(Scottie, Aberdeen Terrier) The Scottish Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. Covered in a long beard, the breed’s long rectangular muzzle protrudes from their petite head. Their small, almond-shaped eyes and erect, large, triangular ears make them look as if they are in deep thought most of the time. Their neck is surprisingly muscular and their body is broad. Yet, their short legs and small found feet covered in long hair keep them looking dainty. They have a medium sized tail which sticks out straight or almost straight. Fur covers Scotties’ entire bodies but especially covers their face, belly, and legs. In fact, the hair on their legs is so long it reaches the floor. The most common coat color for the breed is black, but the coat can also be brindle or wheaten.

The Scottish Terrier is smart and becomes very devoted to one or two people. Family is important, and they want to be a major part of it. Strangers do not get a friendly greeting and will not be given any attention. The breed only wants to help out its family. Older children can get enjoyment out of playing with the dog, but young children may not be considerate enough and may get snapped at. Adult Scottish Terriers can bite or snap at people, including their family. They need firm owners, because they are dominant and will become the leader of the house. Playing games, especially fetch, with their family is extremely fun for them.

Not all Scottish Terriers will snap at owners and others. It is important to starting training from birth and always let a Scottish Terrier know who its master is. This breed has gotten a bad reputation from undo aggression, but it can be controlled with training. This dog may not be suitable for first time dog owners. Scotties love children of all ages as long as they are properly socialized. Scottish Terriers do not jump or bite unless excited or under pressure. Since they were originally bred for hunting, they love to chase squirrels, birds, raccoons and possums. Most like to have a large yard or at least be taken on several long walks a day.

The Scottish Terrier can be afflicted with a few genetic anomalies, including vWD (von Willebrand’s disease, Scottie Cramp, and Cranio-Mandibular Osteopaty.  Also seen on occasion are diabetes, epilepsy, and hypothyroidism but these problems are not nearly as pervasive.  The Scottie has a life span of about 12 to 15 years.

Research has suggested that Scottish Terriers are 20 times more likely to get bladder cancer than other breeds and the most common kind of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder(TCC).

The Scottish Terrier originated in Scotland at the start of the 18th century.  The first Scottish Terriers did not look like the modern versions; those came much later.  In fact, the modern Scottish Terrier first made its mark on the dog world in 1890.  These dogs were normally used for hunting foxes and rabbits because of their small size but today they live mostly as companions.

Grooming a Scottish Terrier is not as much work as it may seem. Brushing should be done once or twice a week. To keep their coat the right length, they should be trimmed professionally two times a year. Baths are not usually needed. Exercise for these little dogs is a simple task. If a yard is available, they can run and exercise on their own. If a yard is not available, going on walks or playing games are great exercise.

The Scottish Terrier is a small dog that is not for everyone. Family is most important to this breed which likes pleasing their family members. Children need to be respectful of the Scottish Terrier, or they might get bit. Strangers will not get attacked but will be ignored. They can live in an apartment and do not need a yard. They need little exercise which makes them good companions for older people. Cool climates are preferred by Scottish Terriers, but any weather is fine.

	I have a German Shepard male approx 3 yrs old, he likes other animals but my question is do Scotties like other dogs? Scotties can dislike other dogs but I find if you socialize them properly when they are puppies they will accept other dogs. My 9 month old Scottie Mac didn't like the other dogs in puppy kindergarten when he was about 4-5 months old but now he is 9 months and loved being with the other dogs in Beginner kindergarten. Betsy
	At about 11 weeks my scottie shed out all her baby hair, she is now 4 almost 5 mths and although her coat is beutiful it is short, will it get long? The answer is yes, it may take a few years before the coat is long enough to reach the ground..but it will grow.
	Our Scottish (Aberdeen) Terrier seems quite a lot larger than most we have met and has a much wider head. Is he a particular breed of Scottie? He is amazingly strong. Everything that is listed on your site he lives up to, thank you for that. Our wheaten scottie is larger than most also he just turned 10 years old. He has had 3 different vets in his life time, and each time I have asked this question I received the same answer. The reason for his size is really just a matter of how large his scottie parents were. Nothing significant no special health issues or behavorial issues because of his stature.
	Our Scottish Terrier is 17 weeks old. It has one ear that points straight and one that flops down? Is this typical? Will the other ear begin to point straight or should I try something to straighten it? When I got my Scottie he had one floppy ear as well. After a few weeks the other one stood up. He needs to develop his ear muscles. It's nothing to worry about, don't be too concerned.
	How much should my schottie weigh at 5 months? I wish I knew because mine only weighs 3 pounds at 8 weeks
	how many puppies does a scotish terrier normally have? A scottish terrier litter is usually around 5-7 pups in a litter.
	My scottish terrier is pregnant and I want to know how many puppie they usually have? A scottish terrier litter is usually around 5-7 pups in a litter.

View all Q&A