You didn’t land on the Scottish terrier by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The diehard terrier, independent, dignified, and feisty, and small dog, enormous character, they’re a natural fit for experienced owners who appreciate a self-reliant, dignified, and deeply loyal small companion who want a feisty, independent, and wholly devoted small companion with a personality far larger than their compact frame. Let’s dig in.
What are the characteristics of a Scottish terrier?
Think you know what you’re getting into with a Scottish terrier? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.
Training
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability | 3 out of 5 | Intelligent and capable but apply their intelligence to their own agenda first |
| Obedience | 2 out of 5 | Selectively compliant. They decide whether a request aligns with their priorities |
| Focus | 2 out of 5 | Easily redirected by scents and movement |
| Stubbornness | 5 out of 5 | One of the more independent terrier breeds. They operate on their own terms |
Friendliness
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Good with family | 5 out of 5 | Deeply devoted to their person. Their loyalty is complete and genuine |
| Good with children | 2 out of 5 | Better with older children who respect their boundaries |
| Good with strangers | 2 out of 5 | Reserved and often cold with strangers. Socialization matters |
| Good with other dogs | 2 out of 5 | Can be dog-aggressive. Their feisty nature often leads to confrontations with other dogs |
Adaptability
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | 4 out of 5 | Calm indoors. Manages well in apartments with adequate daily exercise |
| Cold weather | 3 out of 5 | Their double coat handles cool weather well |
| Hot weather | 3 out of 5 | Tolerates moderate heat |
| Routine flexibility | 3 out of 5 | Adapts with adequate exercise and routine |
| First time owner | 2 out of 5 | Better for owners with terrier or independent-breed experience |
Physical needs
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | 3 out of 5 | Moderate energy. They have bursts of intense activity followed by calm rest |
| Endurance | 2 out of 5 | Not built for sustained athletic effort |
| Exercise needs | 3 out of 5 | Needs 30 minutes of daily exercise |
| Mental stimulation | 3 out of 5 | Intelligent and curious |
| Grooming needs | 4 out of 5 | Wiry double coat that requires regular professional maintenance |
Personality
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Playfulness | 3 out of 5 | Playful on their own terms |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | Deeply affectionate with their chosen person |
| Loyalty | 5 out of 5 | Total loyalty to their person |
| Independence | 5 out of 5 | Extremely independent. Self-directed in all things |
| Alertness | 4 out of 5 | Alert and vigilant |
Behavior
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Barking tendency | 3 out of 5 | Can be vocal when alerting or stimulated |
| Digging tendency | 3 out of 5 | Some digging tendency. They are terriers |
| Chewing tendency | 3 out of 5 | Some chewing tendency |
| Prey drive | 4 out of 5 | High prey drive. Their terrier instincts are fully intact |
| Guarding instincts | 3 out of 5 | Alert and protective of their territory |
What are common health issues of a Scottish terrier?
Like all breeds, Scottish terriers are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.
Bladder Cancer
Scottie dogs are among the breeds most prone to bladder tumors. Straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and frequent accidents are signs that need prompt veterinary attention.
Read more about Bladder CancerEpilepsy
A neurological condition causing recurring seizures, seen in Scottish Terriers with some frequency. It often has a genetic component and is typically managed with daily medication.
Read more about EpilepsyVon Willebrand Disease
A blood clotting disorder common in Scottish Terriers where the blood lacks a key protein to stop bleeding. Excessive bleeding after injury or surgery is the most common sign.
Read more about Von Willebrand DiseaseCataracts
A clouding of the eye lens that can affect vision. Scottish Terriers are prone to hereditary cataracts that can appear early in life. A vet can monitor and advise on treatment options.
Read more about CataractsAllergies
Scottish Terriers can be sensitive to food, pollen, and environmental triggers. Itching, skin irritation, and recurring ear infections are common signs worth discussing with your vet.
Read more about AllergiesWhat are the recommended health tests for Scottish terriers?
Your Scottish terrier can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.
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DNA test for Von Willebrand disease (vWD) -
CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
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OFA patella evaluation
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Annual urinalysis to monitor for bladder cancer
Do Scottish terriers need pet insurance?
We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Scottish terrier owners are really glad they had coverage.
Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Scottish terrier owners in 2025.
The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.
With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Scottie specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.
And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.
Scottish terriers are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Scotties age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Scottish terrier owners pay with Lemonade:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | $45-$50 |
| 2 years old | $40-$45 |
| 3 years old | $45-$50 |
| 4 years old | $50-$55 |
| 5 years old | $55-$60 |
| 6 years old | $65-$70 |
| 7 years old | $75-$80 |
Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Scottie?
See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Scottish terrier and your budget.
