Scottish Terrier

Do Scottish Terriers shed?

No — Scottish Terriers shed very little. This is one of their most appealing traits for people who'd rather not hoover twice a day. They're also considered hypoallergenic, making them a good option for people with mild dog allergies. You'll still want to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy, but you won't find hair on every surface you own.

Are Scottish Terriers good with kids?

Scottish Terriers can be hit or miss with young children. They tend to do better with older kids (8+) who know how to approach dogs calmly. Their bold personality means they won't always back down from confrontations. They can be wonderful companions — but early socialisation and teaching children how to interact with dogs properly is essential.

Are Scottish Terriers good with cats?

Scottish Terriers have a strong prey drive and will often chase cats. It\'s not impossible to have a Scottish Terrier and a cat together, but it takes careful management — separate spaces, slow introductions over weeks, and never leaving them unsupervised until you're absolutely certain they're safe together. Some Scottish Terriers raised with cats from puppyhood learn to coexist, but the prey drive is rarely fully extinguished.

Are Scottish Terriers easy to train?

Scottish Terriers are honest work to train — they have an independent streak and won't follow a command unless they understand why it benefits them. Patience and consistency are non-negotiable. Short sessions with high-value treats (think chicken, not dry kibble) get better results than long frustrating drills. Puppy classes are strongly recommended — not because they need it more than other breeds, but because early foundations make life significantly easier.

Do Scottish Terriers bark a lot?

Scottish Terriers bark at a moderate level — they'll alert you to strangers or unusual sounds, but won't bark continuously for no reason. Separation anxiety can increase barking in any breed. If left alone too long, a Scottish Terrier may become vocal — something to factor in if you work long hours. With consistent training ("quiet" command + reward), most Scottish Terriers can be taught when barking is and isn't appropriate.

Are Scottish Terriers hypoallergenic?

Scottish Terriers are considered hypoallergenic — they produce significantly less dander than most breeds. No dog is 100% allergen-free (the allergen is a protein in saliva and skin, not just hair), but Scottish Terriers are much better tolerated by people with dog allergies. If allergies are a concern, spend time with a Scottish Terrier before committing. Visit a breeder or a friend who owns one — if you're fine after an hour, you'll likely be fine long-term.

How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?

Scottish Terriers need 60–90 min/day of exercise daily. A couple of decent walks per day plus some off-lead time in a park will keep them happy. They're active enough to enjoy longer adventures at weekends, but calm enough to cope with normal weekday routines.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Scottish Terrier with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Scottish Terrier health problems

Like all breeds, Scottish Terriers are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

• Dental disease. Smaller breeds have crowded teeth and are prone to periodontal issues. Brush teeth regularly.
• Luxating patella. Kneecap slipping, especially common in small breeds.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Scottish Terriers live?

Scottish Terriers typically live 11–13 years. Smaller breeds generally live longer — one of the genuine advantages of a small dog.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Scottish Terrier at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Scottish Terrier cost in the UK?

A Scottish Terrier puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £700–£1 500.

If you see a Scottish Terrier puppy advertised for significantly less than £700, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £22–£50/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Scottish Terrier pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Scottish Terrier in the UK typically costs £22–£50/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.