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Pet Insurance for Scottish Terriers

Find out all about the Scottish Terrier and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on October 5th, 2023       

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Price range

$4,000 – $6,000

Height

25–28cm

Weight

8–10kg

Personality

Independent, spirited, assertive

Coat length

Medium to long, wiry

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes – with socialisation and supervision

Life expectancy

11–13 years

Scottish Terrier

Overview

The Scottish Terrier, affectionately known as the “Scottie”, originated in Scotland, where they were originally bred for hunting vermin. Their distinctive appearance is characterised by a wiry coat, erect ears and a small, sturdy frame.

Scottish Terriers are renowned for their spirited and confident personalities. They are independent thinkers, often displaying a level of intelligence and determination that may surprise their owners. While their assertive nature can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness, this can be managed with consistent and patient training.

Scotties form strong bonds with their families and are known for their unwavering loyalty, making them excellent pets for those seeking a devoted canine companion. Their energetic disposition makes them well-suited for families and individuals alike, provided they receive ample mental and physical stimulation.

Common diseases and conditions of Scottish Terriers

  • Scottie cramp: a condition in which the muscles in the hind legs spasm and contract, causing the dog to have difficulty walking or running.
  • Craniomandibular osteopathy: a rare genetic condition that affects the bones of the skull and jaw, causing them to become thick and deformed.
  • Portosystemic shunt: a condition in which blood bypasses the liver, preventing it from filtering toxins from the blood.
  • Cushing's disease: a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol, a stress hormone.
  • Von Willebrand’s disease: a blood clotting disorder that can cause excessive bleeding.

Breed-specific issues:  

Scottish Terriers are known for their independent and stubborn nature, which can make them challenging to train. However, with patience and consistency, they can be taught to obey commands and behave well in social situations. They can also be territorial and protective of their family and home. It is important to teach Scottish Terriers that not everyone is a threat and to supervise them closely when they are around other animals and children.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Scottish Terrier?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Scottish Terrier, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.   
  • Type of insurance you choose:  there are three basic types of pet insurance for dogs available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most. 
  • The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.  
  • Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.  
  • Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover. 
  • Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do. 
  • Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.  

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Scottish Terriers

Do Scottish Terriers require a lot of grooming?

Yes – Scottish Terriers require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats. They should be brushed at least twice a week and trimmed every few months. Scottish Terriers also shed moderately, so it is important to brush them regularly to remove loose hair.

Are Scottish Terriers suitable for apartment living?

Yes – Scottish Terriers can make good apartment dogs. They are not high-energy dogs and do not require a lot of space. However, it is important to provide them with regular exercise, such as a daily walk or play session.

Are Scottish Terriers suitable for families with children?

Scottish Terriers can be good with children, but it is important to supervise them closely. Scottish Terriers can be protective of their family and home, and they may not tolerate roughhousing or teasing from children. It is important to teach children how to interact with Scottish Terriers safely and respectfully.

Are Scottish Terriers easy to train?

Scottish Terriers can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. However, with patience and consistency, they can be taught to obey commands and behave well in social situations. It is important to start training Scottish Terriers early and to use positive reinforcement methods.

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Scottish Terrier

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