Scottish Terrier
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Scottish Terrier. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma) | high | Scotties have one of the highest TCC rates of any breed; blood in urine warrants immediate screening. |
| Von Willebrand disease | moderate | Inherited clotting disorder; DNA testing clarifies surgical risk. |
| Scottie cramp | moderate | Breed-specific movement disorder triggered by excitement; usually managed, not cured. |
| Craniomandibular osteopathy | moderate | Painful jaw-bone overgrowth in puppies, usually outgrown by one year. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Kneecap slippage occurs at typical terrier rates. |
Pet insurance for a Scottish Terrier
Insurers price a Scottish Terrier from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 1 high-risk condition, led by Bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma). Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Scottish Terrier is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 18–22 lbs and a grooming score of 3/5, the Scottish Terrier sits around the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier is a compact Scottish earthdog with a famous silhouette — bearded muzzle, erect ears, and a dignified, almost dour expression that hides real devotion to its people. Scotties are independent thinkers, moderate in exercise needs, and reserved with strangers and other dogs; this is not a social butterfly. The hard coat needs regular clipping or hand-stripping, and owners should know the breed's elevated bladder-cancer risk for early screening. Suits owners who want a self-possessed, characterful companion rather than a lap dog.
Origin: Scotland (Aberdeen)
Temperament
Related reading for Scottish Terrier owners
Scottish Terrier FAQ
How long do Scottish Terriers live?
The typical Scottish Terrier lifespan is 11–13 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Scottish Terrier?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Scottish Terrier carries 1 documented high-risk condition, which is the main reason a Scottish Terrier policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Scottish Terrier a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 3/5 and a small build, the Scottish Terrier adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Scottish Terriers prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma), Von Willebrand disease, Scottie cramp. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.