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Scottish Terriers are a great breed of dog that can make a wonderful addition to the right family.
They require plenty of exercise and enjoy being around people, so they’re best suited for households where someone is home most of the time.
Scottish Terriers do well in both indoor and outdoor environments, but should never be left alone for long periods of time.
In this article, you’ll discover the ideal environment, household, and owners for Scottish Terriers!
I will also include some frequently asked questions about this breed’s temperament so you can see if they’ll fit with your home!
Table of Contents
What Environments Are Scottish Terriers Good & Bad In?
Are Scottish Terriers Good Family Dogs?
If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion with a dash of mischief, you can’t go wrong with a Scottish Terrier.
Also known as “Scottys,” these small but mighty pups are full of energy and personality.
They’re quick learners, but sometimes difficult to train due to their stubbornness.
Their temperament is different from other dog breeds and are not suitable for every family.
Some may not tolerate smaller children who bug them if they aren’t properly socialized.
They’re also natural watchdogs, so you’ll always know when someone’s at the door.
But perhaps the best thing about Scottys is their boundless sense of loyalty. Once they’ve bonded with you, they’ll be your friend for life.
Are Scottish Terriers Good With Babies?
As long as Scottish Terriers are properly introduced to babies, they should do just fine!
They may be a little suspicious of them at first since they’re so small, but Scottish Terriers are quick learners and will warm up to them in no time.
Are Scottish Terriers Good For First Time Owners?
Scotties are not ideal first-time dogs due to their self-reliance.
They should be adopted by an experienced owner that understands how to deal with free spirits.
They’re small, but can be stubborn and difficult for first time owners to train.
Their terrier tenacity, working enthusiasm, and devotion can be a blessing and a curse.
If they’re not properly trained they may become yappy, bossy, and destructive.
While Scottish Terriers are not the best dogs for first-time owners, they can make great dogs for those with some experience!
Are Scottish Terriers Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Scottish Terriers can make good apartment dogs! They’re relatively small, so they don’t need a lot of space.
They also don’t require as much exercise as some other breeds, so a few short walks a day should suffice.
Just be sure to give them plenty of attention and stimulation, or they may become bored and destructive.
Are Scottish Terriers Good For Seniors?
Yes, Scottish Terriers can make good companions for seniors!
They’re relatively low-maintenance and don’t require a lot of exercise, so they can be a good fit for those who are less active.
Just be sure to give them plenty of love and attention, as they thrive on companionship.
Are Scottish Terriers Good Guard Dogs?
Yes, Scottish Terriers can make good guard dogs! They’re naturally alert and suspicious of strangers, so they will let you know when someone is approaching your home.
However, they’re not aggressive by nature or very large, so when it comes to actually defending your home and scaring off intruders they may not be the best option.
Do Scottish Terriers Like Snow?
Yes, Scottish Terriers love snow! They’re built for cold weather, with a thick double coat that insulates them against the cold.
They also love to play and run, so the snow is a great place for them to burn off some energy.
Do Scottish Terriers Like Water?
Some Scottish Terriers love water, while others are less enthusiastic about it. It really depends on the individual dog.
Those who do enjoy it often love to swim and play in the water, so it’s a great way to keep them entertained and exercised.
It comes down to how they’re raised. If they have pleasant experiences with water, baths, swimming etc. they’ll be more likely to enjoy it.
Are Australian Terriers Good Living Around Other Animals?
Are Scottish Terriers Good With Cats?
Some Scottish Terriers do well with cats, while others may view them as prey.
It really depends on the individual dog’s personality and level of prey drive.
Those who get along well with cats typically enjoy their company and may even play with them.
Those who view them as prey, however, will likely chase and possibly hurt them.
It’s important to closely supervise Scottish Terriers around cats, and to only allow them to interact if it’s clear they can get along safely.
If you get a Scottish Terrier from a young age make sure to socialize them with cats early on so they avoid seeing them as prey.
Are Scottish Terriers Good With Other Dogs?
Some Scottish Terriers do well with other dogs, while others may view them as rivals.
It really depends on the individual dog’s personality and level of socialization.
Those who get along well with other dogs typically enjoy their company and may even play with them.
Those who view them as rivals, however, will likely bark and growl at them.
If you are looking to add a Scottish Terrier to a home with another dog , it’s important to properly introduce and socialize them.
If you are getting a Scottish Terrier puppy this is much easier then if you are adopting one who already has habits and experiences.
Are Scottish Terriers Good With Small Animals?
Scottish Terriers were bred for hunting smaller animals, so their natural instinct is to chase and kill.
