# Scottish Terrier (*Canis lupus familiaris*) Scottish Terriers are small, sturdy dogs with a distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows. They are friendly and make great companions for families. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Also known as:** Scottie, Scottish Terrier Dog ![Scottish Terrier](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425958/objects/4429.jpg) ## Appearance The Scottish Terrier is a compact and sturdy dog with short legs and a distinctive long head. It has a wiry, weatherproof double coat, often black, brindle, or wheaten, paired with expressive eyebrows and a beard that frame its keen eyes. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - President Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved Scottie, Fala, was one of the most famous presidential pets! - Scottish Terriers have such distinctive silhouettes, they're often featured in dog show logos and art. - They are nicknamed 'Diehard' because of their incredibly brave and determined personalities. - Unlike many dogs, Scotties have a wiry outer coat that sheds very little, making them great for some allergy sufferers! ## Special abilities - **Tough Terrier Coat:** Scottish Terrier has a thick, wiry double coat that helps them stay warm and protects them from scratches while exploring tight spaces. - **Keen Nose:** Scottish Terrier can sniff out small creatures because of their powerful sense of smell, useful for their original role as hunters. - **Master Digger:** Scottish Terrier has strong paws and a determined spirit that helps them dig tunnels and burrows with impressive speed. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 25-30 cm - **Weight:** 8.5-10.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 11-13 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 3-6 - **Gestation:** 60-65 days ## Diet & Feeding Scottish Terriers mostly eat specially formulated dog food provided by their human families. - **Primary Foods:** dry kibble, wet dog food, meat-based treats, some vegetables ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Brown Rat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-rat) (*Rattus norvegicus*) — Historically hunted in barns and fields. - **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Historically hunted small rodents as pests. - **Depends on:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Relies on humans for food, shelter, and companionship. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Tool Use](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/tool-use): This trait describes organisms that manipulate external objects to achieve a specific goal. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always ask an adult before petting a dog. Some dogs may need time to feel comfortable. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Scottish Terrier? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Scottish Terrier? 25-30 cm ### How much does Scottish Terrier weigh? 8.5-10.5 kg ### How long does Scottish Terrier live? 11-13 years ### How fast can Scottish Terrier move? 25 km/h ### What does Scottish Terrier eat? Scottish Terriers mostly eat specially formulated dog food provided by their human families. ### How many babies does Scottish Terrier usually have? 3-6 ### How long is Scottish Terrier's gestation? 60-65 days ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Scottish Terrier: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scottish-terrier)