How much exercise does a Scottish Terrier need?
Daily exercise minutes, the activities a Scottish Terrier enjoys and signs of too much or too little.
Around 45 to 60 minutes a day is enough for most adults, usually as two walks plus some play. Scotties like to investigate rather than race, and a sniffing walk along hedgerows satisfies them more than a jog. Earthdog trials, scent work and a sanctioned digging corner in the garden are excellent breed-specific outlets.
Keep your Scottie on a lead or in a securely fenced area, since the urge to chase a squirrel or cat beats most recalls. Fences need to go into the ground, because Scotties are serious diggers. They are poor swimmers, so supervise near pools and deep water, and use a dog life jacket for boat trips.
Scottish Terrier exercise in numbers
Activity ranges are editorial planning estimates. The five-minutes-per-month puppy rule lacks scientific evidence. Adapt activity to the individual and seek advice for pain or exercise difficulty. PDSA puppy exercise guidance.
Editorial activity estimate
60 to 90 min
Puppy activity
Individual plan
adapt to age, health and development
Senior activity
Individual plan
adapt to comfort and ability
Size
small
8 to 10 kg
Energy level
Playfulness
Handles heat
Handles cold