Scottish Terrier
SKAH-tish TAIR-ee-ur
Confident, Independent, Spirited, Dignified. Originally bred for hunting badgers, foxes, and vermin.
An adult Scottish Terrier weighs 18-22 lbs (male) or 18-22 lbs (female), needs 410-630 calories daily, and lives 12-14 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is bladder cancer (tcc). All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Scottish Terrier needs 410 to 630 calories per day. An average male (20 lbs / 9.1 kg) needs around 510 kcal; a female (20 lbs / 9.1 kg) roughly 510 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Scottish Terrier. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Scottish Terrier benefits from this with a life expectancy of 12-14 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are bladder cancer (tcc) and von willebrand disease, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; 30-45 minutes daily. Active but not hyperactive. Enjoys walks and digging. Terriers are diggers, chasers, and independent thinkers. The Scottish Terrier will investigate every hole, chase every squirrel, and test every boundary you set. Provide outlets for natural terrier behavior: digging pits, earth dog trials, agility, and puzzle toys that require problem-solving.
Care and traits
Scottish Terriers have a hard, wiry outer coat with dense undercoat coat. Origin: Scotland (Highland region).
The Scotty dog Monopoly piece is one of the most recognizable breed images worldwide. President Franklin Roosevelt's Scottie, Fala, was one of the most famous presidential pets ever. The breed's elevated bladder cancer risk makes regular veterinary checkups important.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Scottish Terrier owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 410 to 630 calories per day for an adult Scottish Terrier. A 20-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Portion control is especially important because even small calorie surpluses add up quickly on a compact frame. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
The Scottish Terrier standard is 18-22 lbs (8.2–10.0 kg) for both males and females.2–10.0 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. Check body condition by feeling the ribs (they should be easy to find), viewing from above (waist should narrow behind the ribs), and from the side (abdomen should tuck up behind the ribcage).
For Scottish Terriers, bladder cancer (tcc) tops the list of breed-associated health conditions. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for bladder cancer (tcc). Other conditions seen in the breed include von willebrand disease, craniomandibular osteopathy, scottie cramp. Regular vet visits with breed-specific screening catch problems when they are most treatable.
Most Scottish Terriers are content with 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. Good activities for this breed include digging games, earth dog trials, fetch. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Scottish Terrier that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026