Temperament & behavior
AKC temperament summary: independent / confident / spirited. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to strangers 3/5, barking 4/5 (talkative — has opinions about everything), watchdog/protective nature 5/5.
Likes, dislikes & how they play
💙 What they love
- Interactive games — fetch, tug, chase
- Being in the middle of family life
- Having a job: watching over home and people
- Puzzle toys, scent games, training challenges
🚫 What they hate
- Long days home alone
- Nothing much — they narrate life anyway
- Being bored without a job to do
- Rough, chaotic handling
Games with rules suit this breed best: fetch, tug, and chase, ideally woven into training. Add puzzle feeders and scent games for the brain — a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
Shedding & grooming
Shedding: Low-Moderate. Shedding 2/5, coat-grooming frequency 3/5, coat length varies. Light shedder — most hair stays on the dog.
Weekly brushing plus periodic baths keeps the Scottish Terrier coat in shape; check ears and trim nails monthly.
Aggression tendencies — the honest read
| Toward | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Strangers | Polite once introduced — may be aloof at first |
| Other dogs | Selectively social — introductions matter |
A real guarding instinct comes standard; channel it through socialization and basic obedience rather than encouraging suspicion.
Exercise needs
45–60 per day per day. Energy level 3/5, mental-stimulation needs 4/5. Physical walks alone will not tire this dog — add brain work.
Good with…?
- Kids: Good with gentle, respectful kids (supervise)
- Other pets: Selectively social — introductions matter
- First-time owners: Better with experienced or well-prepared owners
Health risks to know upfront
- No single condition dominates — see the parent-club health statement for breed-specific screening
Is this breed right for you?
Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian.
Before choosing, read the complete pre-dog checklist — most mismatches are preventable with one honest evening of planning.
