Breed library

Scottish Terrier

Also known as Aberdeen Terrier, Scottie, Scotty Dog.

Scottish Terrier photograph.
Scottish Terrier Photo of Face.jpg - Elise Carroll. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scottish_Terrier_Photo_of_Face.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. License: CC BY-SA 4.0.

Breed overview

The Scottish Terrier (Abhag Albannach; also known as the Aberdeen Terrier), popularly called the Scottie, is a breed of dog. Initially one of the highland breeds of terrier that were grouped under the name of Skye Terrier, it is one of five breeds of terrier that originated in Scotland, the other four being the modern Skye, Cairn, Dandie Dinmont, and West Highland White terriers. They are an independent and rugged breed with a wiry outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. The first Earl of Dumbarton nicknamed the breed "the diehard". According to legend, the Earl of Dumbarton gave this nickname because of the Scottish Terriers' bravery, and Scotties were also the inspiration for the name of his regiment, The Royal Scots, Dumbarton's Diehard. Scottish Terriers were originally bred to hunt vermin on farms.

  • Breed type: dog breedBreed reference breed kind.
  • Country of origin: ScotlandBreed reference country of origin.

Breed facts

  • Initial grouping of several of the highland terriers (including the Scottie) under the generic name Skye Terriers caused some confusion in the breed's lineage.
  • There is disagreement over whether the Skye Terriers mentioned in early 16th century records actually descended from forerunners of the Scottie or vice versa.
  • Scotties were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms and to hunt badgers and foxes in the Highlands of Scotland.
  • The actual origin of a breed as old as the Scottish Terrier is obscure and undocumented.
  • The first written records about a dog of similar description to the Scottish Terrier dates from 1436, when Don Leslie described them in his book The History of Scotland 1436-1561.

Size and appearance

The Scottish Terrier is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built terrier of good bone and substance. They have a hard, wiry, weather-resistant coat and a thick-set, cobby body which is hung between short, heavy legs. These characteristics, joined with their very special keen, piercing, "varminty" expression, and their erect ears and tail are salient features of the breed. According to The Scottish Terrier Club of America's Breed Standard, the eyes should be small, bright and piercing, and almond-shaped not round. Their color can range from black, greyish-black, and even white. The ears should be small, prick, set well up on the skull and pointed, but never cut. They should be covered with short velvety hair.

  • Body mass reference: 8 - 9.5 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 8 - 9.5 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Body mass reference: 8.5 - 10 kgAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 8.5 - 10 kg. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Body mass reference: Up to 10.5 kgBreed reference body mass. maximum.
  • Body mass reference: 8.5 kg or moreBreed reference body mass. minimum.
  • Height reference: 25 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 25 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: 25 cmAdult breed reference quantity from the article infobox. Original value 25 cm. Unit conversion where applicable: 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 pound = 0.45359237 kg. Original field and references are retained in the revision-pinned article evidence.
  • Height reference: Up to 28 cmBreed reference height. maximum.
  • Height reference: 25 cm or moreBreed reference height. minimum.
  • Coat layers: double
  • Coat texture: wiry
  • Height category: short
  • Weight category: small
  • Weight category: medium

Personality and behavior

Scotties are territorial, alert, quick moving and feisty, perhaps even more so than other terrier breeds. The breed is known to be independent and self-assured, playful, intelligent, and has been nicknamed the 'Diehard' because of its rugged nature and endless determination. The "Diehard" nickname was originally given to it in the 18th century by George, the first Earl of Dumbarton. The Earl had a famous pack of Scottish Terriers, so brave that they were named "Diehards". They were supposed to have inspired the name of his Regiment, The Royal Scots, "Dumbarton's Diehards". Scotties, while being described as very loving, have also been described as stubborn. They are sometimes described as an aloof breed, although it has been noted that they tend to be very loyal to their family and are known to attach themselves to one or two people.

