Scottish Terrier Grooming

Scottish Terriers are known for their signature "Scottie outline": pointed ears and tail, and low-hanging underbelly fur. Regardless of its hairstyle, though, a Scottie will need frequent grooming. See below for details on how to care for this breed's coat, how to maintain a Scottie in other areas, and for descriptions on popular Scottie hairstyles.

Though Scotties are fairly small, their coats can get pretty long (and turn into tangled, matted messes)--so Scottish Terrier grooming needs to be a regular practice. Dogs of this breed also react very badly to fleas, which can cause them to chew their skin nearly bare; it's a good idea to get a flea collar for the dog and a flea comb to use intermittently when brushing.

Brushing should take place 2-3 times per week (and daily if your Scottie is a show dog). First wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then use a pin brush to "line brush" the dog; use a wide-tooth comb on the facial furnishings and leg and underbelly hair. These dogs have dry skin, which can get irritated by baths; hence, follow your Scottie grooming session with a bath only once every 6-8 weeks, or if the dog gets particularly dirty.

Depending on your preferred hairstyle, Scotties will need to be clipped every couple of months; they may also need to be stripped (whereby the dead hairs on the outer coat are removed) twice a year. The clipping and stripping can be done at home, but it might be good to make at least one visit to a professional groomer; the groomer can clip and strip the animal, and share other advice on how best to groom a Scottish Terrier.

Numerous Scottish Terrier haircuts exist, but many owners prefer the "classic Scottie outline"; the AKC breed standard, in fact, requires these dogs to have a "broken coat" (a wiry outer coat and soft undercoat), so a lot of owners--particularly those who show their dogs--avoid Scottie haircuts altogether, other than an occasional touch up. Still, here are some popular Scottish Terrier haircut styles:

• Scottie Cut: Not really a "haircut" at all, this style emphasizes the famous Scottie outline: fairly long facial furnishings, medium length on the body, and hanging fur on the legs and underbelly. Can easily be done at home with advice from a groomer.
• Puppy Cut: A Scottish Terrier in this style has its fur cut to equal, short length all over--usually 1.5-2 inches. Some prefer to leave that signature Scottish Terrier beard longer. Easily done at home.
• Schnauzer Cut: The facial furnishings are left long, the body and underbelly are cut fairly short, but the legs are left longer (and neatly rounded). This style is best done by a professional groomer.

Some other areas in which Scotties need regular care:

• Flea prevention: These dogs will chew their skin raw from flea bites, so as much flea prevention as possible is required. Flea collars, a "flea comb" for grooming, and canine flea spray are great to have on hand.
• Teeth: Just like humans, Scottish Terrier teeth need regular brushing to prevent tartar buildup and bad breath. Use a canine toothpaste (available at pet stores) to brush your Scottie's teeth 2-3 times per week.
• Nails: Clip your Scottie's nails (but not too close!) every 6-8 weeks. If the nails "click" when the dog walks/runs on a hard surface, it's time for a trim.
• Ears: Check inside a Scottie's ears regularly for excessive dirt/debris, and clean them using a cotton ball and gentle solution.