Do Scottish Terriers Bark a Lot? What to Know Before You Get One
Updated on
Weighing between 18 and 22 pounds and standing no higher than 10 inches tall, the Scottish Terrier Dog breed is feisty and has a life expectancy of at least 12 years if cared for properly. Like other small dogs, especially Terriers, you would think that the Scottish Terrier would bark a lot. However, these animals only bark when they see the need to or if strangers are in their homes.
Even then, the Scottish Terrier can be trained to stop barking. If you’re considering adopting one of these adorable yet feisty dogs, you’ll learn more about their barking, why they bark, and how to reduce it below.
Do Scottish Terriers Bark a Lot?
While Scottish Terriers don’t bark a lot, they bark if they have a reason. That isn’t to say that your Scottish Terrier isn’t going to be a barker. Every dog is different. There are quite a few reasons that a Scottish Terrier will bark incessantly and ways that you can train the dog not to irritate the neighbors and you. We’ll discuss all of this and more in the following sections.
Reasons Your Scottish Terrier Might Bark
Scottish Terriers typically bark less than many other small-breed pups. If your Scottie is barking more than you think they should, there could be a good reason. Once you figure out why your Scottie is barking excessively, you can find a way to stop it.
1. Territorial/Protective
Scottish Terriers are protective of their pet parents and their homes. So, if a stranger approaches, the dog may start barking to alert you. These little dogs are also quite territorial, so if another dog wanders into what your Scottie considers their area, they might bark to let the other dog know they’re not supposed to be there.
2. Worry
It is possible that loud noise, such as fireworks or a thunderstorm, has your Scottie worried. Sudden noises that the dog can’t explain can also cause excessive barking.
3. Playing/Saying Hello
If your Scottie jumps up, wags their tail, and barks when you come home, they’re probably just saying hello. They might bark when they are excited to see you but will calm down after a few minutes.
4. Your Dog Wants Attention
Your Scottish Terrier may just be seeking attention. If your dog wants to be fed, walked, or begs to throw the frisbee in the backyard, they might bark to get your attention.
5. Separation Anxiety
Some Scottish Terriers have been known to suffer from separation anxiety. That’s why it’s recommended that you only adopt one if you can be home with them often. If a Scottie suffers from separation anxiety, they may bark excessively when no one is home. They can also become depressed, destructive, and constantly pace.
These are a few reasons that your Scottish Terrier might bark excessively, but luckily, they aren’t excessive barkers, to begin with.
Tips for Stopping Your Scottish Terriers Excessive Barking
Here are a few ways you can reduce your Scottish Terrier’s barking.
Identify the Reason
First, you’ll want to identify the reason for your dog’s excessive barking. If you know why your furry friend is barking, it’ll be easier to eliminate the issue. For instance, if your dog barks every time a visitor enters, you can work on exposing them to more people and spending time around unfamiliar people and animals. Socialization can help your dog feel more comfortable around strangers.
Exercise and More Exercise
A tired Scottish Terrier doesn’t have the energy to bark excessively. If the dog is barking because they want to play or have pent-up energy, the solution is pretty easy. Make sure you take your furry friend outside to play, run, and walk so that they don’t become restless and stressed.
Scottish Terriers are good dogs and much less likely to bark from irritation or boredom than other dogs. However, you need to keep them properly mentally and physically stimulated.
Ignore the Barking
Your Scottish Terrier may simply be barking because they want your attention. If you’re working or otherwise occupied, it could be hard to stop what you’re doing and give your dog your undivided attention.
If you stop what you’re doing every time your dog barks, they’ll come to expect you to. Try ignoring your pet when they bark so that they won’t come to associate barking with getting their way.
Contact a Professional Trainer
If the previous tips fail to reduce your Scottish Terrier’s barking, it might be time to call in a professional trainer. There are licensed experts who can help you get your little friend back on track.
Breeds that Bark Excessively
As previously mentioned, some dogs bark more than others. Here’s a list of the most excessive barkers that make your Scottish Terrier look like a quiet pup.
- Beagle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Siberian Husky
- Cairn Terrier
- Doberman Pinscher
- Fox Terrier
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Poodle
Breeds that Bark the Least
If you’re interested in adopting a Scottish Terrier but are unsure you can handle the barking, here are a few breeds that seldomly bark:
While the Scottish Terrier really doesn’t bark that much, these dogs rarely bark at all.
Conclusion
Scottish Terriers don’t bark excessively unless they have a reason in most cases. There are a few reasons that a Scottish Terrier will bark, from separation anxiety to strangers coming to the door. If you work with your pet and determine the reason for the barking, you can train them to quiet down. If the tips we gave you above don’t help with the barking, it’s best to hire a professional to work with your dog instead. However, it would be best if you also visited your veterinarian if the barking is out of control to ensure they aren’t suffering from a health problem.
Featured Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