  • Attachment and attention seeking (C-BARQ mean): 1.57 / 4Owner-reported attachment and attention seeking factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Chasing (C-BARQ mean): 2.72 / 4Owner-reported chasing factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Dog-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 1.18 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Dog-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.65 / 4Owner-reported dog-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Energy (C-BARQ mean): 1.72 / 4Owner-reported energy factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Excitability (C-BARQ mean): 1.95 / 4Owner-reported excitability factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Familiar-dog aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.65 / 4Owner-reported familiar-dog aggression factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Non-social fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.90 / 4Owner-reported non-social fear factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Owner-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.14 / 4Owner-reported owner-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Separation-related problems (C-BARQ mean): 0.52 / 4Owner-reported separation-related problems factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Stranger-directed aggression (C-BARQ mean): 0.64 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed aggression factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Stranger-directed fear (C-BARQ mean): 0.70 / 4Owner-reported stranger-directed fear factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Touch sensitivity (C-BARQ mean): 0.92 / 4Owner-reported touch sensitivity factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.
  • Trainability (C-BARQ mean): 2.30 / 4Owner-reported trainability factor mean for US reference population Scottish Terrier.

Exercise and activities

Care planning: build a weekly routine with walks, play and time to explore. Enter the minutes and sessions that work for your dog, then compare the weekly total with your available time. Keep notes about the activities your dog enjoys and adjust the routine together.

Training and enrichment

Care planning: choose one everyday skill to practice and keep a record of each session. Note the cue, the reward your dog enjoys and what went well. Rotate familiar games and new activities, and use your notes to choose the next small step.

Coat and grooming

Care planning: use the coat details above to discuss a grooming routine with your groomer. Record brushing sessions, baths and appointments in the app. Add the tools you use and your preferred schedule so the whole household can follow the same routine.

  • Coat layers: double
  • Coat texture: wiry
  • Grooming frequency: daily brushing

Health and lifespan

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.7 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

Living with this breed

Care planning: compare this profile's adult dimensions, coat care and available activity information with your household's routine. Make a shortlist, plan who will handle daily care and save the questions you want to ask a breed club, rescue or breeder.

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Breed history

Initial grouping of several of the highland terriers (including the Scottie) under the generic name Skye Terriers caused some confusion in the breed's lineage. There is disagreement over whether the Skye Terriers mentioned in early 16th century records actually descended from forerunners of the Scottie or vice versa. It is certain, however, that Scotties and West Highland White Terriers are closely related, both their forefathers originated from the Blackmount region of Perthshire and the Moor of Rannoch. Scotties were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin on farms and to hunt badgers and foxes in the Highlands of Scotland.

Clubs and further reading

Sources

  1. Scottish Terrier - WikipediaWikipedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted excerpts from Wikipedia contributors, Scottish Terrier, revision 1376203085. CC BY-SA 4.0. Formatting, citations and selection changed. Source history: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Scottish_Terrier&action=history
  2. Wikidata structured breed dataWikimedia contributors Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC0 1.0. Wikidata contributors (CC0).
  3. National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.PLOS ONE / Figshare Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY 4.0. Bohland, Kyle R.; Lilly, Meghan Leanne; Herron, Meghan E.; Arruda, Andréia G.; O’Quin, Jeanette M. (2023). National C-BARQ breed and all-breed means from USA.. PLOS ONE. Dataset. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289356.s003 CC BY 4.0. Selected rows and field names adapted; values unchanged.
  4. File:Scottish Terrier Photo of Face.jpgWikimedia Commons Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Scottish Terrier Photo of Face.jpg - Elise Carroll. CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scottish_Terrier_Photo_of_Face.jpg. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
  5. Palipaws everyday care planningPalipaws Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Palipaws original factual summaries. Palipaws. Original care-planning text, separate from breed measurements and licensed article summaries.
  6. AKC national parent club directoryAmerican Kennel Club Retrieved 2026-10-14.License: Factual reference only. Names and verified external links only. No source descriptions, logos or endorsement reused.