Known as one of the oldest highland terrier breeds, Scottish Terriers sell for around 650$–3500$ in the US. On the other hand, adoption can cost around 150$-500$ depending on the added services of your chosen dog shelter.
Scottish Terriers’ prices may vary due to a lot of factors. The greatest of which is where you’re buying it. Reputable breeders charge a bit more because they give extra care to their kennel’s pedigree and healthcare. Plus, they provide initial services like potty training.
Color can also play a part in the price. Wheaten or pale yellowish-brown terriers are more expensive because they’re harder to come by than the common black ones.
How Much Will It Cost To Own A Scottish Terrier?
Owning a Scottish Terrier would cost you around 2000$–5000$ annually. The price depends on how much you spend on the following essentials below:
1. Food
An average Scottish terrier that weighs 8kg–10kg ideally consumes 160g–200g of food per day. It will cost you around 150$–200$ annually, depending on your dog’s food brand.
Scottish terriers are prone to obesity, so choosing the right combination of food is essential. Terrier breeders recommend a raw diet because it reduces carbohydrates in your dog’s system.
And overall, just like any canine, Terriers need the right amount of protein, healthy fats, ground bones, and vegetables.
Some owners aid their dogs’ nutrition by mixing supplements with their pets’ food. Most supplements and toppers range from 20$–40$ for various health areas and would last for 2–3 months.
2. HealthCare
Annual and regular vet checkups can cost 1,391$. At the same time, health tests like patella evaluation and Von Willebrand DNA testing, which are essential for Scottish terriers, can cost an average of 160$ per test.
Scottish terriers are susceptible to common canine diseases and breed-specific ones like the Scottie cramp.
A disease named after Scottish Terriers themselves, Scottie cramp is a neurological disease that disables your dog’s limbs. Though not life-threatening, it is episodic and may require you to give your pet serotonin or sedatives to ease symptoms. It usually costs around 8$–13$ per shot.
Other common diseases among Scottish terriers are patellar luxation, cerebral abiotrophy, Von Willebrand disease, and craniomandibular osteopathy.
3. Grooming
Scottish terriers are famous for their rough and wiry coats that need regular care. If you prefer to groom them on your own, your annual grooming cost may be around 150$, while a trip to a dog groomer can cost about 330$.
You need to bathe your Scottish terriers every 6–8 weeks to prevent them from chewing on itchy areas bitten by fleas. If you prefer to keep their fur short, you need to trim it every two months.
Take special care of your dog's dental care too. Scottish terriers’ teeth are a bit bigger and closer to each other, requiring frequent toothbrushing. Failing to do so can cause gum diseases and tooth decay.
4. Insurance
In the US, 42 percent of pet owners can’t pay a surprise vet bill of 999$, and that’s not a scenario you’d want to find yourself in.
Scottish terriers are prone to knee injuries and genetic diseases, so you might consider getting them a health insurance plan.
Insurance plans tailored for Scottish terriers vary according to your state, pet’s age, and tier that you like. The annual average price for pet insurance ranges from 270$–1250$ with an 80% reimbursement rate, unlimited coverage, and deductible prices.
5. Toys
Chewing and digging would best describe a Scottish terrier’s fun time. Terriers are good hunting companions and very focused, making them ideal guard dogs.
To manage their instinct and prevent your couch and backyard from taking a toll, it would be best to invest in chewing and digging toys to keep them busy.
Scottish terriers need medium-level activity, making chew toys an ideal purchase. They come in different sizes and interactive designs. Some of the popular ones are squeaking balls or scrunch knot toys. They cost around 5$–20$ depending on the design.
Digging toys are invaluable, too. It would also spare you from stepping into holes in your backyard dug by your furry companion. Like other toys, they come in different styles, like mats, plushies, or outdoor digging pens. The prices would vary from 20$–100$.
6. Training
If you intend to train your Scottie, materials, and treats would cost you around 50$ in the first month, and around 20$ in the succeeding months for the treats.
On the other hand, professional trainers would cost around 150$–1500$ annually, depending on the session’s exclusivity.
Scotties are independent and intelligent dogs, making it a bit challenging to train them. Dog trainers recommend treats as tools to keep your Scottie invested.
Scottish terriers can be pretty territorial too, so you need to socialize them with other dogs, humans, and pets from an early age. Varied exercises during training are also required as Scottish terriers easily pick up commands and get bored quickly.
Other Stuff You Might Need
Scottish terriers are perfect pets for city living. Their small size and independent nature make them suitable companions for busy city dwellers.
If you happen to be a busy owner and get caught in a long business trip, here are ways to ensure that your pet gets the proper care and companionship:
1. Hire A Dog Sitter
The pet-sitting rate in the US can range from 25$–75$ per day. It also depends on where you’re hiring the sitter.
Generally, professional dog sitters charge more. But if you’re looking for someone who’s acquainted and skilled to meet your pet’s needs, paying for a professional dog sitter is worth it.
2. Book A Dog Hotel
There are also dog hotels to accommodate your fur baby with utmost care. This is ideal if you'll be gone for more than a couple of days.
Dog hotels may cost around 25$–85$ per night and include essential services like feeding and walking. If you choose this option, make sure to get your dog’s vaccines up to date and pack up the important stuff like food, medications, leashes, and toys before checking in your dog.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
Looking for a Dog Breed Price that Meets Your Budget?
Check out our