By Dr. Watuwa JamesDr. James Watuwa Last updated: 27th November 2023

Scotchi

Scotchi is a small cross between two purebred dogs – the Scottish Terrier and the Chihuahua. It has a compact and sturdy body with short, heavy legs, small, pointed ears, and small, almond-shaped eyes. Because of its terrier ancestry, the Scotchi is a spunky and moderately aggressive dog.

Scotchi Pictures

Quick Information

Other namesScottie Chihuahua Mix, Chihuahua Scottish Terrier Mix
CoatCoarse, wiry, short-haired
ColorWhite/cream, black, brown/chocolate, black and brown, brindle/speckled/spotted/merle
Breed TypeCrossbreed
Group of BreedToy, Terrier
Lifespan12-15 years
Weight16-20 lbs
Size/HeightSmall; 9-10 inches at the shoulders
SheddingModerate
TemperamentAffectionate, intelligent, devoted, alert, assertive
HypoallergenicUnknown
Good with ChildrenYes
BarkingOccasional
Country Originated inUSA
Competitive Registration/ Qualification InformationIDCR, DRA, ACHC, DDKC

Scotchi Puppies Video

Temperament and Behavior

The personality of a Scotchi dog can be described as sweet, loving, and reserved. Although many dog lovers are drawn by Scotchi’s smartness and independence, others may find its aloof nature less than endearing. It is naturally distrustful of strangers and will take its time to figure out a person or situation. Once it decides to make friends with you, it will last a lifetime.

Its loyalty to its family is legendary. It is known to be a family companion, often clinging to its own people. Sensitive to anger and praise, the Scotchi can quickly adapt to the changing emotional state of its family members. For example, it will be quiet when its owner is quiet; or be on its heals to go outside with its owner when he goes for a walk.

Because of its territorial and fearless nature, the Scotchi makes a wonderful watchdog that sounds off an alarm bark upon sensing an imminent threat.

Care

Exercise

Being moderately energetic, the Scottish Terrier and Chihuahua mix dogs need a fair amount of daily activities. A short walk on a leash or an occasional playing session in a fenced yard will take care of their exercise requirements.

Grooming

Their coat should be brushed 2-3 times a week using a stiff brush, and sometimes with a flea brush since they are prone to some canine diseases caused by fleas. You can bathe your pet dog once a month, but make sure that you use lukewarm water and a moisturizing shampoo. Their teeth should frequently be brushed to remove the buildup of tartar and bacteria.

Health Problems

The health conditions that may affect Scotchi dogs include glaucoma, cataracts, von Willebrand disease, cramps, patellar luxation, craniomandibular osteopathy, and cancer.

Training

  • Socialization: This is necessary to reduce its natural aggressive behavior with other animals. Start socializing a Scotchi puppy from the 3rd-12th week and make sure that all the encounters are positive. Do not pull it toward a stranger or push it to meet another dog. Leave some space so that your Scotchi has the necessary time to approach by itself.
  • Leash training: Keep your Scotchi’s leash short enough so that it cannot leave your side. You can use tiny treats to lure it into the correct position by your side. When it gets the idea, you can stop luring but reward it with plenty of praises.

Feeding

An adult Scotchi needs one to one-and-a-half cups of dry dog food a day.

6 responses to “Scotchi”

  1. La La Kilgore says:

    I recently became a parent to my Scotchi puppy a day or two before Christmas of 2020. I was feeling down & depressed like I always have since my mother passed away back in 2012. My depression is at an all-time high during the holiday season ever since my baby Kamoni(my 2nd son) passed away in 2015 from SIDS at just 2mos old. I have been feeling lonely & was telling a friend how bad I wanted a dog. My friend owns an All American pit bull(aka Staffordshire Terrier) named COOKIE????that is also very attached to me so I consider myself as being her mom too!

    While we were driving down a main busy street in Oakland CA, I see this little black puppy running around in the middle of the street in danger of getting hit by a car so I immediately make my buddy stop the car & I get out & she immediately runs up to me & excitedly licks my hand accidentally biting me too. As I try petting her, she cautiously ran away back into traffic going in the opposite direction almost getting hit. I immediately scream & signal for them to stop. She was sooo tiny, I was sure that she would eventually get hit. She didn’t look like the strays we often see in our neighborhood but she didn’t have a collar on either. I couldnt tell right away that she was a girl. I remember calling her papa thinking that she was a boy. She ran back & forth crossing thru traffic & without watching out for oncoming traffic. She wasn’t too sure of me yet so everytime she approached me she did so proceeding with caution. Finally she had ran to the back if some small motel. The sound of horns blowing reminded me that I was holding up traffic so unwilling I had to get back in the car & I felt like I just couldn’t leave her out here on these streets alone. It was too cold& being homeless myself I know the feeling & what it’s like. So my heart just wouldn’t let me leave her. So I demanded my friend turn around & he did thats when I grabbed my burger n fries and when she came up to me i gave her some burger patty and sat down & ate with her. She licked my hand & I took that as a thank you & thats when I knew I had her. I grabbed a shirt from my friend & then I threw it on top of her & picked her up cautiously. She looked at me & licked my face. I spent some time looking for her owner and leaving my number just in case someone came looking for her. No one ever did! She’s been the highlight of my life ever since. I feel like she was a gift from GOD to me. She sleeps right in my lap or in my shirt .. LOL. I am so thankful for my princess. I named her Lucky La’Little Kilgore. She is adorable & such a good well behaved doggy. She plays ruffly with my pitbull even though shes itty bitty.

  2. Gary says:

    I have a one year old scotchi named winston. Hes the best watchdog and is extremely loyal….. god i love my scotchi. Extremely hyper and entertaining dog

  3. Suzy Powell says:

    Love my Scotchi, she is loving sweet, knows my moods, very sensitive furbaby!! She is 1 yr old very smart, I rescued her from abusive home, didn’t take even day to respond to the love at our home!!

    • Kiley says:

      Mine is the same way! She just turned a year old and I noticed she usually just wants to be in the same room but I barely had to work with her to train her at all and I’m pregnant so if I’m upset she responds immediately. She’s by far one of the best dogs I’ve ever had!

      We are considering breeding her since she’s old enough now. I just don’t want to create puppies that are going to end up in a shelter.

  4. Erin Fanning says:

    I’m interested in purchasing a chi/Scott I mix. Do you know any reputable breeders?

  5. Deb Shaw says:

    I have a pup reputed to be a Scottie/chi mix. He’s 15 weeks old and 9 lbs. he has a beard and eyebrows and a mix of smooth and stiffer hairs on his body. Can I send a pic for you to look at?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join our subscribers list to get the latest news, and updates delivered directly in your inbox.

Loading