Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a sturdy, dignified terrier with a distinctive silhouette — short legs, erect ears, and a wiry beard. Originally bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and vermin in the Scottish Highlands, Scotties combine fierce independence with deep loyalty to their family. Their reserved, almost regal demeanor has earned them the nickname 'the Diehard.'
11–14
years lifespan
19–22
lbs (male)
10–11
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
Temperament
How Old Is Your Scottish Terrier in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Scottish Terrier Age CalculatorCommon Health Conditions
Transitional Cell Carcinoma (Bladder Cancer)
Scottish Terriers have 18x the bladder cancer risk of other breeds — the highest of any breed.
Typical onset: 8–12 years
Von Willebrand Disease (Type III)
Most severe form of blood clotting disorder. Scotties carry the most dangerous type.
Typical onset: 0–2 years
Scottie Cramp
Breed-specific movement disorder caused by serotonin metabolism issue.
Typical onset: 0.25–1 years
CMO
Abnormal jaw bone growth in puppies.
Typical onset: 0.25–0.75 years
Lifespan Factors
The median lifespan for a Scottish Terrier is 12 years. Key factors that influence longevity:
- bladder cancer (TCC)
- von Willebrand disease
- CMO
- Scottie cramp
When Is a Scottish Terrier Considered Senior?
Scottish Terriers are generally considered senior at around 10 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Scottish Terrier’s age in human years →