Scottish Terrier Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

7
Independent Confident Spirited Dignified

About the Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier — often called the "Scottie" — is one of Scotland's oldest terrier breeds, developed in the Aberdeen area during the 18th and 19th centuries to hunt foxes, badgers, and rats underground. These compact, powerful dogs stand about 10 inches tall and weigh 18 to 22 pounds, with a low center of gravity and surprisingly heavy bone for their size. Their harsh, wiry outer coat and soft, dense undercoat come in black, wheaten, or brindle, and the breed's distinctive profile — long head, erect ears, and bushy eyebrows — is among the most recognizable in dogdom.

Temperament & Personality

Scottish Terriers are independent, dignified, and fiercely loyal to their people — often described as having an "old soul" quality uncommon in the terrier group. They tend to bond most deeply with one or two people and can be reserved or aloof with strangers, making them natural watchdogs. Scotties can be assertive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and their strong prey drive means small animals are rarely safe in their presence.

Pros

  • Compact and sturdy — well-suited for apartment living with regular exercise
  • Low-shedding wiry coat when properly maintained through hand-stripping
  • Loyal, devoted companion with a dignified, independent character
  • Excellent watchdog — alert and naturally suspicious of strangers

Cons

  • Stubbornly independent — training requires patience and creative motivation
  • Prone to von Willebrand's disease (a bleeding disorder), Scottie cramp, and bladder cancer
  • Can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones
  • Requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks

The Scottish Terrier's unwavering loyalty and distinctive charm are one of a kind — find your Scottie on Puplister.

Scottish Terrier Quick Facts

Size
19–22 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
12 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Not recommended
Good with Pets
Not recommended

Is the Scottish Terrier right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available Scottish Terriers

No dogs available right now

Check back soon or browse all dogs.

Browse All Dogs

Related Breeds

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

3 pets available

8

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur. Temperament & Personality Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households. Pros Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally wellLow-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious ownersDevoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable natureAdaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines Cons High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulationCoat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain textureCan become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionshipProne to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

Siberian Husky

90 pets available

432

About the Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky was developed over thousands of years by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog capable of pulling light loads over vast frozen distances in extreme cold. These athletic, medium-sized dogs stand 20 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, with a graceful, effortless gait that reflects their incredible stamina. Their thick double coat comes in virtually every color from pure white to black, often with striking facial markings, and their eyes can be brown, blue, or even one of each (heterochromia). Temperament & Personality Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and mischievous — pack-oriented dogs that love people and make terrible guard dogs because they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. They are playful and gentle with children and generally good with other dogs, though their high prey drive makes them a risk around cats and small animals. Huskies are intelligent but famously independent, preferring to make their own decisions rather than follow commands — a trait that requires patience and humor from their owners. Pros Friendly, social, and gentle with children and strangers alikeNaturally clean with little doggy odor — self-grooming like a catOutstanding endurance athlete for running, hiking, and winter sportsHealthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years Cons Extreme shedding — blows the entire undercoat twice yearly in massive quantitiesLegendary escape artists — can jump fences, dig under them, and open latchesStrong prey drive makes them dangerous around cats, rabbits, and small animalsNot suited for hot climates and requires air conditioning in warm regions The Siberian Husky's adventurous spirit and stunning beauty are irresistible — find Huskies seeking forever homes on Puplister.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

32 pets available

65

About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in 19th-century England's Staffordshire region from crosses between Bulldogs and various terriers, originally bred for bull-baiting and later as a compact, agile fighting dog — a history that belies its true nature as a devoted family companion. These muscular, athletic dogs stand 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh 24 to 38 pounds, packed with surprising strength and agility in a compact frame. Their smooth, short coat comes in red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle — with or without white markings. Temperament & Personality Staffordshire Bull Terriers are affectionate, courageous, and remarkably gentle with people — earning the nickname "nanny dog" in England for their extraordinary patience and devotion to children. They adore human companionship, are playful well into adulthood, and form intensely loyal bonds with their families. While they can be assertive with other dogs, proper socialization from puppyhood typically produces a confident, well-adjusted adult that gets along with everyone. Pros Exceptionally affectionate and gentle with children and family membersCompact, muscular build well-suited for smaller homes and apartmentsLow-maintenance coat requiring only occasional brushingBrave and loyal — a devoted companion that thrives on human interaction Cons Can be dog-aggressive without careful socialization and managementBreed-specific legislation and housing restrictions in many jurisdictionsProne to hip and elbow dysplasia, L-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria, and cataractsStrong and powerful — requires owners who can provide firm, consistent leadership Staffies are among the most devoted family dogs in existence — find a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on Puplister and see for yourself.

Whippet
Whippet Dog

1 pet available

21

About the Whippet The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours. Temperament & Personality Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise. Pros Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housematesShort, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odorGentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogsHealthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years Cons Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including catsThin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapesCannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear youSusceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Scottish Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier is known for being independent, confident, spirited and dignified.
How many Scottish Terriers are available for adoption?
There are currently 0 Scottish Terriers available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Scottish Terrier from Puplister?
To adopt a Scottish Terrier, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.