Scottish Terrier

Good to know

• Highland hunter: bred to go after rats, foxes and badgers, the Scottie still has a strong hunting instinct, which can be hard on the neighbor's cat.
• Diehard: playful in bursts, Scotties love chasing a ball and won't give up a game of tug until you do.
• Hand-stripped coat: the wiry coat is ideally hand-stripped to keep its texture; clipping is fine for pets but softens the coat over time.
• Short, varied training: independent thinkers, they do best with sessions under about 15 minutes that change things up and make it seem like their idea.
• Reserved and choosy: aloof with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs, and they can be cranky with other dogs.
• A low-shedding coat. Some people with allergies find that easier to live with, but no breed is allergen-free.

Getting out with a Scottish Terrier

Daily walks and some play keep them content. A mix of park time and easy trails suits them.

Explore more breeds in the Terrier group