Professional Recommended
Scottish Terrier
The Scottish Terrier — the Scottie — is one of the most recognized silhouettes in the dog world: a low, sturdy, compact terrier with a distinctive long beard, prominent eyebrows, and a hard, wiry double coat. The Scottie's coat was developed for the rugged Scottish Highlands, where weather-resistance was as important as courage. The coat must be hand-stripped for the correct harsh texture and black color to be maintained, though clipping is common and acceptable for pet dogs. The Scottie's angular, dignified head shape must be carefully maintained to preserve the breed's distinctive expression.
Coat Type
Harsh, Wiry Double Coat
Groom Every
Every 8-12 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Traditional Scottie Pattern
The back and sides are hand-stripped or clipped short in a precise pattern, the long fall (beard and eyebrow hair) is maintained at full length with careful scissoring to achieve the breed's characteristic angular, dignified expression, and the skirt and leg furnishings are shaped.
2
Pet Clip
The body is clipped short all over, the beard and eyebrows are maintained at full length and trimmed to shape, and the leg furnishings are tidied. The classic Scottie shape is preserved despite the clipped body coat.
3
Hand-Strip
Dead outer coat is removed by hand to maintain the hard, flat-lying, weather-resistant coat texture and deep black or wheaten color. The only method for show dogs and produces a coat that is significantly harder, healthier, and more weather-resistant than any clipped finish.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- Brush the beard and leg furnishings daily — these longer sections tangle rapidly, and the beard in particular contacts food and water at every meal, becoming matted and malodorous if not kept dry and combed.
- Clean the beard after every meal with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly — a Scottie with a chronically damp, food-stained beard develops a distinctive sour odor that becomes difficult to eliminate without a full bath.
- If clipping rather than hand-stripping, expect the coat to gradually soften and lose its characteristic hard texture over multiple clipping cycles — this is cosmetically acceptable for pet dogs but irreversible without growing the coat out.
- The Scottie's dark coat and heavy eyebrows can mask developing eye issues — part the eyebrow hair monthly to check that the eyes are clear, and watch for signs of eye irritation from hair contact.
- Scottish Terriers are prone to Scottie Cramp, a harmless but startling neurological condition triggered by exercise or excitement — be aware that grooming a Scottie may occasionally trigger a brief episode of stiff-legged movement, which is not painful or dangerous.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs
BrushThe professional-grade deshedding tool that reaches deep beneath the long topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use. Essential for heavy seasonal shedders like Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons.
$30 - $65
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Deep Dives
Scottish Terrier Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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