Scottish Terrier Health and Costs
Breed Group
Terrier Dogs
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Breed Size
Small
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1885
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1954
Rarity
Very Common2 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate5 / 10
Life expectancy
Moderate Lifespan5 / 10
Health
Moderate health concerns4 / 10
Health problem risk
High health burden7 / 10
Maintenance cost
Moderately costly upkeep6 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Scottish Terrier Health Problems and Costs
The Scottish Terrier is a compact, spirited and independent dog, and most Scotties enjoy good everyday health. The breed's main health story is a short list of conditions with a strong hereditary pattern: a much higher risk of bladder cancer, a movement disorder called Scottie cramp, a jaw growth condition in puppies, and an inherited bleeding disorder. Knowing them early makes screening and vet visits easier to plan.
In this guide
Why Do Scottish Terriers Have a Higher Bladder Cancer Risk?
Blood in the urine, repeated straining to urinate or frequent urinary accidents in a Scottish Terrier should be checked by a veterinarian promptly. These signs also happen with bladder infections, so a proper exam is the only way to tell them apart.
Transitional cell carcinoma is a cancer of the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. The word carcinoma comes from the Greek karkinos, "crab," an old term for cancer. Purdue University's research program reports that Scottish Terriers have an 18 to 20 times higher risk of this cancer than other dogs. The signs it lists are blood in the urine, straining, frequent attempts to urinate and urinary accidents, which look just like a urinary infection.
- 01
Straining with little or no urine
Your dog keeps posturing but passes only drops or nothing.
- 02
Blood in the urine
Pink, red or brown urine, even once.
- 03
Frequent trips to urinate
Many small attempts, or accidents in a house-trained dog.
- 04
Pain or lethargy
Crying while urinating, a tense belly, or a dog that is unusually quiet.
Diagnosis usually needs imaging and a tissue sample. Purdue notes that urine screening tests, including a genetic marker test called BRAF, produced many false positives in a three-year study of 120 Scottish Terriers, and that a biopsy is still needed for a definite diagnosis. Ask your veterinarian whether any screening makes sense for your dog and how to read the results.
Can Owners Lower a Scottie's Bladder Cancer Risk?
Purdue's case-control study of 83 Scottish Terriers with this cancer and 83 without found that dogs exposed to lawns treated with herbicides, or herbicides plus insecticides, had a higher risk, and that dogs on treated lawns were about seven times more likely to develop it. Choosing pet-safe lawn care for your own yard and being mindful of treated lawns and parks on walks is a sensible step. The same program lists feeding vegetables at least three times a week as another way to lower the risk, so ask your veterinarian how to add them without unbalancing a complete diet. Neither step removes the risk, but both are low effort.
What Is Scottie Cramp?
Scottie cramp is an inherited movement disorder of Scottish Terriers. PetMD notes that episodes usually begin during exercise or excitement, and can include facial muscle contractions, an arched lower back, stiff hind legs, labored breathing and sometimes a sudden collapse. Episodes can last up to about 30 minutes, and there is no specific treatment, so management focuses on a calm environment and avoiding the triggers.
Because the signs can look like other neurological problems, mention them to your veterinarian rather than assuming. A short phone video of an episode is often the most useful thing you can bring to the visit.
What Is Craniomandibular Osteopathy?
Craniomandibular osteopathy is an inherited condition of growing puppies in which extra bone develops along the jaw. The word joins the Greek kranion, "skull," the Latin mandibula, "jaw," and the Greek osteon, "bone." Puppies may have a swollen, painful jaw and not want to eat. The national breed club lists a test for it, which is a good sign of how seriously the breed treats this condition. A puppy with jaw swelling or reluctance to eat needs a veterinary exam, because other problems can cause similar signs.
What About the Bleeding Disorder and Knees?
Von Willebrand disease is an inherited bleeding disorder in which a clotting protein is low or abnormal. VCA names Scottish Terriers among the breeds affected, and notes that many affected dogs show no signs until they bleed after surgery, injury or a spay or neuter. A DNA test exists, so mention the risk to your veterinarian before any procedure. The breed club also lists a patella evaluation, which checks whether the kneecap stays in its groove.
