How Long Do Scottish Terriers Live?
Scottish Terriers live 12 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Scottish Terrier more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 19-22 pounds, the Scottish Terrier is a medium breed. Medium breeds fall in the middle of the canine lifespan range, which its 12 years average reflects.
Does a Scottish Terrier fit your life?
A feisty, dignified terrier with a big personality packed into a small frame, deeply loyal at home and quick to sound the alarm. It doesn't naturally warm to other dogs, and its double coat asks for real upkeep.
A great match if you
- This breed takes its watchdog role seriously, alert to anything out of the ordinary.
- You're after a companion that stays devoted and affectionate.
- Spirited, playful energy suits your household.
- This breed takes new environments in stride.
- Mental challenges keep this breed engaged and happy.
Think twice if
- Other dogs need very careful, gradual introductions, this breed doesn't naturally take to them.
- Expect a ready barker that alerts to everything.
- Regular grooming, often hand-stripping or professional trims, is part of the deal.
- Kids and new people need thoughtful introductions rather than assumed ease.
Health areas for the Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier carries no breed-specific concern flagged in our profile. For a generally sound breed, longevity comes down to the basics: a lean weight, steady daily movement, and a complete nutritional base.
Where VitaDog fits. Even for a generally sound breed, a complete daily base supports joints, gut, skin, immunity and longevity as they age, in one scoop.
Scottish Terrier facts, quick answers
How long do Scottish Terriers live?
Scottish Terriers live 12 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Scottish Terriers get?
A full-grown Scottish Terrier stands 10 inches and weighs 19-22 pounds (male), 18-21 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the medium-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Scottish Terrier?
The Scottish Terrier is a terrier breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 54 of 208. It is a medium dog that typically lives around 12 years.
Are Scottish Terriers high-energy dogs?
Scottish Terriers are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.
Are Scottish Terriers easy to train?
Scottish Terriers are trainable with patience and consistency; short, rewarding sessions work best.
Do Scottish Terriers shed a lot?
Not really. They shed very little, though low-shedding coats often trade that for more regular grooming or clipping.
Do Scottish Terriers bark a lot?
They are fairly vocal. They like to announce visitors and will bark when bored, so teaching a quiet cue early pays off.
Are Scottish Terriers good with kids?
Scottish Terriers are able to do well with children, but they are best in homes with older, dog-savvy kids and benefit from early socialization.
Do Scottish Terriers get along with other dogs?
Scottish Terriers are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.
Are Scottish Terriers good for first-time owners?
Scottish Terriers are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.
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