Scottish Terrier First Year Costs

Upfront Costs

Moderate Puppy Cost for an Iconic Breed

• Puppy from health-tested breeder: $1,200–$2,000. Health testing should include vWD DNA testing. Ask specifically about Scottie Cramp status in the breeding line.
• Initial vet visit and puppy vaccines: $150–$300
• Spay or neuter (small breed): $200–$400. Important note: alert your vet to vWD status before any surgical procedure — affected dogs need special bleeding precautions.
• Crate (medium): $50–$100
• Bowls, collar, harness, leash, ID tag: $60–$120
• Small-breed puppy food (first months): $60–$120
• Puppy classes: $100–$200
• Grooming tools: $30–$60

Upfront total estimate: $1,850–$3,300

First Year Recurring

Grooming and Routine Care Costs

• Food (small-breed kibble): $35–$65/month. Annual: $420–$780.
• Professional grooming (clip every 6–8 weeks): $50–$85/session, 6–8 sessions/year. Annual: $300–$680.
• Routine vet visits and vaccines: $200–$400
• Heartworm/flea/tick prevention: $80–$150/year
• Pet insurance: $25–$50/month. Cancer and vWD coverage are important features to look for. Annual: $300–$600.
• Toys and enrichment: $80–$150/year

First-year recurring total (with insurance): $1,380–$2,760

Total & Ongoing

Year One and Annual Budget

Total first-year estimate (with insurance): $3,230–$6,060

Annual ongoing costs after year one:

• Food: $420–$780
• Professional grooming: $300–$680
• Routine vet care: $200–$400
• Parasite prevention: $80–$150
• Pet insurance: $300–$720 (increases with age)
• Dental care: $100–$400
• Miscellaneous: $80–$150

Estimated annual ongoing total: $1,480–$3,280

Health-related financial considerations:

• vWD: If the dog is a carrier or affected, ensure your vet is informed before every surgical procedure. Affected dogs may need blood products during surgery — costs vary but can add $200–$1,000+ to any surgical procedure.
• Cancer: Scottish Terriers have higher than average cancer rates. Pet insurance that covers cancer treatment is valuable. Cancer treatment costs range widely from a few thousand dollars for straightforward cases to $10,000+ for aggressive treatment.