What Do Scottish Terrier Health Costs Look Like?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Routine annual care | $250 to $500 | Exams, vaccines, preventives |
| Urinalysis | $50 to $100 | Useful when urinary signs appear |
| Bladder cancer diagnosis and staging | $500 to $2,000 | Imaging and biopsy if cancer is suspected |
| Bladder cancer treatment | $2,000 to $10,000 or more | Varies widely with stage and approach |
| Jaw growth condition in a puppy | $200 to $600 | Pain management while the puppy is growing |
Figures vary by region and clinic, so ask your veterinarian for an estimate. Pet insurance bought while your Scottie is a healthy puppy can soften the cost of cancer care, because conditions that appear later are not treated as pre-existing.
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
The national breed club recommends a patella evaluation, a von Willebrand disease DNA test and a craniomandibular osteopathy test. Ask to see current results for both parents, and ask whether any relatives have had Scottie cramp or bladder cancer. A breeder who answers openly is usually well informed about the breed.
Daily Life With a Scottish Terrier
Scotties are dignified, stubborn and loyal, and the training guide explains how to keep sessions short and rewarding for such an independent dog. The wiry coat and beard have their own routine, covered in the grooming guide. The personality profile describes the bold, reserved temperament that makes the breed so distinctive. Their stoic nature can hide early discomfort, so notice changes in urination, energy or appetite.
Keeping Your Scottish Terrier Healthy for the Long Run
Keep an eye on urination habits at home, limit lawn chemical exposure, and mention the bleeding risk before any procedure. Report puppy jaw swelling and any collapse or stiffness episodes early. Twice-yearly wellness visits become more valuable as your dog ages past seven, since early changes are easier to act on when caught promptly.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Scottish Terriers typically live 11 to 13 years and have a much higher bladder cancer risk than most dogs. Limit lawn chemical exposure, report urinary changes promptly, and ask breeders about von Willebrand, kneecap and jaw screening. Your veterinarian can tailor a plan for your dog.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Scottish Terrier cost?
The cost of a Scottish Terrier puppy typically ranges from $800 to $2,500, though high-quality bloodlines can reach $4,500. Prospective owners should prioritize reputable, DNA-testing breeders to avoid future health expenses. Budget additionally for initial vaccinations and supplies, often totaling several hundred dollars.
Purchase cost: 5 / 10
How long do Scottish Terrier live?
Scottish Terriers typically live 11 to 13 years. Routine checkups, a calm environment, limiting lawn chemical exposure and reporting urinary changes promptly all support a long life.
Life expectancy: 5 / 10
Are Scottish Terrier healthy dogs?
Scottish Terriers are often healthy day to day, but they have a much higher risk of bladder cancer than most dogs, along with Scottie cramp, a puppy jaw condition and von Willebrand disease. Screening and early attention to symptoms matter.
Health: 4 / 10
What health problems do Scottish Terrier have?
Scottish Terriers are prone to bladder cancer (transitional cell carcinoma), with about an 18 to 20 times higher risk than other dogs, plus Scottie cramp, craniomandibular osteopathy in puppies and von Willebrand disease. Choosing breeders who test, and limiting lawn chemical exposure, are practical steps.
Health problem risk: 7 / 10
Are Scottish Terrier expensive to maintain?
Scottish Terriers have moderate maintenance costs. The wiry coat and beard need regular upkeep, and routine veterinary care and screening add to the budget. Bladder cancer care is the largest expense to plan for.
Maintenance cost: 6 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Scottish Terrier per month?
Budget about $150 to $300 a month for food, routine veterinary care and coat upkeep.
Monthly ownership cost: 5 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Scottish Terrier?
Premiums often range between $40-$100, with potential increases as the dog ages or for those in urban areas.
Pet insurance cost: 5 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Scottish Terrier?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies will cover a Scottish Terrier. They are generally not on restricted breed lists as they are small and not typically classified as aggressive. However, always disclose your pet to your insurer to ensure your liability coverage remains fully valid.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are Scottish Terrier on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, Scottish Terriers are not commonly found on insurance restricted-breed lists. These lists typically focus on larger breeds with perceived higher liability risks or aggressive histories. As a smaller, standard breed, Scotties are usually covered without issue, but always verify specific policy terms with your insurance provider.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Scottish Terrier?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with a Scottish Terrier. They are rarely included on restricted breed lists. Standard policies usually provide liability protection if your dog causes injury or property damage. Always notify your insurance provider and review your lease agreement for any specific pet rules or limitations.
Renters insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