History of the Scottish terrier
The Scottish Terrier is one of Scotland's oldest breeds, developed in the Scottish Highlands as a working terrier for hunting foxes, badgers, and other vermin in rocky terrain. The breed's short legs, dense double coat, and tenacious character were ideal for going to ground after quarry. Scottish Terriers were recognized by the Kennel Club of England in 1879, and the first breed standard was established in 1880. The AKC recognized the Scottie in 1885. The breed achieved enormous popularity in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, partly due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous Scottish Terrier, Fala, who was the most celebrated presidential dog in American history and appeared in newsreels and photographs. Scotties appear on the Scottish Terrier token in Monopoly. President George W. Bush also kept Scottish Terriers named Barney and Miss Beazley at the White House.
Caring for a Scottish terrier
Training
Training a Scottish terrier takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are independent, stubborn, and deeply terrier in spirit, which means owners need to be firm and creative, as Scotties will simply ignore training that does not interest them. Short, positive sessions with high-value treats and a patient, persistent approach tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.
Grooming
Scottish terriers have a wiry double coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 2 to 3 times per week to prevent matting and tangling, and the occasional hand-strip or clip keeps them looking their best. Professional hand-stripping or clipping every 6 to 8 weeks maintains the breed's signature harsh outer coat.
From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Scottie looking (and feeling) their best.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Scottish terriers have moderate energy levels and need 45 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Brisk walks, digging games, and short fetch activities are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Scottish terriers are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become vocal, mischievous, and prone to destructive digging and barking. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.
Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Scottish terrier will actually love.
Nutrition
Scottish terriers are small dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 450 to 650 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $25 to $45 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.
What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.
Get the full picture on feeding a Scottish terrier here.
Scottish terrier costs and adoption
What does it cost to bring home a Scottish terrier?
Before your Scottish terrier even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption (Reputable breeder) | $500-$2,000 | Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree |
| Adoption (Rescue/shelter) | $50-$300 | Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation |
| Initial veterinary care | $300-$500 | Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip |
| Essential supplies | $100-$300 | Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys |
| Training classes | $100-$200 | Basic obedience, puppy socialization |
Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.
What does it cost to own a Scottish terrier each year?
Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Scottish terrier owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.
| Category | Annual cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $300-$600 | Based on the recommended portion for your Scottish terrier |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $500-$1,000 | Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care |
| Professional Grooming | $300-$600 | Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Wiry double coat requires regular professional hand-stripping or clipping. |
| Toys and Supplies | $100-$300 | Replacement items, mental stimulation toys |
What are popular Scottish terrier names?
We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Scottish terrier we see at Lemonade.
More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.
Scottish terrier puppies
Puppy veterinary needs
The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.
The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.
It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.
Puppy socialization
Scottish terrier puppies are feisty, dignified, and fiercely loyal in a way that makes their compact size entirely irrelevant. That a personality and independence that commands respect far beyond what their 20 pounds would suggest is part of what makes them experienced terrier handling, professional grooming, patience, and bladder cancer awareness as they age, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.
Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Scottish terrier brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.
Where are Scottish terrier’s most popular in the United States?
Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Scottish terriers are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.
1. California
Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.
2. Texas
Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
3. Washington
Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.
4. New York
In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.
5. Ohio
Ohio's mix of farmland, suburbs, and wooded parks creates consistent tick and flea exposure, particularly in spring and summer. Coyotes are also well-established across the state, including in suburban areas, so being aware of surroundings during dusk and dawn walks is a good habit.
Breed comparison
Already leaning toward a Scottish terrier? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.
Cairn Terrier
Both are bold, independent Scottish terriers. Cairn Terriers are more outgoing and adaptable. Scotties are more aloof, more reserved with strangers, and better for quieter households.
Read more
West Highland White Terrier
Both are bold, independent Scottish terriers. Westies are more outgoing and friendlier. Scotties are more aloof, more reserved, and better suited to calm, experienced dog owners.
Read more
Border Terrier
Both are small, independent terriers. Border Terriers are calmer and more adaptable. Scotties are more aloof, more stubborn, and better suited to experienced small dog owners.
Read more
Miniature Schnauzer
Both are small, bold terrier types. Mini Schnauzers are friendlier and more trainable. Scotties are more independent, more aloof, and better suited to experienced small dog owners.
Read more
Wire Haired Fox Terrier
Both are bold, energetic terrier breeds. Wire Haired Fox Terriers are more outgoing and athletic. Scotties are more aloof, more independent, and better for quieter, calmer households.
Read moreIs a Scottish terrier right for you?
Scottish terriers reward the right owner with a fierce, focused loyalty that attaches completely to one person and a dignified independence that means every moment of cooperation feels genuinely earned. They just need professional grooming, experienced terrier handling, patience, and annual bladder cancer monitoring in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Scottish terrier. Make sure they’re protected from day one.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.