This is why training them to see other small animals as friends opposed to prey can help.
How easy it’s to make them see these animals as friends will depend on the individual dog’s personality and level of prey drive.
Those who learn to get along with small animals typically enjoy their company and may even play with them.
Those who view them as prey, however, will likely chase and possibly hurt them.
As with Scottish Terriers and cats, it’s important to closely supervise Scottish Terriers around smaller animals.
Will Australian Terriers Fit With Your Personality?
Now that you know the environments they thrive in, it’s now up to you to determine if they have the personality you want in a dog.
So here are a few frequently asked questions about their temperament and the maintenance they require.
Are Scottish Terriers Quiet Or Yappy? Do They Bark?
Barking is natural for Scottish Terriers, but some may bark more than others.
Those who are considered “yappy” typically bark at anything and everything, while those who are considered “quiet” may only bark when they feel it’s necessary.
The level of barking can also be affected by how well they’re trained and socialized.
Those who are properly trained and socialized typically bark less than those who are not.
Do Scottish Terriers Need A Lot Of Attention?
Scottish Terriers are independent by nature, but they still enjoy companionship.
Those who do not receive enough attention may become bored and destructive.
Those who receive too much attention, however, may become anxious and stressed.
The key is to find a balance that works for both you and your Scottish Terrier.
Do Scottish Terriers Need A Lot Of Exercise?
Scottish Terriers are relatively active dogs, so they do need some exercise.
However, they don’t need as much as some other breeds.
A moderate amount of exercise, such as a daily walk or play session, should be sufficient.
Do Scottish Terriers Shed?
All Scottish Terriers shed, though some may shed more than others.
Those who shed a lot will likely need to be brushed daily, while those who shed less may only need to be brushed once or twice a week.
Do Scottish Terriers Require A Lot Of Grooming?
Scottish Terriers require some grooming, but not as much as some other breeds.
They will need to be brushed at least once a week, and their nails will need to be trimmed on a regular basis.
Their coat may also need to be clipped or trimmed every few months.
Are Scottish Terriers Stubborn?
Some Scottish Terriers can be stubborn, but this is typically only an issue if they’re not properly trained and socialized.
Those who are properly trained and socialized typically listen to their owners and respond well to commands.
Are Scottish Terriers Affectionate?
Scottish Terriers are affectionate with their owners, but may be less with other people. This is typically only an issue if they’re not properly trained and socialized.
Those who are properly trained and socialized typically enjoy being around people and will even seek out their affection.
Are Scottish Terriers Cuddly?
Some Scottish Terriers enjoy being cuddled, while others do not. It comes down to how they were raised and their individual personality.
Those who were raised in a loving home and are used to being cuddled will likely enjoy it, while those who weren’t may not.
Are Scottish Terriers Friendly?
The Scottish Terrier is a sweet, loving dog who bonds closely with family members but may be standoffish with strangers.
Despite being friendly with those they know, Scottish Terriers can be aloof and even suspicious of strangers.
Are Scottish Terriers Aggressive?
Scottish Terriers are not naturally aggressive, but may become so if they’re not properly trained and socialized.
Are Scottish Terriers Smart?
Yes, Scottish Terriers are considered to be very intelligent. They’re quick learners and can be easy to train if they have a motivated owner.
Do Scottish Terriers Shed?
All Scottish Terriers shed, though some may shed more than others.
Those who shed a lot will likely need to be brushed daily, while those who shed less may only need to be brushed once or twice a week.
Do Scottish Terriers Smell?
Scottish Terriers do not have an overly strong odor, but they may develop one if they’re not properly groomed.
Those who are properly groomed and have a clean coat don’t have an issue with odor.
Do Scottish Terriers Have Health Problems?
While Scottish Terriers are generally healthy dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health problems.
Some of the most common health problems seen in Scottish Terriers include allergies, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia.
Are Scottish Terriers Hard To Train?
Yes, Scottish Terriers are hard training compared to some other breeds. They‘re quick learners but are stubborn and like their own space.
With proper guidance from motivated owners ,Scottish Terriers can become easier to train as they begin to learn who’s boss (you).
If there was a ranking for their difficulty to train they’d be moderately hard to train.
Are Scottish Terriers Hypoallergenic?
Yes, Scottish Terriers are hypoallergenic. This means they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction in people who have allergies.
Other Posts You Might Find Interesting:
Scottish Terriers: Frequently Asked Questions & Fun Facts
Everything A Scottish Terrier Can & Can’t Do (Complete List)
