Breed Guides

Scottish Terrier Grooming Guide: Costs, Cuts & Care Tips (2026)

Complete guide to Scottish Terrier grooming including costs, popular cuts, grooming frequency, and professional care tips.

Updated January 202610 min read
Scottish Terrier with classic breed styling

Scottish Terriers have a distinctive silhouette with their wiry coat and beard

Quick Answer:

Scottish Terrier grooming costs $60-$90 every 6-8 weeks. Their wiry double coat can be hand-stripped (maintains coat texture) or clipped (easier but softens coat). The distinctive Scottie outline requires skilled grooming.

Scottish Terrier Grooming Costs

Here's what to expect for professional Scottish Terrier grooming based on size and service type:

SizeWeightBasic GroomFull Groom
Scottish Terrier18-22 lbs$60-$75$75-$90

Annual grooming costs: $480-$720 (based on grooming every 6-8 weeks).

For comparison with other breeds, see our complete dog grooming cost guide.

Scottish Terrier Coat Type & Care

Scotties have a hard, wiry outer coat and soft, dense undercoat. The breed has a distinctive silhouette with a longer coat on legs, beard, and eyebrows. Colors include black, wheaten, or brindle.

Coat TypeWire
SheddingLow (when properly maintained)
Grooming FrequencyEvery 6-8 weeks
Brushing2-3 times weekly
Grooming DifficultyMedium-High

Popular Scottish Terrier Haircuts

Here are the most popular grooming styles for Scottish Terriers:

Hand-Stripped Show Style

Best for: Show dogs and coat maintenance

Traditional hand stripping to maintain proper coat texture and color.

Maintenance: High - requires skilled groomer

Clipper Cut

Best for: Pet owners wanting easier maintenance

Body clipped with shaped legs, beard, and eyebrows maintaining breed silhouette.

Maintenance: Medium - every 6-8 weeks

Pet Trim

Best for: Simplified maintenance

Shorter overall with characteristic Scottie elements like beard and leg furnishings.

Maintenance: Medium - regular grooming

Scottish Terrier Grooming Schedule

Follow this schedule to keep your Scottish Terrier looking and feeling their best:

  • Professional grooming: Every 6-8 weeks
  • Brushing: 2-3 times weekly
  • Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks
  • Nail trimming: Every 3-4 weeks
  • Ear cleaning: Weekly

Puppy Grooming

Start grooming early. Puppy coat will change. Consider hand stripping from early age to maintain coat quality.

Senior Dog Grooming

Older Scotties may prefer clipper cuts for comfort.

Find a Scottish Terrier-experienced groomer

Search our directory for professional groomers experienced with Scottish Terriers and similar breeds.

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Common Scottish Terrier Grooming Problems

Coat Texture Changes

Clipping instead of hand stripping softens coat over time.

Prevention: Consider hand stripping or accept texture changes with clipping.

Beard Staining

Beard can become stained from food and water.

Prevention: Clean beard after meals, use elevated food bowls.

Leg Furnishing Mats

Longer leg hair can tangle.

Prevention: Regular brushing of leg furnishings.

At-Home Scottish Terrier Grooming

Between professional grooms, here's what you need and how to maintain your Scottish Terrier's coat at home.

Essential Tools

  • Slicker brush
  • Metal comb
  • Stripping knife (if hand stripping)
  • Beard comb
  • Scissors for tidying

Grooming Tips

  • Brush 2-3 times weekly
  • Comb through beard daily
  • Clean beard after meals
  • Keep leg furnishings tangle-free
  • Consider learning basic hand stripping

Finding a Scottish Terrier-Experienced Groomer

Not all groomers are equally experienced with every breed. Here's what to look for when choosing a groomer for your Scottish Terrier:

  • Find groomers experienced with terrier breeds
  • Ask about hand stripping capability
  • Verify they can achieve proper Scottie silhouette
  • Discuss maintenance options

For more tips, see our Signs of a Good Dog Groomer guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Scottish Terrier grooming cost?

$60-$90 per session. Hand stripping may cost more.

Should I hand strip or clip my Scottie?

Hand stripping maintains coat texture but is more expensive. Clipping is easier but softens coat.

How often should a Scottish Terrier be groomed?

Every 6-8 weeks professionally.

Do Scottish Terriers shed?

Very little when coat is properly maintained.

What gives Scotties their distinctive look?

The beard, eyebrows, and leg furnishings combined with the body shape.

Are Scottish Terriers hard to groom?

The distinctive styling requires skill, but coat care itself is manageable.

The Bottom Line

Scottish Terrier grooming requires professional appointments every 6-8 weeks, with costs ranging based on size and service level. Regular at-home maintenance between appointments keeps your Scottish Terrier looking and feeling their best.

Find a groomer experienced with Scottish Terriers, establish a consistent grooming schedule, and maintain regular brushing at home. Your Scottish Terrier will thank you with a healthy, beautiful coat.

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