels and chipmunks with rollicking enthusiasm.

Steadfastly loyal to his owner (some are one-person dogs) and reserved with strangers, the Scottish Terrier makes an intimidating watchdog. He should be socialized with lots of people at an early age and not allowed to be sharp. He can be scrappy with other dogs.

Training is a challenge, for no breed has higher self-esteem or a stronger will. This is not a dog for permissive owners! Firm, consistent leadership is a must, and training should be praise- and food-based, with fair corrections, for the Scottie is sensitive and easily insulted. He may retaliate or "go on strike" if pushed too far with rough handling or teasing.


If you want a dog who...

  • Is a "big dog with short legs" i.e. built low to the ground, but with a robust body, heavy bone, and a strong temperament
  • Is bold and jaunty, yet also calmer and more dignified than most other terriers
  • Needs only moderate exercise
  • Makes a determined watchdog with a surprisingly deep bark
  • Doesn't shed excessively

A Scottish Terrier may be right for you.


If you don't want to deal with...

  • One of the most self-willed and independent of the terriers
  • Suspiciousness/sharpness toward strangers in some lines, or when not socialized enough
  • Aggression toward other animals – chasing instincts
  • Regular brushing/clipping/trimming

A Scottish Terrier may not be right for you.

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In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.


Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament  is less predictable than the inheritance of physical  traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

FREE eBooks by Michele Welton

dog icon"Respect Training for Puppies"  and "Teach Your Dog 100 English Words"  are free step by step guides to teaching your pup to be calm and well-behaved.

dog icon"11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy"  is a free guide to keeping your dog mentally, physically, and emotionally happy and healthy so you can enjoy a longer lifetime of companionship.

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  • You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Scotties have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
  • If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.

More traits and characteristics of the Scottish Terrier

If I was considering a Scottish Terrier, I would be most concerned about...

  1. Strong mind of their own. Scottish Terriers must be taught at an early age that they are not the rulers of the world. The toughness that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. Terriers are stubborn and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

    In other words, you must teach your Scottish Terrier to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Follow my free online training programs.

  2. Defensive reactions. I do not recommend terriers for small children. Many terriers will not tolerate any nonsense from little life forms whom they consider to be below themselves in importance. Many terriers are quick to react to teasing, and even to the normal clumsiness that comes with small children (accidental squeezing of their ears or pulling of whiskers or stepping on their paw). Many terriers are possessive of their food and toys and will defend these from all comers, including children.
  3. Sharpness toward strangers. Standoffish by nature, Scottish Terriers need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become suspiciousness, which is a short step to biting. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants like myself see a surprising number of Scotties who are downright nasty. Nearly all of these are poorly-bred; show lines are much more stable and reliable.
  4. Animal aggression. Like all terriers, Scottish Terriers can be scrappy with other dogs of the same sex. They are a determined force to reckon with if they decide to initiate or accept a challenge to fight. And because of their hunting background, most terriers have strong instincts to chase and seize small fleeing creatures. This could make for conflict if you own a cat. It may be much worse than that if you own a pet rabbit or hamster!
  5. Grooming. Scottish Terriers require clipping and trimming every few months, to keep their coat short and free of mats. But don't expect your pet Scottish Terrier to look like the show dogs you've seen in books or on TV. That particular look takes hours of work by experienced show groomers.
  6. Health problems. From bleeding disorders to joint disorders to autoimmune diseases to allergies and skin conditions, Scottish Terriers are a bit risky in the health department.

Michele Welton with BuffyAbout the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.

My best-selling books – now available  FREE  on my website


book coverRespect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy is for puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Click here to read for free.
book coverTeach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Click here to read for free.
book cover11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life. Get my honest advice about all 11 Things before you bring home your new puppy, because some mistakes with early health care cannot be undone. Click here to read for free.

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