Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terriers live 11 to 13 years. Scottie Cramp, a movement disorder unique to the breed, occurs under stress or excitement. Von Willebrand disease, a clotting disorder, and certain cancers affect Scotties at higher rates than most breeds. Craniomandibular osteopathy, a bone condition affecting puppies, also occurs. Source from health tested breeders and ask about Von Willebrand testing specifically.

Your Scottie needs professional grooming every six to eight weeks to maintain the classic silhouette. Hand stripping keeps the proper wiry texture for show dogs. Brush two to three times a week between appointments. The beard collects food and moisture and needs daily cleaning. Check ears weekly and trim nails monthly.

Your Scottish Terrier needs 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily. Brisk walks and backyard exploration suit their sturdy, independent nature. Secure fencing is essential since they dig with determination and have strong prey drive. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training rounds out their daily needs alongside physical activity.

Scotties are clever but stubborn and they know their own mind. Use positive reinforcement with high value food rewards. Keep sessions short since they disengage when bored. Start socialization early because this breed tends toward wariness with strangers. They respect a consistent, calm owner and push back hard against force or harsh corrections.

Feed a quality small breed formula twice daily with measured portions. Scotties gain weight easily if you let their exercise drop. Monitor body condition monthly since their thick coat hides gradual changes well. Keep treats minimal and avoid fatty foods since pancreatitis occurs occasionally in the breed.

The Scottish Terrier developed in the Scottish Highlands, bred by farmers and hunters to pursue foxes, badgers, and rats in rocky burrows. The modern breed standard was established in the 1880s after considerable debate among Scottish breeders about the proper type. The Scottie became enormously popular in the 20th century, owned by two American presidents including Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose Scottie Fala became almost as famous as Roosevelt himself. The breed appears on the Monopoly board and in countless pop culture references.